Nursing Elites

1. A patient is 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours
• B. Monitor the patient's pain level every 8 hours
• C. Assist the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours
• D. Keep the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia is to assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours. This frequent assessment is crucial to monitor for any signs of complications such as impaired circulation or nerve damage. Monitoring every 4 hours allows for early detection of any issues, enabling timely intervention and prevention of potential complications. Monitoring the patient's pain level every 8 hours (choice B) is not as immediate or essential for postoperative care. Assisting the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours (choice C) may not be necessary if the patient is not ambulatory yet. Keeping the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows (choice D) can be beneficial but is not the priority in the immediate postoperative period compared to assessing neurovascular status.

2. As a result of opioid administration, a child's respirations are slow and shallow. Which should the nurse anticipate when assessing the child's arterial blood gas?

• A. Increased PCO2 and respiratory acidosis
• B. Decreased PCO2 and respiratory alkalosis
• C. Low pH and low PCO2
• D. High pH and high PCO2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child's respirations are slow and shallow due to opioid administration, it results in hypoventilation. This leads to retaining carbon dioxide, indicated by an increased PCO2 level on arterial blood gas analysis, and subsequently causes respiratory acidosis due to the buildup of CO2 in the blood. Therefore, choice A, 'Increased PCO2 and respiratory acidosis,' is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because slow and shallow respirations would not lead to decreased PCO2 or respiratory alkalosis (choice B), low pH and low PCO2 (choice C), or high pH and high PCO2 (choice D).

3. The healthcare provider is caring for a child on bed rest who has severe edema in the left lower extremity due to blocked lymphatic drainage. Which nursing diagnosis would take priority?

• A. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
• B. Risk for Altered Body Image
• C. Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
• D. Risk for Activity Intolerance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is 'Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity' because severe edema in the left lower extremity can lead to compromised circulation and pressure ulcers, increasing the risk of skin breakdown and infection. Addressing and preventing impaired skin integrity is crucial for the child's overall health and well-being.

4. A patient who has PUD and is receiving magnesium hydroxide (MOM) is experiencing an increased number of BM. Which is the nurse�s priority action?

• A. Ask the HCP for a reduction in dose
• B. Encourage the patient to increase dietary fiber
• C. Administer the drug with an aluminum hydroxide antacid
• D. Instruct patient to keep an accurate stool count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: MOM is a rapid-acting antacid with a prominent adverse effect of diarrhea. To compensate, it usually is administered in combo with aluminum hydroxide which promotes constipation. A reduction in dose might be necessary if the diarrhea is severe, but this is not a priority action. Increasing dietary fiber and keeping a stool count are appropriate actions to implement after adding an antacid to counteract the diarrhea effect.

5. In caring for an adolescent with severe abdominal pain due to appendicitis, where should the nurse identify as McBurney's point?

• A. Right lower quadrant
• B. Left lower quadrant
• C. Right upper quadrant
• D. Left upper quadrant

Correct answer: A

Rationale: McBurney's point is located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, specifically between the umbilicus and the anterior iliac crest. This point is significant in diagnosing appendicitis, as tenderness at McBurney's point is a classic sign of appendicitis and indicates inflammation near the appendix. Therefore, the correct answer is the 'Right lower quadrant.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because McBurney's point is not located in the left lower quadrant, right upper quadrant, or left upper quadrant of the abdomen.

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