Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client who has just undergone a total hip replacement. Which intervention is most important to prevent postoperative complications?

• A. Encourage early ambulation
• B. Apply ice to the surgical site
• C. Monitor the surgical site for signs of infection
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging early ambulation is crucial following a total hip replacement surgery as it helps prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by promoting circulation. Early ambulation also aids in preventing pneumonia, muscle atrophy, and pressure ulcers. Applying ice to the surgical site may help with pain and swelling, but it is not as critical in preventing complications as early ambulation. While monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection is important, it is not as crucial in preventing postoperative complications compared to early ambulation. Administering pain medication as prescribed is essential for comfort and pain management but does not directly prevent postoperative complications like early ambulation does.

2. A client who is 24 weeks pregnant presents with a complaint of feeling dizzy when lying on her back. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Advise the client to lie on her side
• B. Encourage the client to drink more fluids
• C. Suggest the client elevate her legs when lying down
• D. Recommend the client take short walks throughout the day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to lie on her side. Lying on the side can prevent the compression of the vena cava, which can cause dizziness in pregnant women. Encouraging the client to drink more fluids (Choice B) may be beneficial for other conditions but is not the best response for dizziness when lying on her back. Suggesting the client elevate her legs when lying down (Choice C) is not directly related to the issue described by the client. Recommending the client take short walks throughout the day (Choice D) may be helpful for other pregnancy-related symptoms but is not the most appropriate action for dizziness when lying on her back.

3. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving erythropoietin therapy. What is the primary purpose of this medication?

• A. To lower blood pressure
• B. To improve appetite
• C. To increase red blood cell production
• D. To reduce fluid retention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To increase red blood cell production.' Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells to treat anemia associated with CKD. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because erythropoietin therapy is primarily used to address anemia by increasing the production of red blood cells rather than lowering blood pressure, improving appetite, or reducing fluid retention.

4. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just undergone a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding is most concerning?

• A. Hoarseness of the voice
• B. Slight swelling at the incision site
• C. Tingling around the mouth
• D. Mild fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth is the most concerning finding as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication after thyroidectomy. Hoarseness of the voice is common due to surgical manipulation, slight swelling at the incision site is expected postoperatively, and mild fever can be a normal inflammatory response. Hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy can lead to serious complications and should be addressed promptly to prevent further issues.

5. What is the most important action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter?

• A. Irrigate the catheter daily.
• B. Change the catheter every 72 hours.
• C. Apply antibiotic ointment at the insertion site.
• D. Ensure the catheter bag is always below bladder level.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is to ensure that the catheter bag is always below bladder level. This positioning helps prevent backflow of urine, reducing the risk of CAUTIs. Irrigating the catheter daily (Choice A) is unnecessary and can introduce pathogens. Changing the catheter every 72 hours (Choice B) is not recommended unless clinically indicated to prevent introducing new pathogens. Applying antibiotic ointment at the insertion site (Choice C) is not the most important action to prevent CAUTIs; proper hygiene and maintaining a closed system are more critical.

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