Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client following a right total hip arthroplasty. Postoperatively, the nurse should maintain the
right leg in which of the following positions?
A. Abduction.
Choice A reason: This is correct because abduction is the movement of the leg away from the midline of the body. This position prevents dislocation of the new hip joint and promotes healing and stability.
B. Adduction.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because adduction is the movement of the leg toward the midline of the body. This position can cause dislocation of the new hip joint and increase pain and complications.
C. Internal rotation.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because internal rotation is the movement of the leg inward, with the toes pointing toward each other. This position can also cause dislocation of the new hip joint and impair circulation and nerve function.
D. External rotation.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because external rotation is the movement of the leg outward, with the toes pointing away from each other. This position can also cause dislocation of the new hip joint and damage the surrounding tissues and muscles.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - NY BSN Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who has a fractured right femur and is in balanced suspension traction. The client is reporting pain from muscle spasms. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a prescription to adjust the weight amount.
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because obtaining a prescription to adjust the weight amount is not the first action the nurse should take. The weight amount should be prescribed by the provider based on the type and severity of the fracture and should not be changed without a valid reason.
B. Offer a muscle relaxant to the client.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because offering a muscle relaxant to the client is not the first action the nurse should take. A muscle relaxant can help reduce muscle spasms and pain, but it can also cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness.
C. Administer an opioid analgesic.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because administering an opioid analgesic is not the first action the nurse should take. An opioid analgesic can help relieve pain, but it can also cause side effects such as respiratory depression, constipation, and dependence.
D. Realign the client's position.
Choice D reason: This is correct because realigning the client's position is the first action the nurse should take. The pain from muscle spasms can be caused by improper alignment of the traction or the client's body. The nurse should check that the traction is set up correctly and that the client is in a comfortable and balanced position. This can help relieve pain and prevent complications such as nerve damage or skin breakdown.
A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from the PACU after a traditional cholecystectomy. In which of the following positions should the nurse place the client?
A. Semi-Fowler's
Choice A reason: This is correct because semi-Fowler's position is when the head of the bed is elevated to 30 to 45 degrees. This position can help promote drainage of the surgical site, prevent respiratory complications, and reduce abdominal pressure and pain.
B. Dorsal recumbent
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because dorsal recumbent position is when the client lies on their back with their legs extended and slightly apart. This position can increase abdominal pressure and pain, impair drainage of the surgical site, and increase the risk of respiratory complications.
C. Prone
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because prone position is when the client lies on their stomach with their head turned to one side. This position can cause pressure on the surgical site, impair drainage, and increase the risk of respiratory complications.
D. Supported Sims
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because supported Sims position is when the client lies on their left side with their right leg flexed and supported by a pillow. This position can cause pressure on the surgical site, impair drainage, and increase the risk of respiratory complications.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who has acute pancreatitis. The nurse should expect to find an elevation of which of the following values?
A. Calcium
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because calcium is not elevated in acute pancreatitis. In fact, calcium can be low due to fat necrosis and hypoparathyroidism that can occur in severe cases of pancreatitis.
B. Magnesium
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because magnesium is not elevated in acute pancreatitis. Magnesium can be low due to malabsorption, vomiting, or diuretic use that can occur in pancreatitis.
C. Amylase
Choice C reason: This is correct because amylase is elevated in acute pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates in the small intestine. When the pancreas is inflamed, amylase can leak into the bloodstream and cause high levels.
D. RBC count
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because RBC count is not elevated in acute pancreatitis. RBC count can be low due to bleeding, hemolysis, or fluid overload that can occur in pancreatitis.