A nurse is caring for a client 8 hr postoperative following a total knee replacement. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Encourage increased fluid take.

Promote bed rest for 5-7 days.

Place a pillow under the affected limb.

Apply cool compresses to the affected limb every 6 hr.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Encouraging adequate fluid intake is important postoperatively to maintain hydration and support normal physiological functions. However, the amount of fluid intake should be within the client's tolerance and as prescribed by the healthcare provider. It helps prevent complications such as dehydration and promotes circulation, which is beneficial for wound healing.

B.   While some rest and limited mobility are initially recommended after knee replacement surgery to allow for healing and to prevent complications, prolonged bed rest for 5-7 days is not typically necessary or recommended. Early mobilization and gradual increase in activity are encouraged to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and to promote recovery.
C.   Placing a pillow directly under the knee is not recommended as it can lead to decreased range of motion and potential contractures.
D.   Cold therapy, such as applying cool compresses, is often used to reduce swelling and pain in the initial postoperative period. It can help manage pain and discomfort and promote comfort for the client.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Metolazone is a thiazide-like diuretic that works primarily in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron. It can lead to hyponatremia due to its mechanism of increasing sodium and water excretion. However, it is not typically associated with hyperkalemia.
B. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that acts on the ascending loop of Henle. It primarily causes loss of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. While it can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels) due to increased potassium excretion, it does not typically cause hyperkalemia or hyponatremia.
C. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that acts on the distal convoluted tubule. It can cause hyponatremia due to increased sodium and water excretion. It may also lead to hypokalemia but is not typically associated with hyperkalemia.
D. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that works by antagonizing aldosterone receptors in the distal nephron, leading to retention of potassium and excretion of sodium. It can cause hyperkalemia due to its potassium-sparing effects. Additionally, it may also lead to hyponatremia, although less commonly than thiazide diuretics.

A. Metabolic acidosis B. Respiratory alkalosis C. Metabolic alkalosis D. Respiratory acidosis

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate or an increase in acids, which can be caused by conditions like kidney failure or diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not typically associated with numbness and tingling.
B. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a decreased PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg). It typically results from hyperventilation, which leads to excessive elimination of CO2 and subsequent alkalosis. This condition is less likely to occur in gastroenteritis unless there are other complicating factors such as anxiety or pain causing increased respiratory rate.
C. In the context of gastroenteritis, where there may be a loss of stomach acids through vomiting or diarrhea, the most likely acid-base imbalance would be metabolic alkalosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg). It results from hypoventilation, leading to retention of CO2 and subsequent acidosis. Respiratory acidosis would not typically present with numbness and tingling in the extremities in the context of gastroenteritis.

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A nurse is caring for a client 8 hr postoperative following a total knee replacement. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Explanation

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