which preventive measure can be employed to decrease the risk of compartment syndrome

HESI LPN

Leadership and Management HESI Quizlet

1. Which preventive measure can be employed to decrease the risk of compartment syndrome?

A. The administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic for heart failure
B. A bivalve cast for a skeletal fracture
C. A cerebral diuretic to decrease intracranial pressure after a head injury
D. A chest tube to restore normal intrathoracic pressure after a pneumothorax

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A bivalve cast can help decrease the risk of compartment syndrome by providing space for swelling, thus preventing the build-up of pressure within the muscles. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to preventing compartment syndrome. Choice A is more focused on managing heart failure, choice C on reducing intracranial pressure, and choice D on restoring intrathoracic pressure after a pneumothorax, which are not relevant to preventing compartment syndrome.

2. Low birth weight is defined as a newborn's weight of:

A. 2500 grams or less at birth, regardless of gestational age.
B. 1500 grams or less at birth, regardless of gestational age.
C. 2500 grams or less at birth, according to gestational age.
D. 1500 grams or less at birth, according to gestational age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Low birth weight is defined as 2500 grams or less at birth, regardless of gestational age. This means that any newborn weighing 2500 grams or less is considered to have a low birth weight, irrespective of how many weeks they were in the womb. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they specify a weight of 1500 grams or less, which is not the standard definition of low birth weight. The correct definition is 2500 grams or less, not influenced by gestational age.

3. What is idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura?

A. Highly similar to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
B. Caused by the overproduction of platelets.
C. A bleeding disorder that is characterized by too few platelets.
D. Treated with immune system-boosting medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a bleeding disorder characterized by a low number of platelets in the blood. This condition is not highly similar to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which involves abnormal clotting throughout the body (coagulation), leading to depletion of platelets. Choice B is incorrect because idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is actually characterized by a decrease in platelet count, not an overproduction. While immune system-boosting medications may be used in some cases, the primary treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura focuses on increasing platelet counts or managing symptoms.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is unconscious and whose partner is their health care surrogate. The partner wishes to discontinue the client's feeding tube, but another family member tells the nurse that they want the client to continue receiving treatment. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. You should contact the provider about your wishes for your family member.
B. We'll need to have the nursing supervisor review the client's advance directives.
C. You should speak with the facility's ethics committee about your concerns.
D. As the health care surrogate, the client's partner can make this decision.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct response is D because the health care surrogate, as designated by the client, has the legal authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the client when they are unable to do so. This authority includes decisions about treatment continuation or withdrawal. Option A is incorrect as the family member's wishes do not override the legal authority of the health care surrogate. Option B is not the most appropriate action in this situation as the advance directives are already clear by the designation of a health care surrogate. Option C is not necessary at this stage since the health care surrogate can make the decision without involving the ethics committee.

5. A client diagnosed with type 1 diabetes receives insulin. He asks the nurse why he can't just take pills instead. What is the best response by the nurse?

A. Insulin must be injected because it needs to work quickly.
B. Insulin can't be in a pill because it is destroyed in stomach acid.
C. Have you talked to your doctor about taking pills instead?
D. I know it is tough, but you will get used to the shots soon.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because insulin cannot be taken orally as it gets destroyed by stomach acid. Choice A is incorrect as the speed of action is not the reason why insulin can't be in pill form. Choice C is incorrect as it doesn't address the nature of insulin. Choice D is incorrect as it doesn't provide a factual reason why insulin can't be in pill form.