A nurse is evaluating the discharge instructions for a client who had a mastectomy with lymph node dissection. The nurse instructs the client to avoid:

Wearing tight-fitting clothing or jewelry on the affected arm.

Elevating the affected arm above the level of the heart.

Applying moisturizer or sunscreen to the affected arm.

Having blood pressure or blood draws on the affected arm.

Performing range-of-motion exercises on the affected arm.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason:

Wearing tight-fitting clothing or jewelry on the affected arm is not recommended, but it is not something to avoid completely. Tight-fitting clothing or jewelry can cause swelling (lymphedema) or infection in the arm, but wearing them for short periods of time may be acceptable. The client should be advised to wear loose-fitting clothing and jewelry most of the time and to monitor the arm for any signs of swelling, pain, or redness.

Choice B reason:

Elevating the affected arm above the level of the heart is not something to avoid, but rather something to do frequently. Elevating the arm can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. The client should be instructed to elevate the arm several times a day for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.

Choice C reason:

Applying moisturizer or sunscreen to the affected arm is not something to avoid, but rather something to do regularly. Moisturizer can help prevent dryness and cracking of the skin, which can increase the risk of infection. Sunscreen can help protect the skin from sun damage, which can also increase the risk of infection and skin cancer. The client should be advised to apply moisturizer daily and sunscreen whenever exposed to the sun.

Choice D reason:

Having blood pressure or blood draws on the affected arm is something to avoid. This is because these procedures can cause injury or infection to the arm, which can lead to lymphedema or other complications. The client should be instructed to inform all health care providers that they had a mastectomy with lymph node dissection and to request that blood pressure or blood draws be done on the other arm or on another part of the body.

Choice E reason:

Performing range-of-motion exercises on the affected arm is not something to avoid, but rather something to do gradually and carefully. Range-of-motion exercises can help restore mobility and flexibility to the arm and prevent stiffness and contractures. The client should be instructed to start doing gentle exercises as soon as possible after surgery and to increase the intensity and duration as tolerated. The client may be referred to a physical therapist for additional guidance and support.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

The client reports numbness in his right leg. This is not a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because numbness is an expected effect of spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia blocks the nerve impulses from the lower extremities, lower abdomen, pelvic, and perineal regions, resulting in loss of sensation and movement.

Choice B reason:

The client has a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg. This is not a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because mild hypotension is a common side effect of spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia causes vasodilation and decreases the sympathetic tone, leading to reduced blood pressure. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and fluid status, and administer vasopressors if needed.

Choice C reason:

The client complains of a headache when sitting up. This is a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because it may indicate a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) PDPH is a complication of spinal anesthesia that occurs when the dura mater is punctured by the needle, causing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to leak and create a pressure gradient between the intracranial and spinal compartments. The nurse should assess the client's pain level, position the client flat or with a slight head elevation, administer analgesics and fluids, and notify the anesthesiologist.

Choice D reason:

The client has difficulty voiding after surgery. This is not a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because urinary retention is a common problem after spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia affects the bladder function by inhibiting the micturition reflex and impairing the sensation of bladder fullness. The nurse should monitor the client's urine output, bladder distension, and fluid intake, and assist with catheterization if needed.

A. "I will not be able to move or feel anything below my waist.” B. "I will have to stay awake during the surgery.” C. "I will need someone to drive me home after the surgery.” D. "I will have less risk of nausea and vomiting than with general anesthesia.” E. "I will have to fast for at least 8 hours before the surgery.".

Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

This statement is correct. Regional anesthesia blocks the sensation of pain and other sensations from a specific part of the body, such as below the waist for spinal or epidural anesthesia. The client will not be able to move or feel anything in the affected area during the surgery.

Choice B reason:

This statement is incorrect. Regional anesthesia does not require the client to stay awake during the surgery, unless the client prefers to do so. The client can also receive sedation or general anesthesia along with regional anesthesia, depending on the type and duration of the surgery and the client's preference.

Choice C reason:

This statement is incorrect. Regional anesthesia can have residual effects on the client's motor and sensory function, as well as blood pressure and heart rate, for several hours after the surgery. The client will need someone to drive them home after the surgery and monitor them for any signs of complications.

Choice D reason:

This statement is correct. Regional anesthesia has some advantages over general anesthesia, such as less risk of nausea and vomiting, less blood loss, less stress response, and better postoperative pain control.

Choice E reason:

This statement is correct. Regional anesthesia does not affect the client's ability to swallow or protect their airway, unlike general anesthesia. However, the client will still have to fast for at least 8 hours before the surgery to prevent aspiration of stomach contents in case general anesthesia or sedation is needed or administered.

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A nurse is evaluating the discharge instructions for a client who had a mastectomy with lymph node dissection. The nurse instructs the client to avoid:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

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