Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is exhibiting symptoms of a spinal headache 24 hours following the delivery of a normal newborn. Prior to the anesthesiologist's arrival on the unit, which action should the nurse perform?

• A. Apply an abdominal binder.
• B. Cleanse the spinal injection site.
• C. Insert an indwelling Foley catheter.
• D. Place procedure equipment at the bedside.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a postpartum client exhibiting symptoms of a spinal headache, applying an abdominal binder is a priority action. The abdominal binder can help reduce the severity of a spinal headache by increasing intra-abdominal pressure, which may relieve pressure on the dural sac and alleviate symptoms. This intervention can be performed promptly by the nurse to provide immediate relief while waiting for further evaluation and management by the anesthesiologist. Cleansing the spinal injection site (Choice B) is not the priority in this situation as the headache is likely due to a dural puncture during epidural anesthesia rather than infection. Inserting an indwelling Foley catheter (Choice C) and placing procedure equipment at the bedside (Choice D) are not the appropriate actions to address a spinal headache and should not take precedence over applying an abdominal binder.

2. A new mother calls the nurse stating that she wants to start feeding her 6-month-old child something besides breast milk, but is concerned that the infant is too young to start eating solid foods. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Advise the mother to wait at least another month before starting any solid foods.
• B. Instruct the mother to offer a few spoons of 2 or 3 pureed fruits at each meal.
• C. Reassure the mother that the infant is old enough to eat iron-fortified cereal.
• D. Encourage the mother to schedule a developmental assessment of the infant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At 6 months, infants are generally ready to start eating iron-fortified cereals as their iron stores begin to deplete. Introducing iron-fortified cereals at this age helps meet the infant's nutritional needs, particularly for iron, which becomes deficient as the infant's iron reserves diminish. It is a safe and appropriate first food to introduce to infants around 6 months of age, along with continued breastfeeding or formula feeding. Choice A is incorrect because waiting another month is not necessary if the infant is 6 months old. Choice B is incorrect as introducing pureed fruits as the first food may not provide the necessary iron that the infant needs at this stage. Choice D is also incorrect as scheduling a developmental assessment is not indicated solely based on the desire to start solid foods; it is more appropriate to reassure the mother about starting iron-fortified cereal.

3. A pregnant woman in the first trimester of pregnancy has hemoglobin of 8.6 g/dl and a hematocrit of 25.1%. What food should the nurse encourage this client to include in her diet?

• A. Carrots
• B. Chicken
• C. Yogurt
• D. Cheese

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During pregnancy, it is common for women to experience a drop in hemoglobin levels, leading to anemia. Chicken is a good dietary source of iron, which is essential for increasing hemoglobin levels. Iron from animal sources, such as chicken, is more readily absorbed by the body compared to plant-based sources. Therefore, encouraging the client to include chicken in her diet can help improve her hemoglobin levels and combat anemia.

4. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer methylergonovine maleate (Methergine) to a postpartum client. Based on what assessment finding should the healthcare provider withhold the drug?

• A. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min
• B. A large amount of lochia rubra
• C. Blood pressure 149/90
• D. Positive Homan’s sign

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A blood pressure of 149/90 is an indication to withhold Methergine due to its potential to further increase blood pressure. Methergine is a medication that can cause vasoconstriction, leading to elevated blood pressure. In this case, administering Methergine could exacerbate the elevated blood pressure, posing a risk to the patient. Therefore, it is crucial to withhold the medication in the presence of hypertension to prevent adverse effects. The other options are not directly related to the administration of Methergine. A respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min is within the normal range. A large amount of lochia rubra may indicate normal postpartum bleeding. A positive Homan’s sign is associated with deep vein thrombosis, which is not a contraindication for administering Methergine.

5. What should the nurse recommend to a woman with mastitis?

• A. Apply heat to the affected area.
• B. Apply cold compresses to the affected area.
• C. Use a breast pump to express milk.
• D. Continue breastfeeding as usual.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should recommend applying heat to the affected area for a woman with mastitis. Heat can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with mastitis by improving blood flow to the area and promoting healing.

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