a nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection which finding is most concerning
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Which finding is most concerning?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A fever of 101°F is the most concerning finding when assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Fever can indicate an inflammatory response to an infection, and in a postoperative patient, it can signal a surgical site infection or a systemic infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent complications such as sepsis. Mild redness at the incision site and increased drainage can be expected in the early postoperative period due to the normal healing process. A normal white blood cell count does not rule out infection as it can be influenced by various factors, and some infections may not initially cause a rise in white blood cells.

2. A client with HIV-1 starting therapy with ritonavir and zidovudine asks why both medications are necessary. What explanation should the nurse provide?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because taking two medications together helps prevent the development of drug resistance in HIV treatment. Choice A is incorrect because the primary goal of combination therapy is not necessarily a faster recovery. Choice B is incorrect as the main purpose of combining medications in HIV treatment is to prevent resistance rather than improving the immune system. Choice D is incorrect because while it is true that the medications may target different parts of the virus, the main reason for using both together is to prevent resistance.

3. A nurse at a provider's office is providing teaching to a client who is taking chemotherapy and losing weight. Which of the following should the nurse recommend to increase calorie and protein intake? (SATA)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Topping fruits with yogurt is the correct recommendation to increase calorie and protein intake for a client on chemotherapy who is losing weight. Yogurt is a good source of protein and adding it to fruits can provide additional calories as well. Choice B, adding cream to soups, may increase calorie intake but does not specifically address protein needs. Choice C, increasing fluids during meals, is important for hydration but does not directly address calorie and protein intake. Choice D, using milk instead of water in recipes, may increase calorie content but does not focus on increasing protein intake, which is essential for clients on chemotherapy.

4. A patient with heart failure has gained 5 pounds in the last 3 days. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's daily weight. In heart failure, sudden weight gain indicates fluid retention, which can worsen the condition. Monitoring daily weight helps in early detection of fluid accumulation, allowing timely intervention. Restricting fluid intake (choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority at this point. Administering diuretics (choice C) should be done based on healthcare provider orders, not the nurse's independent decision. Increasing salt intake (choice D) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can exacerbate fluid retention.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is prescribed furosemide. Which of the following outcomes indicates that the medication is effective?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Increased urinary output is the desired outcome when administering furosemide to a client with heart failure. Furosemide is a diuretic that promotes the excretion of excess fluids from the body, which helps in reducing fluid overload, a common symptom of heart failure. Choices A, B, and C are not directly related to the action of furosemide in treating heart failure. Visual acuity improvement, decreased respiratory rate, and rapid weight loss are not typical indicators of furosemide effectiveness in managing heart failure.

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