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. Which nursing action is a priority when managing a client with a wound infection?

• A. Change the wound dressing every 24 hours
• B. Perform a wound culture before administering antibiotics
• C. Cleanse the wound with alcohol-based solutions
• D. Apply a wet-to-dry dressing to the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing a wound culture before administering antibiotics is crucial when managing a client with a wound infection. This step helps identify the specific pathogens causing the infection, allowing for the prescription of the most effective antibiotics. Changing the wound dressing every 24 hours (Choice A) is important for wound care but not the priority when an infection is present. Cleansing the wound with alcohol-based solutions (Choice C) can be too harsh and may delay wound healing. Applying a wet-to-dry dressing (Choice D) is not recommended for infected wounds as it can cause trauma to the wound bed during dressing changes.

3. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client with dementia who frequently becomes agitated. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Investigate the client's fluid and electrolyte balance
• B. Investigate the client's recent medication changes
• C. Investigate recent changes in cognitive functioning
• D. Investigate the client's psychosocial environment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to investigate the client's recent medication changes. In a client with dementia who frequently becomes agitated, medication changes can often be a significant factor contributing to their behavior. Checking recent medication changes can help identify if any specific medication is causing or exacerbating the agitation. Choice A about fluid and electrolyte balance is less likely to be the priority unless there are specific indications in the medical record. Choice C, investigating recent changes in cognitive functioning, may be important but addressing the agitation first is a more immediate concern. Choice D, investigating the client's psychosocial environment, is also important but may not directly address the immediate cause of the agitation as medication changes could.

4. A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

• A. A client with pneumonia who had new onset of confusion
• B. A client with diabetes who had low blood sugar overnight
• C. A client with a leg fracture who needs pain medication
• D. A client whose urinary output was 100 mL for the past 12 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. New confusion in a client with pneumonia could indicate hypoxia or a worsening condition, requiring immediate attention. Option B, a client with diabetes having low blood sugar overnight, is a concerning condition but not as urgent as potential hypoxia. Option C, a client with a leg fracture needing pain medication, and option D, a client with decreased urinary output, are important but do not take precedence over addressing a potentially critical respiratory issue.

5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about using a cane with a client who has left-leg weakness. What instruction should the nurse give?

• A. Use the cane on the weaker side
• B. Advance the cane and the strong leg together
• C. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-leg weakness using a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This technique provides stability and support while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side to support the weaker leg. Choice B is incorrect as advancing the cane and the strong leg together may not provide adequate support and balance. Choice D is incorrect as the distance to advance the cane with each step can vary depending on the individual's needs and abilities.

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