A client undergoes an above-the-knee amputation (AKA) of the right leg because of peripheral vascular disease. On the second postoperative day, the nurse enters the room to take the client's vital signs and finds the client lying in a prone position. The client asks for assistance in turning. Which action should the nurse take first?

Determine how long the client has been lying prone.

Measure the client's vital signs.

Inspect the dressing on the stump.

Assist the client in turning to a position of comfort.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Determine how long the client has been lying prone: Prone positioning is used post-amputation to prevent hip flexion contractures. However, prolonged periods in this position can cause discomfort or complications. Knowing the duration helps evaluate if it’s appropriate to reposition or maintain it for therapeutic reasons.

B. Measure the client's vital signs: Vital signs are important in the postoperative period, but this task can be completed after addressing the client’s immediate request and assessing the potential impact of their current positioning on healing and comfort.

C. Inspect the dressing on the stump: Inspecting the stump is crucial for monitoring for infection or bleeding. However, unless there is a concern based on symptoms or reports from the client, it should follow assessment of position and comfort needs.

D. Assist the client in turning to a position of comfort: Turning the client without assessing how long they have been prone could interfere with therapeutic positioning aimed at preventing complications like hip contractures, especially in early postoperative care.

Nursing Test Bank

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Avoid straining at stool, bending, or lifting heavy objects: These activities can increase intraocular pressure and disrupt healing of the surgical site after cataract extraction. The client should be taught to avoid anything that could strain the eye and risk complications like hemorrhage or wound dehiscence.

B. Irrigate conjunctiva with ophthalmic saline prior to instilling antibiotic ointment:
Routine irrigation is not required and may introduce additional risk. Clients are instructed on proper hand hygiene and drop instillation rather than conjunctival irrigation.

C. Do not read without direct lighting for 6 weeks: While good lighting helps reduce eye strain, reading in lower light does not delay healing after cataract surgery. This instruction is unnecessary and could limit the client’s ability to resume normal activities.

D. Limit exposure to sunlight during the first 2 weeks when the cornea is healing: Although bright light can be uncomfortable post-surgery, wearing sunglasses typically offers sufficient protection. There is no requirement to restrict sunlight exposure completely.

A. Facilitate a consultation for speech therapy. B. Arrange for daily home care assistance. C. Use pictures and gestures to communicate. D. Initiate passive range of motion exercises.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Facilitate a consultation for speech therapy: Aphasia and difficulty swallowing are common after a CVA. A speech therapist can assess and provide interventions to address both speech and swallowing issues, improving communication and reducing the risk of aspiration or choking.

B. Arrange for daily home care assistance: While home care assistance may be necessary later, the immediate priority is addressing the client's communication and swallowing difficulties through therapy and clinical interventions.

C. Use pictures and gestures to communicate: This is helpful for the client’s communication, but it should be seen as an adjunct to speech therapy, not a substitute. Speech therapy provides targeted interventions to improve both speech and swallowing.

D. Initiate passive range of motion exercises: Although range of motion exercises are important for preventing joint contractures and promoting mobility, addressing the client’s swallowing and communication issues is a more immediate priority.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing an older adult client for discharge following cataract extraction. Which instruction should be included in the discharge teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An older adult client is referred to a rehabilitation facility following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The client is aphasic with left sided paresis and is having difficulty swallowing. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is administering multiple prescribed vaccines to a toddler. Which strategy should the nurse prioritize to reduce the duration of pain?

A client arrives to the emergency department with chest pain after taking sildenafil. Based on the client's history, which medication should the nurse withhold?

The healthcare provider prescribes dalteparin 200 units/kg SUBQ once a day for a client who weighs 154 lb. The medication is available in 25,000 units/mL vial. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Enter numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)

The nurse notes that a client with depression has been more withdrawn and noncommunicative during the past two weeks. Which intervention is most important to include in the updated plan of care for this client?

Exhibits The client has started to wake up more, opening her eyes without stimulation and looking around the room. Which should the nurse do as the client becomes more aware of her surroundings? Select all that apply.