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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Recommend that the client avoid driving over the bridge: Avoidance reinforces the anxiety and prevents the client from developing effective coping mechanisms. Over time, this may worsen the phobia and reduce the client’s functional independence and quality of life.

B. Teach the client to listen to music or audio books while driving: Calming distractions can help reduce anxiety symptoms and promote gradual exposure to the feared situation. This approach supports desensitization while helping the client stay in control and manage symptoms.

C. Tell the client to drive over the bridge until fear is manageable: Flooding, or forced prolonged exposure, may overwhelm the client and worsen anxiety. A more gradual, supportive approach is generally safer and more effective in treating specific and anxiety.

D. Encourage the client to have the spouse drive in stressful places: Delegating driving to someone else may provide short-term relief, but it limits the client’s independence and does not promote long-term coping or resolution of the anxiety trigger.

A. Leakage of cerebral spinal fluid from the incisional site. B. Poor feeding and vomiting. C. Abdominal distention. D. WBC of 10,000/mm3 (10 x 10^ 9/L). E. Hyperactive bowel sounds.

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

Explanation

A. Leakage of cerebral spinal fluid from the incisional site: Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the incision site is a serious postoperative complication. It could indicate a shunt malfunction or infection, requiring immediate attention.

B. Poor feeding and vomiting: These symptoms may indicate increased intracranial pressure, which can result from a shunt malfunction or infection, both serious complications that need to be addressed immediately.

C. Abdominal distention: Abdominal distention in an infant with a VP shunt can indicate an issue with the peritoneal end of the shunt. This could be due to malabsorption of CSF in the peritoneal cavity, infection (peritonitis), or kinking/blockage of the catheter in the abdomen, leading to accumulation of fluid and distention.

D. WBC of 10,000/mm3 (10 x 10^9/L): A WBC count of 10,000/mm3 is within the normal range for a one-week-old infant. Therefore, this finding does not indicate infection or an inflammatory response and is not a concern in this case.

E. Hyperactive bowel sounds: Hyperactive bowel sounds are typically not associated with a VP shunt complication. This finding is generally indicative of gastrointestinal motility, which is not related to a shunt malfunction or infection.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client returns to the mental health clinic for assistance with an anxiety reaction that is manifested by a rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, and nausea while driving over the bay bridge. Which action in the treatment plan should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a one-week-old infant who has a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt that was placed 2 days after birth. Which finding(s) indicate a postoperative complication? Select all that apply. Reference Range: White blood cells (WBC) [9,000 to 10,000/mm3 (9 to 10 x 10^9 /L)]

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

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who had surgery 1 day ago and is receiving a continuous infusion of fentanyl through an epidural catheter. Which intervention should the nurse perform first?

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Which laboratory values are critical for the nurse to monitor for a client who is experiencing a thyrotoxic crisis?

The nurse is teaching a client's family member about seizure precautions. Which action described by the family member indicates the need for additional teaching?

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The home care nurse visits a client who has cancer. The client reports having a good appetite but experiencing nausea when smelling food cooking. Which action should the nurse implement?

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Which snack selection indicates to the nurse that a school-age child with gastroesophageal reflux understands the dietary restrictions?