A nurse is caring for a postoperative client. Which intervention should the nurse identify as important to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications?

Place suction equipment at the bedside.

Administer a prophylactic expectorant.

Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer.

Perform range of motion exercises.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason:

Place suction equipment at the bedside is incorrect. While having suction equipment available is important for emergency situations, it does not directly prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. Suction equipment is used to clear the airway if the client has difficulty breathing or if there is an obstruction.

Choice B Reason:

Administer a prophylactic expectorant is incorrect. Prophylactic expectorants can help in managing secretions, but they are not the primary intervention for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. The main goal is to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis.

Choice C Reason:

Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer is correct. Using an incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing and lung expansion, which helps prevent atelectasis and other postoperative pulmonary complications. It is a key intervention in postoperative care to maintain optimal lung function.

Choice D Reason:

Perform range of motion exercises is incorrect. While range of motion exercises are important for preventing musculoskeletal complications and promoting circulation, they do not directly prevent pulmonary complications. The focus for pulmonary health is on lung expansion and clearing secretions.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

The gastrocnemius muscle, located in the calf, is not a recommended site for intramuscular injections in newborns. This muscle is not typically used due to its small size and the difficulty in accessing it safely for an injection.

Choice B Reason:

The dorsogluteal muscle, located in the buttocks, is also not recommended for newborns. This site is avoided because of the risk of damaging the sciatic nerve and the relatively thick layer of subcutaneous fat, which can interfere with the absorption of the medication.

Choice C Reason:

The vastus lateralis muscle, located in the thigh, is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in newborns. This muscle is well-developed at birth and provides a large, easily accessible area for injections. It is also away from major blood vessels and nerves, making it a safe and effective site for administering medications like vitamin K.

Choice D Reason:

The ventrogluteal muscle, located on the side of the hip, is another site used for intramuscular injections, but it is not typically recommended for newborns. This site is more commonly used in older children and adults due to its deeper location and the need for precise anatomical knowledge to avoid complications.

A. Prolonging the life of a client. B. Controlling symptoms and providing comfort. C. Replacing other treatments for an illness. D. Curing a serious illness.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Prolonging the life of a client is not the primary focus of palliative care. While palliative care can sometimes extend life by improving overall well-being and reducing stress, its main goal is to enhance the quality of life by managing symptoms and providing comfort12. Palliative care is not primarily aimed at life extension but rather at ensuring that patients live as well as possible despite their illness.

Choice B Reason:

Controlling symptoms and providing comfort is the core focus of palliative care. This type of care aims to alleviate pain and other distressing symptoms, such as nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue12. Palliative care also addresses emotional, social, and spiritual needs, helping patients and their families cope with the challenges of serious illness. By focusing on comfort and quality of life, palliative care supports patients in living as fully as possible.

Choice C Reason:

Replacing other treatments for an illness is not the focus of palliative care. Palliative care is designed to complement, not replace, other medical treatments12. It can be provided alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments, offering additional support to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The goal is to provide a holistic approach to care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s well-being.

Choice D Reason:

Curing a serious illness is not the aim of palliative care. Palliative care is appropriate for patients at any stage of a serious illness, whether or not a cure is possible12. Its primary focus is on symptom management, comfort, and quality of life, rather than on curing the illness. This approach helps patients and their families navigate the complexities of serious health conditions with greater ease and support.

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A nurse is caring for a postoperative client. Which intervention should the nurse identify as important to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer vitamin K by IM injection to a newborn. The nurse should administer the medication into which muscle?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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