what is the role of the nurse in postoperative care for a patient with a hip replacement

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2024

1. What is the role of the nurse in postoperative care for a patient with a hip replacement?

A. Monitor for signs of infection and administer pain relief
B. Ensure the patient follows a low-calcium diet
C. Ensure the patient uses crutches to avoid pressure on the hip
D. Monitor for signs of deep vein thrombosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor for signs of infection and administer pain relief. In postoperative care for a patient with a hip replacement, it is crucial for the nurse to monitor for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or drainage from the surgical site. Administering pain relief is also important to ensure the patient's comfort and aid in their recovery. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the immediate postoperative care needs of a patient with a hip replacement. Ensuring a low-calcium diet, using crutches, or monitoring for deep vein thrombosis are not primary responsibilities in the immediate postoperative period for this type of surgery.

2. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
B. Sodium level of 135 mEq/L
C. Magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L
D. Calcium level of 8.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L is within the normal range, but monitoring potassium levels is crucial for clients taking furosemide. Furosemide can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to adverse effects such as cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium and calcium levels are not typically affected by furosemide, so they are not the priority findings to report to the provider in this case.

3. What is the correct procedure for taking a telephone order from a provider?

A. State patient name, drug, dose, route, frequency, and read back the order
B. State the medication and ask for a witness to listen to the order
C. Write down the order and verify with the provider within 12 hours
D. Have the provider verify the order during the next in-person visit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct procedure for taking a telephone order from a provider is to state the patient's name, drug, dose, route, frequency, and then read back the order to ensure accuracy. This process helps in preventing errors and ensures that all relevant information is correctly documented. Choice B is incorrect because having a witness listen to the order is not a standard practice and may not guarantee accuracy. Choice C is incorrect as verifying the order within 12 hours may lead to delays in patient care. Choice D is incorrect because waiting for the provider to verify the order during the next in-person visit could result in a significant delay in administering necessary medication.

4. What are the major risk factors for stroke?

A. Hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking
B. Obesity and lack of exercise
C. Family history of cardiovascular disease
D. Age and gender

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking are major risk factors for stroke. These factors contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which can lead to a stroke. While obesity and lack of exercise are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, they are not as directly linked to stroke as hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking. Family history of cardiovascular disease may increase the overall risk of heart problems, but it is not as specific to stroke as the factors listed in option A. Age and gender can influence the risk of stroke, but they are not modifiable risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking, which can be reduced through lifestyle changes.

5. After sustaining a closed head injury and numerous lacerations and abrasions to the face and neck, a five-year-old child is admitted to the emergency room. The client is unconscious and has minimal response to noxious stimuli. Which of the following assessments, if observed by the nurse three hours after admission, should be reported to the physician?

A. The client has slight edema of the eyelids
B. There is clear fluid draining from the client's right ear
C. There is some bleeding from the child's lacerations
D. The client withdraws in response to painful stimuli

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clear fluid draining from the ear can indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which is a serious concern after a head injury. This leakage can signify a skull fracture or damage to the meninges, potentially leading to infection. Therefore, it should be reported immediately for further evaluation and management. Choices A, C, and D are typical findings after head trauma and are not as urgent as the presence of clear fluid draining from the ear.