Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has a distal radius fracture with a short arm cast applied. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the cast to relieve itching.
Choice A (Use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the cast to relieve itching) is not an answer because it can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention.
B. Perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity every 2 hr.
The nurse should perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity every 2 hours to monitor for any signs of compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. It is important to assess for the five Ps: pain, pulse, pallor, paresthesia, and paralysis. Using a hair dryer to relieve itching can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention. Positioning the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart can increase swelling and exacerbate pain. Immobilizing the client's fingers using a hand splint is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
C. Position the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart.
Choice C (Position the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart) is not an answer because it can increase swelling and exacerbate pain.
D. Immobilize the client's fingers using a hand splint.
Choice D (Immobilize the client's fingers using a hand splint) is not an answer because it is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI PN Adult Med Surg 2020 with NGN Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
The nurse should perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity every 2 hours to monitor for any signs of compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. It is important to assess for the five Ps: pain, pulse, pallor, paresthesia, and paralysis. Using a hair dryer to relieve itching can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention. Positioning the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart can increase swelling and exacerbate pain. Immobilizing the client's fingers using a hand splint is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Choice A (Use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the cast to relieve itching) is not an answer because it can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention.
Choice C (Position the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart) is not an answer because it can increase swelling and exacerbate pain.
Choice D (Immobilize the client's fingers using a hand splint) is not an answer because it is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Similar Questions
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit for a client who has a herniated intervertebral disk. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "The TENS unit administers a continuous dose of pain medication."
"The TENS unit administers a continuous dose of pain medication" is not the correct answer because the TENS unit does not administer medication.
B. "I will need to charge the TENS unit for 2 hours each day."
"I will need to charge the TENS unit for 2 hours each day" is not the correct answer because the TENS unit is battery operated and does not need to be charged.
C. "The TENS unit should be applied at least 6 inches from the actual site of my pain."
"The TENS unit should be applied at least 6 inches from the actual site of my pain" is not the correct answer because the electrodes should be placed directly on the site of the pain.
D. "I should adjust the TENS unit until I feel a tingling sensation."
The correct answer is choice D, "I should adjust the TENS unit until I feel a tingling sensation." This is an appropriate statement that indicates the client understands how to use the TENS unit. The TENS unit works by sending electrical impulses to the nerves to block pain signals. The client should adjust the unit until they feel a tingling sensation, which is the desired effect.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is choice D, "I should adjust the TENS unit until I feel a tingling sensation." This is an appropriate statement that indicates the client understands how to use the TENS unit. The TENS unit works by sending electrical impulses to the nerves to block pain signals. The client should adjust the unit until they feel a tingling sensation, which is the desired effect.
"The TENS unit administers a continuous dose of pain medication" is not the correct answer because the TENS unit does not administer medication.
"I will need to charge the TENS unit for 2 hours each day" is not the correct answer because the TENS unit is battery operated and does not need to be charged.
"The TENS unit should be applied at least 6 inches from the actual site of my pain" is not the correct answer because the electrodes should be placed directly on the site of the pain.
A nurse is collecting data from a client who is experiencing opioid toxicity. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Diaphoresis
Choice A. Diaphoresis is not correct because opioid toxicity does not cause excessive sweating. Diaphoresis can be a sign of opioid withdrawal or other conditions.
B. Pupillary dilation
Choice B. Pupillary dilation is not correct because opioid toxicity causes miosis or pinpoint pupils due to the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system .
C. Chest pain
Choice C. Chest pain is not correct because opioid toxicity does not cause chest pain. Chest pain can be a sign of cardiac ischemia, pulmonary embolism, or other serious conditions.
D. Hypotension
Opioid toxicity causes central nervous system and respiratory depression, which can lead to low blood pressure or hypotension.
Full Explanation
Opioid toxicity causes central nervous system and respiratory depression, which can lead to low blood pressure or hypotension.
Choice A. Diaphoresis is not correct because opioid toxicity does not cause excessive sweating. Diaphoresis can be a sign of opioid withdrawal or other conditions.
Choice B. Pupillary dilation is not correct because opioid toxicity causes miosis or pinpoint pupils due to the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system .
Choice C. Chest pain is not correct because opioid toxicity does not cause chest pain. Chest pain can be a sign of cardiac ischemia, pulmonary embolism, or other serious conditions.
A nurse is assisting in the plan of care for a client who is dehydrated and is receiving IV fluid replacement. Which of the following interventions should the nurse contribute to the plan of care?
A. Check for neck vein distention.
Correct. Assessing for neck vein distention is an essential intervention for a client receiving IV fluid replacement, especially for dehydration. Neck vein distention can indicate fluid overload, a potential complication of IV fluid therapy. By monitoring for this sign, the nurse can promptly recognize and intervene to prevent fluid overload-related complications such as pulmonary edema and hypertension. Regular assessment of neck vein distention provides valuable information about the client's fluid status and guides adjustments to the IV fluid infusion rate to maintain fluid balance and prevent adverse outcomes.
B. Offer oral fluids every 4 hr.
This option is incorrect because offering oral fluids every 4 hours may not be appropriate for a client receiving IV fluid replacement for dehydration. IV fluid replacement is typically indicated when oral rehydration is insufficient or impractical, such as in cases of severe dehydration, altered consciousness, or gastrointestinal disturbances. The frequency and volume of oral fluid intake should be individualized based on the client's condition, fluid requirements, and ability to tolerate oral intake. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize IV fluid therapy and adjust oral fluid intake accordingly based on ongoing assessment of the client's hydration status.
C. Monitor pulse pressure every 6 hr.
While monitoring pulse pressure can provide valuable information about fluid status and cardiac function, it may not be as specific or sensitive as other signs such as neck vein distention when assessing for fluid overload in clients receiving IV fluid replacement. Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings and can be affected by various factors, including cardiac output, vascular resistance, and volume status. However, changes in pulse pressure may not always correlate directly with fluid overload, especially in clients with underlying cardiovascular conditions or receiving vasopressor medications. Therefore, more frequent and comprehensive assessments, including physical examination findings such as neck vein distention, are necessary to evaluate fluid balance accurately.
D. Limit oral fluids prior to bedtime.
This option is incorrect because limiting oral fluids prior to bedtime is generally not indicated for dehydrated clients, especially those receiving IV fluid replacement. Restricting fluid intake may exacerbate dehydration and compromise the effectiveness of IV fluid therapy. Instead, the nurse should encourage adequate fluid intake throughout the day and evening to promote hydration and support the client's recovery from dehydration. Individualized fluid management strategies should be based on the client's fluid requirements, renal function, underlying condition, and response to therapy.
Full Explanation
Answer is a. Check for neck vein distention.
a. Check for neck vein distention: Correct. Assessing for neck vein distention is an essential intervention for a client receiving IV fluid replacement, especially for dehydration. Neck vein distention can indicate fluid overload, a potential complication of IV fluid therapy. By monitoring for this sign, the nurse can promptly recognize and intervene to prevent fluid overload-related complications such as pulmonary edema and hypertension. Regular assessment of neck vein distention provides valuable information about the client's fluid status and guides adjustments to the IV fluid infusion rate to maintain fluid balance and prevent adverse outcomes.
b. Offer oral fluids every 4 hr: This option is incorrect because offering oral fluids every 4 hours may not be appropriate for a client receiving IV fluid replacement for dehydration. IV fluid replacement is typically indicated when oral rehydration is insufficient or impractical, such as in cases of severe dehydration, altered consciousness, or gastrointestinal disturbances. The frequency and volume of oral fluid intake should be individualized based on the client's condition, fluid requirements, and ability to tolerate oral intake. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize IV fluid therapy and adjust oral fluid intake accordingly based on ongoing assessment of the client's hydration status.
c. Monitor pulse pressure every 6 hr: While monitoring pulse pressure can provide valuable information about fluid status and cardiac function, it may not be as specific or sensitive as other signs such as neck vein distention when assessing for fluid overload in clients receiving IV fluid replacement. Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings and can be affected by various factors, including cardiac output, vascular resistance, and volume status. However, changes in pulse pressure may not always correlate directly with fluid overload, especially in clients with underlying cardiovascular conditions or receiving vasopressor medications. Therefore, more frequent and comprehensive assessments, including physical examination findings such as neck vein distention, are necessary to evaluate fluid balance accurately.
d. Limit oral fluids prior to bedtime: This option is incorrect because limiting oral fluids prior to bedtime is generally not indicated for dehydrated clients, especially those receiving IV fluid replacement. Restricting fluid intake may exacerbate dehydration and compromise the effectiveness of IV fluid therapy. Instead, the nurse should encourage adequate fluid intake throughout the day and evening to promote hydration and support the client's recovery from dehydration. Individualized fluid management strategies should be based on the client's fluid requirements, renal function, underlying condition, and response to therapy.
In summary, the correct answer is a because checking for neck vein distention is an essential intervention for monitoring fluid status and detecting potential complications such as fluid overload in clients receiving IV fluid replacement for dehydration. This assessment helps ensure safe and effective fluid management and prevents adverse outcomes associated with fluid overload.