Nursing Elites

1. A patient is 1 day postoperative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the hip?

• A. Keep the patient in a side-lying position.
• B. Place a pillow between the patient's legs.
• C. Instruct the patient to avoid sitting for long periods.
• D. Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the patient's legs is the correct action to prevent dislocation of the hip following arthroplasty. This technique helps maintain proper alignment and stability of the hip joint. Keeping the patient in a side-lying position may not provide the necessary support to prevent hip dislocation. Instructing the patient to avoid sitting for long periods is important for preventing complications like deep vein thrombosis but does not directly prevent hip dislocation. Elevating the head of the bed to 90 degrees is not relevant to preventing hip dislocation in a postoperative hip arthroplasty patient.

2. A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about ergonomic principles. Which of the following actions by the nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. Stands with feet shoulder-width apart when lifting a client up in bed.
• B. Raises the client's knees before pulling the client up in bed.
• C. Uses a mechanical lift to move a client from bed to chair.
• D. Places a gait belt around the client's waist before assisting the client to stand.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Using a mechanical lift is an appropriate ergonomic technique as it reduces the risk of injury to both the nurse and the client by promoting safe client handling practices. Choice A is incorrect as standing with feet shoulder-width apart provides better balance and stability during lifting. Choice B is incorrect as raising the client's knees is not directly related to ergonomic principles. Choice D is incorrect as placing a gait belt around the client's waist is a safety measure but does not specifically demonstrate an understanding of ergonomic principles.

3. How should pain be assessed in a non-verbal patient?

• A. Observe facial expressions
• B. Use the Wong-Baker faces scale
• C. Assess heart rate
• D. Ask the patient to rate their pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Observing facial expressions is essential in assessing pain levels in non-verbal patients. Non-verbal cues, such as facial grimacing, furrowed brows, or clenched jaws, can provide valuable information about the patient's pain experience. Using the Wong-Baker faces scale or assessing heart rate may not be as effective in non-verbal patients as they are unable to communicate their pain through these methods. Asking the patient to rate their pain is also not suitable for non-verbal patients as they may not have the ability to verbally communicate their pain levels.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving radiation therapy. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Mouth sores
• C. Hyperpigmentation
• D. Increased saliva production

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mouth sores. Mouth sores are a common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the treatment is focused on the head or neck area. Weight gain is not typically associated with radiation therapy; instead, clients may experience weight loss due to side effects like nausea and loss of appetite. Hyperpigmentation is not a common finding related to radiation therapy. Increased saliva production is not a typical side effect of radiation therapy; instead, clients may experience dry mouth.

5. A client with multiple sclerosis and dysphagia requires care. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Position the client supine with the head of the bed flat.
• B. Have the client tuck their chin while swallowing.
• C. Provide the client with thickened liquids.
• D. Place the food on the unaffected side of the mouth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For clients with dysphagia, especially those with multiple sclerosis, thin liquids can increase the risk of aspiration. Thickened liquids are recommended to reduce the risk of aspiration and help with swallowing difficulties. Positioning the client supine with the head of the bed flat can further increase the risk of aspiration. Having the client tuck their chin while swallowing is a strategy used for some types of dysphagia but not specifically for multiple sclerosis-related dysphagia. Placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth does not address the swallowing difficulties associated with dysphagia.

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