Nursing Elites

1. The client asks the nurse what nonpharmacological intervention can be used to reduce pain and swelling in her joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. "Ice packs can be used to reduce swelling but should be removed after 20 minutes."?
• B. "Heat always makes the swelling go down. You do not need any other interventions."?
• C. "Try high impact exercise exercise like running to loosen up your joints and reduce pain."?
• D. "Apply ice packs. It is generally okay to keep them on for up to one hour at a time."?

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

2. Which test is used in the diagnosis of osteoporosis?

• A. Phalen's maneuver
• B. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan
• C. Proprioception
• D. Blood culture

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, which is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis by measuring bone mineral density. Phalen's maneuver (choice A) is a test used to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome and is not related to osteoporosis. Proprioception (choice C) refers to the sense of body position and is not a diagnostic test for osteoporosis. Blood culture (choice D) is used to detect infections caused by bacteria in the bloodstream and is not relevant to the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is post-operative following an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of a femur fracture. What is NOT included in the evaluation of the neurovascular status of the client's affected extremity?

• A. Color
• B. Temperature
• C. Sensation
• D. Skin integrity

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

4. A nurse is caring for an intubated and sedated geriatric client. What intervention is most appropriate for reducing the risk for a friction and shear injury?

• A. Use a mechanical lift to reposition the client every 2 hours
• B. Elevate the client's head of the bed to 45 degrees
• C. Postpone daily bed bath
• D. Caregiver independently slides the client up in the bed

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

5. The nurse is caring for a client with rheumatoid arthritis one day after shoulder surgery. What would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately?

• A. The client refused her pain medication this morning and is doing physical therapy.
• B. The client reports a minor headache and states she takes an over-the-counter pain pill at home.
• C. The client reports intermittent flatus and minor abdominal discomfort.
• D. The client has paresthesia in her fingers and intense increasing pain in her shoulder.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with rheumatoid arthritis one day after shoulder surgery, paresthesia in the fingers and intense increasing pain in the shoulder could indicate nerve compression or damage, which are serious post-operative complications. This situation requires immediate attention from the provider to prevent further complications and ensure appropriate management. The other options, such as refusing pain medication, reporting a minor headache, or experiencing minor abdominal discomfort, are important but not as urgent or indicative of potential serious complications as paresthesia in the fingers and intense increasing pain in the shoulder.

Similar Questions