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 B
Explanation
A. Small for gestational age:
While being small for gestational age can contribute to respiratory difficulties in newborns, it is not directly associated with respiratory distress syndrome or respiratory acidosis. Other factors, such as prematurity or intrauterine growth restriction, may play a more significant role.
B. Cesarean birth:
Cesarean birth can predispose newborns to respiratory difficulties, including respiratory distress syndrome. During vaginal birth, the compression of the chest during passage through the birth canal helps expel lung fluid, whereas babies born via cesarean section may have more retained lung fluid, leading to respiratory distress.
C. Ventricular septal defect:
Ventricular septal defect is a congenital heart defect and is not directly associated with respiratory distress syndrome or respiratory acidosis. However, congenital heart defects can affect the cardiovascular system, leading to respiratory compromise in some cases.
D. Maternal history of asthma:
While maternal asthma can increase the risk of respiratory problems in newborns, it is not directly related to respiratory distress syndrome or respiratory acidosis. Maternal asthma may increase the likelihood of the newborn developing asthma or other respiratory conditions later in life.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increase in postoperative pain: Preoperative teaching typically includes information about pain management strategies, which should help to reduce, not increase, postoperative pain.
B. Reduced postoperative anxiety: This is correct. One of the key benefits of preoperative education is reduced anxiety. By understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery, patients are often less anxious about the procedure.
C. Reduced postoperative respiratory function: Preoperative teaching usually includes instructions on deep breathing and coughing exercises to help prevent respiratory complications after surgery. Therefore, it should improve, not reduce, postoperative respiratory function.
D. Increased length of postoperative care in the health care facility: Preoperative education has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay. By better understanding their surgery and postoperative care, patients are often able to recover more quickly and leave the hospital sooner
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