Nursing Elites

1. A 73-year-old female client had a hemiarthroplasty of the left hip yesterday due to a fracture resulting from a fall. In reviewing hip precautions with the client, which instruction should the LPN/LVN include in this client's teaching plan?

• A. You will be able to bend at the waist to reach items on the floor in 8 weeks.
• B. Place a pillow between your knees while lying in bed to prevent hip dislocation.
• C. It is safe to use a walker to get out of bed, but you need assistance when walking.
• D. Take pain medication 30 minutes after your physical therapy sessions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction to include in the teaching plan for a client who had a hemiarthroplasty of the left hip is to 'Place a pillow between your knees while lying in bed to prevent hip dislocation.' This technique helps maintain proper hip alignment and prevents dislocation during the postoperative recovery period. Choice A is incorrect because bending at the waist to reach items on the floor can strain the hip joint and is not recommended following hip surgery. Choice C is incorrect because using a walker alone without assistance can increase the risk of falls and injury, especially in the immediate postoperative period. Choice D is incorrect because pain medication should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider, not specifically timed after physical therapy sessions.

2. The patient is receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Which of the following laboratory values would be most important to monitor?

• A. White blood cell count
• B. Hemoglobin level
• C. Serum creatinine
• D. Blood glucose level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial when a patient is undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Chemotherapy can lead to neutropenia, a condition of low white blood cell count, which significantly increases the risk of infections. Monitoring white blood cell count helps healthcare providers intervene promptly to prevent severe infections. Hemoglobin level, while important in assessing oxygen-carrying capacity, is not the priority in this scenario. Serum creatinine and blood glucose levels are not directly impacted by chemotherapy for breast cancer.

3. A client is reporting difficulty falling asleep. Which of the following measures should the nurse recommend?

• A. Drink a cup of hot cocoa before bedtime
• B. Exercise 1 hour before going to bed
• C. Use progressive relaxation techniques at bedtime
• D. Reflect on the day's activities before going to bed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to recommend the client to use progressive relaxation techniques at bedtime. Progressive relaxation techniques help reduce stress and muscle tension, which can promote better sleep. Choice A, drinking a cup of hot cocoa before bedtime, contains caffeine which can interfere with falling asleep. Choice B, exercising 1 hour before going to bed, can stimulate the body and mind, making it harder to fall asleep. Choice D, reflecting on the day's activities before going to bed, may lead to increased mental activity and prevent relaxation, making it difficult to fall asleep.

4. A nurse at an assisted living facility is preparing an in-service for residents about electrical safety. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid taping electrical cords to the floor.
• B. Clean electrical equipment before disconnection.
• C. Cover exposed wires with tape before use.
• D. Disconnect electrical equipment by grasping the plug.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for electrical safety is to avoid taping electrical cords to the floor. Taping cords can create tripping hazards, leading to falls and potential injuries. Choice B, cleaning electrical equipment before disconnection, is not directly related to electrical safety but rather to equipment maintenance. Choice C, covering exposed wires with tape before use, is incorrect as exposed wires should be properly insulated and repaired by a qualified professional. Choice D, disconnecting electrical equipment by grasping the plug, is unsafe and can lead to electrical shocks. It is always recommended to unplug devices by holding the plug itself, not by pulling the cord.

5. The healthcare provider is caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which laboratory value should be monitored closely to assess for complications?

• A. Serum sodium
• B. Serum calcium
• C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• D. Blood glucose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Blood glucose. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for clients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) due to the high glucose content in TPN solutions. TPN delivers essential nutrients, including glucose, directly into the bloodstream. Clients on TPN are at risk of developing hyperglycemia due to the concentrated glucose infusion. Therefore, close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary to detect and prevent hyperglycemia-related complications such as osmotic diuresis, hyperosmolarity, and electrolyte imbalances. While serum sodium, serum calcium, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are important parameters in various clinical scenarios, they are not specifically associated with TPN administration. These values are not the primary indicators to assess for complications in clients receiving TPN.

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