Nursing Elites

1. What is the best way to manage a patient's pain postoperatively?

• A. Administer analgesics regularly
• B. Administer pain medication PRN
• C. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• D. Provide distraction techniques

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer analgesics regularly. Postoperative pain management often requires a scheduled, around-the-clock administration of analgesics to maintain a consistent level of pain relief and minimize the risk of breakthrough pain. Choice B, administering pain medication PRN (as needed), may lead to inadequate pain control as the medication is not given preemptively. Choice C, encouraging deep breathing exercises, can be beneficial for pain management but should be used as an adjunct to analgesic therapy. Choice D, providing distraction techniques, may help some patients cope with pain but should not be the primary method of pain management postoperatively.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has had a stroke. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid taking anticoagulant medication.
• B. Limit fluid intake to 1,000 mL per day.
• C. Avoid isometric exercises during recovery.
• D. Perform range-of-motion exercises daily.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Perform range-of-motion exercises daily. After a stroke, performing range-of-motion exercises can help prevent complications such as joint stiffness and contractures. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. Anticoagulant medications are often prescribed to prevent blood clots after a stroke, fluid intake should be adequate unless indicated otherwise, and isometric exercises can be beneficial during recovery.

3. A client is 2 hours postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate 88/min
• B. Capillary refill of 2 seconds
• C. Pain level of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10
• D. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A pain level of 8 is high and may indicate inadequate pain control or complications following surgery. Monitoring and managing pain is crucial postoperatively to ensure patient comfort and prevent complications. A heart rate of 88/min, capillary refill of 2 seconds, and a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) are within normal ranges and do not typically require immediate reporting unless in the context of other concerning signs or symptoms.

4. A nurse is developing a care plan for a client who is receiving nitroprusside for severe hypertension. Which action should the nurse include?

• A. Administer calcium gluconate at the bedside.
• B. Monitor blood pressure every 2 hours.
• C. Limit light exposure to the infusion.
• D. Keep the client on NPO status.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should include in the care plan for a client receiving nitroprusside for severe hypertension is to limit light exposure to the infusion. Nitroprusside is light-sensitive, so it should be protected from light exposure to prevent degradation. Administering calcium gluconate at the bedside is not directly related to nitroprusside administration. Monitoring blood pressure every 2 hours is a good practice but is not specifically related to the administration of nitroprusside. Keeping the client on NPO status is not necessary solely based on receiving nitroprusside.

5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most concerning for a patient on furosemide?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hyponatremia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is hypokalemia. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can lead to potassium loss through increased urinary excretion, making hypokalemia the most concerning electrolyte imbalance. Hyponatremia (Choice B) is not typically associated with furosemide use. Hyperkalemia (Choice C) is less likely due to furosemide's potassium-wasting effect. Hypercalcemia (Choice D) is not a common electrolyte imbalance seen with furosemide.

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