The nurse is caring for a client in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) who underwent a thoracotomy two hours ago. The nurse observes the following vital signs: heart rate 140 beats/minute, respirations 26 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 140/90 mmHg. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Administer intravenous fluid bolus as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

Apply oxygen at 10 L via non-rebreather mask and monitor pulse oximeter.

Medicate for pain and monitor vital signs according to protocol.

Encourage the client to splint the incision with a pillow to cough and deep breathe.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Administer intravenous fluid bolus as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
While hydration is important, the vital signs provided (elevated heart rate and respiratory rate) are more indicative of potential respiratory distress. Administering fluids may be indicated in certain situations, but it may not address the immediate concern of compromised oxygenation.

B. Apply oxygen at 10 L via non-rebreather mask and monitor pulse oximeter.
This is the correct choice. The client's elevated heart rate and respiratory rate suggest the need for improved oxygenation. Applying oxygen at a high flow rate via a non-rebreather mask is an immediate intervention to address potential respiratory compromise. Monitoring the pulse oximeter provides real-time feedback on oxygen saturation.

C. Medicate for pain and monitor vital signs according to protocol.
Pain management is an important aspect of post-operative care, but the immediate concern in this scenario is the potential for respiratory distress. Administering pain medication alone may not address the primary issue.

D. Encourage the client to splint the incision with a pillow to cough and deep breathe.
While encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe is important for post-thoracotomy care, the elevated vital signs suggest a need for more immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation. Applying oxygen and monitoring the pulse oximeter take precedence.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Eat a diet high in carotene:
While a healthy diet is important for overall well-being, there is no evidence to suggest that a diet high in carotene specifically prevents or treats glaucoma. The focus in glaucoma management is on intraocular pressure control.

B. Wear prescription glasses:
Prescription glasses may be beneficial for addressing refractive errors, but they do not specifically address the management of glaucoma. The client's concern about driving through a tunnel is more likely related to changes in peripheral vision associated with glaucoma.

C. Avoid frequent eye pressure measurements:
This is not the most important instruction. Monitoring intraocular pressure is a crucial aspect of glaucoma management, and the frequency of measurements is determined by the healthcare provider. Regular monitoring helps assess the effectiveness of treatment and disease progression.

D. Maintain the prescribed eye drop regimen:
This is the correct answer. The most important instruction for the client is to adhere to the prescribed eye drop regimen. Medications, often in the form of eye drops, are commonly used to lower intraocular pressure and manage glaucoma. Consistent use of prescribed medications is critical for controlling the condition and preventing further vision loss.

A. Reduced pain in eczematous areas. B. Healing with a return to normal skin appearance. C. Decreased weeping of ulcerations in affected areas D. Hydration of affected dry skin areas.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Reduced pain in eczematous areas:
While hydration of the skin may contribute to reduced pain in some cases, the primary goal of urea cream is to moisturize and hydrate the skin rather than directly address pain.

B. Healing with a return to normal skin appearance:
Urea cream can contribute to the healing process by hydrating the skin and promoting the removal of dry, scaly skin. However, complete healing and a return to normal skin appearance may also depend on the underlying cause of eczema and other factors.

C. Decreased weeping of ulcerations in affected areas:
Urea cream can help reduce excessive dryness and weeping in eczematous areas by promoting hydration and moisture balance. However, it may not directly address ulcerations, and other interventions may be needed for open wounds.

D. Hydration of affected dry skin areas:
This is the correct answer. Urea is a natural moisturizing factor that helps retain water in the skin. Applying urea cream to affected dry skin areas is expected to hydrate the skin, reduce dryness, and improve the overall moisture balance.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An adult who was recently diagnosed with glaucoma tells the nurse, "it feels like I am driving through a tunnel." The client expresses great concern about going blind. Which nursing instruction is most important for the nurse to provide this client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with eczema is applying 10% urea cream onto the affected skin areas. Which finding reflects the expected therapeutic response?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client who was recently diagnosed with Raynaud's disease is concerned about pain management. Which nursing instruction should the nurse provide?

When providing care for an unconscious client who has seizures, which nursing intervention is most essential?

A client with lung cancer who wears a subcutaneous morphine sulfate patch for pain is short of breath and is difficult to arouse. When performing a head to toe assessment, the nurse discovers four analgesic patches on the client's body. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

The nurse reports that a client is at risk for a brain attack (stroke) based on which assessment finding?

A client who underwent cardiac stent placement four days ago arrives to the emergency department reporting a sudden onset of chest pressure and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse take next?

A client with multiple sclerosis has urinary retention related to sensorimotor deficits. Which action should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

An overweight, young adult client who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted for a hernia repair. The client reports feeling very weak and jittery. Which actions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)