Nursing Elites

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 delegating the collection of a sputum specimen to an assistive personnel (AP). At which of the following times should the nurse instruct the AP to collect the specimen?

• A. In the afternoon
• B. As soon as the client awakens in the morning
• C. Before bedtime
• D. Immediately after lunch

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'As soon as the client awakens in the morning.' Sputum specimens should be collected early in the morning to obtain a concentrated sample. This timing ensures that the specimen is less diluted, providing a more accurate analysis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the optimal timing for collecting a sputum specimen, which is in the morning.

3. A client who is postoperative following a cholecystectomy has a urine output of 25 mL/hr. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder.
• B. Absent bowel sounds.
• C. Brown drainage on the surgical dressing.
• D. Urine output of 25 mL/hr.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A urine output below 30 mL/hr indicates a potential complication, such as hypovolemia or renal impairment, and should be reported. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder can be common after a cholecystectomy due to referred pain from the diaphragm, whereas absent bowel sounds may be expected temporarily postoperatively. Brown drainage on the surgical dressing is typical in the early postoperative period and may represent old blood or other normal discharge.

4. What is the most appropriate intervention for a client with phlebitis at the IV site?

• A. Apply a warm compress to the site
• B. Discontinue the IV and notify the provider
• C. Increase the IV flow rate to prevent dehydration
• D. Monitor the site for signs of infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a client with phlebitis at the IV site is to discontinue the IV and notify the provider. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, and continuing the IV can lead to complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a warm compress may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the root cause. Increasing the IV flow rate is not indicated and may worsen the inflammation. Monitoring for signs of infection is important, but the priority is to remove the source of inflammation by discontinuing the IV.

5. Which nursing action is best when managing a client with severe anxiety?

• A. Maintain a calm manner
• B. Help the client identify thoughts prior to the anxiety
• C. Administer anti-anxiety medication
• D. Initiate seclusion if anxiety escalates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain a calm manner. When managing a client with severe anxiety, the nurse's calm presence can help the client feel more secure and reduce their anxiety levels. It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment. Helping the client identify thoughts prior to anxiety (choice B) may be beneficial in cognitive-behavioral interventions but may not be the initial best action for severe anxiety. Administering anti-anxiety medication (choice C) should be done by a healthcare provider's order and is not the first-line intervention for managing severe anxiety. Initiating seclusion (choice D) should only be considered as a last resort if the client is at risk of harm to themselves or others, as it can further escalate anxiety and should not be the initial action.

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