Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is planning care for a school-age client who is postoperative for the surgical removal of the appendix. In addition to pharmacologic pain management, what should the nurse include in the plan of care to address pain?

• A. Applying a warm, moist pack every 4 hours
• B. Applying EMLA cream to the incision site prior to ambulation
• C. Applying a cold, moist pack every 2 hours
• D. Applying a pillow against the abdomen to splint the incision site when coughing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After an appendectomy, applying a pillow against the abdomen to splint the incision site when coughing helps reduce pain by providing support and minimizing movement that could cause discomfort.

2. A patient taking sildenafil (Viagra) asks a nurse what action to take if priapism occurs. Which response should the nurse provide?

• A. Take an additional half-strength dose of sildenafil
• B. The condition usually resolves in 12 hours or less
• C. Wait until the following day and notify the doctor
• D. Seek emergency help, because permanent damage can occur

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patients experiencing priapism from sildenafil should seek immediate medical attention. Priapism is a serious condition where an erection lasts longer than 4 hours, and if left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage to the penile tissue, potentially causing permanent erectile dysfunction. Therefore, prompt intervention is crucial to prevent long-term complications.

3. A school-age child is 2 hours postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Place a heating pad at the surgical site.
• B. Encourage the child to cough every 2 hours.
• C. Administer analgesics to the child on a regular schedule.
• D. Apply an ice collar to the child's neck.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a tonsillectomy, applying an ice collar to the child's neck helps decrease pain and swelling. Heat should be avoided as it can increase bleeding. Encouraging coughing may increase the risk of bleeding. Administering analgesics on a regular schedule is essential for pain management, but the immediate postoperative period may require additional interventions like ice collar application.

4. Why should a healthcare professional take time to get to know the things a family does together, their weekly routine, and an explanation of family dynamics?

• A. Involvement in the family is central to best practice
• B. It is not necessary, but it is beneficial
• C. To gather demographic information for documentation purposes
• D. To assess if they have values that align with the practitioner's

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Understanding the activities, routines, and dynamics of a family is crucial for a healthcare professional to provide holistic care. By gaining insight into the family's lifestyle and relationships, the professional can tailor interventions that are better integrated into the family's daily life, fostering more effective therapy outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of care provided. Choice A is the correct answer because involvement in the family is indeed central to best practice in healthcare. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because simply gathering demographic information, assessing values alignment, or considering it as optional fails to recognize the importance of understanding the family dynamics for effective care delivery.

5. An 80-year-old patient with a history of renal insufficiency was recently started on cimetidine. Which assessment finding indicates that the patient may be experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?

• A. Pain with urination
• B. New onset disorientation to time and place
• C. HR changes from a baseline of 70-80bpm to 110-120bpm
• D. #ERROR!

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: New onset disorientation to time and place. Cimetidine can cause adverse effects on the CNS system, especially in elderly patients with renal or hepatic impairment. This may manifest as confusion, hallucinations, lethargy, restlessness, or seizures. Pain with urination (choice A) is not typically associated with cimetidine use, and HR changes (choice C) are more likely related to other factors. Choice D is not a valid option.

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