the nurse observes that a post operative clients surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing what is the appropriate nursing action
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Adult Health 1 Final Exam

1. The nurse observes that a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing. What is the appropriate nursing action?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action when a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing is to notify the surgeon immediately. Reddened, oozing wound edges can indicate an infection that requires prompt evaluation and intervention by the surgical team. Applying an antibiotic ointment (Choice A) without proper assessment and guidance can be inappropriate. Cleaning the wound with sterile saline (Choice B) and covering it with a sterile dressing (Choice C) may not address the potential infection adequately, and the client may require more specialized care that the surgeon can provide.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who has been prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). What is the most important teaching point?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Report any thoughts of self-harm immediately.' Clients prescribed SSRIs should be educated to report any thoughts of self-harm promptly, as these medications can initially increase suicidal ideation. Choice A is incorrect because SSRIs are usually taken on an empty stomach. Choice B is incorrect as it takes several weeks for SSRIs to reach their full effectiveness. Choice C is irrelevant to SSRI therapy.

3. A client undergoing chemotherapy reports a sudden onset of severe back pain. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse is to assess the nature and intensity of the pain. This initial assessment is crucial in determining the underlying cause of the pain, whether it is related to the chemotherapy or another issue. Understanding the pain's characteristics will guide the nurse in implementing appropriate interventions and seeking timely medical assistance if needed. Administering pain medication without a thorough assessment may mask important symptoms and delay necessary treatment. Encouraging rest and hot pack application may be appropriate interventions but should come after assessing the pain. Notifying the physician immediately can be important but should follow the initial assessment to provide comprehensive information to the healthcare provider.

4. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult client. Which site is the preferred location for this injection?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for intramuscular injections in adults due to its muscle mass and lower risk of nerve injury. The deltoid muscle is more commonly used for vaccines in adults, the vastus lateralis muscle is preferred in infants and young children, and the dorsogluteal muscle is associated with a higher risk of nerve injury and is no longer recommended for intramuscular injections.

5. During a routine prenatal visit, a nurse measures a client’s fundal height. The client is 26 weeks pregnant. What should the fundal height be?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Between 24 to 28 cm. Fundal height corresponds to the weeks of gestation, so at 26 weeks of pregnancy, the fundal height should range between 24 to 28 cm. This measurement is a quick way to assess fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume. Choice A is incorrect because fundal height may vary and not always match the exact weeks of pregnancy. Choice C, measuring above the umbilicus by two finger widths, is not a standard method for fundal height measurement. Choice D, below the xiphoid process, is too high and not relevant for assessing fundal height during pregnancy.

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