A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following cardiac surgery. Which of the following manifestations should indicate to the nurse that the client has developed a thrombus?
Positive Kernig's sign
Dull, aching calf pain
Soft, pliable calf muscle
Positive Homan's sign
Correct Answer : B,D
A. Positive Kernig's sign:
Positive Kernig's sign is associated with meningitis, not thrombosis. It is a clinical sign where pain is elicited when the hip is flexed at a 90-degree angle and then the knee is extended. This sign is not relevant for identifying a thrombus.
B. Dull, aching calf pain:
Dull, aching calf pain is a common symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the calf are typical manifestations of a thrombus in the leg veins. This symptom should alert the nurse to the possibility of a thrombus.
C. Soft, pliable calf muscle:
A soft, pliable calf muscle is not indicative of a thrombus. In the case of DVT, the affected leg is usually swollen, firm, and tender. Thus, this manifestation does not suggest the presence of a thrombus.
D. Positive Homan's sign:
Positive Homan's sign is identified when there is pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot. This sign can be indicative of DVT. Although not highly specific or sensitive, it is one of the traditional signs used to assess for the presence of a thrombus in the leg.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The ST segment is elevated above the isoelectric line: This is correct. ST-segment elevation is a key ECG finding in acute myocardial infarction. It indicates that a portion of the heart muscle is not receiving enough blood (ischemia), which can lead to tissue damage or death (infarction).
B. The PR intervals are 0.15 second: While the PR interval is an important part of the ECG, a PR interval of 0.15 second is within the normal range and does not indicate an acute myocardial infarction.
C. The QT interval is equal to the R to R interval: The QT interval represents the time from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave, encompassing ventricular depolarization and repolarization. While prolonged or shortened QT intervals can be associated with certain cardiac conditions, they are not specific indicators of an acute myocardial infarction.
D. The QRS intervals are 0.08 second: The QRS interval represents ventricular depolarization1. A QRS interval of 0.08 second is within the normal range and does not indicate an acute myocardial infarction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Describe the surgery and what the client will experience postoperatively:
While it is essential to provide information about the surgery and the postoperative experience, the primary focus of preoperative teaching is to ensure that the client understands the information provided. This option does not specifically address the client's level of understanding, which is crucial for effective teaching.
B) Reinforce information at the client's level of understanding:
This is the correct choice. When contributing to the preoperative teaching plan, the nurse should ensure that information is provided in a way that the client can comprehend. Reinforcing information at the client's level of understanding enhances communication and ensures that the client is well-informed about the procedure and what to expect.
C) Reassure the client that the surgery rarely has any negative outcomes:
While it is important to provide reassurance and support to the client, it is not appropriate to make promises or provide guarantees about the outcome of the surgery. Surgery, by its nature, carries risks, and it is essential to provide the client with accurate information while maintaining a supportive and empathetic approach.
D) Notify the client's family of the plan of care:
While it is important to involve the client's family in the plan of care, the primary focus of preoperative teaching is on the client. Involving the family in the plan of care is important, but it is not the most immediate action in the context of preoperative teaching.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
