A 65-year-old patient has undergone a right total hip arthroplasty with a cemented prosthesis for treatment of severe osteoarthritis of the hip. What is included in the activity the nurse anticipates for the patient on the patient's first or second postoperative day?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the case of a patient who has undergone a total hip arthroplasty with a cemented prosthesis, the correct activity the nurse anticipates for the patient on the first or second postoperative day is D) Ambulation and weight bearing on the right leg with a walker. The rationale behind this is that early mobilization and weight-bearing on the affected limb help prevent complications such as blood clots, muscle weakness, and joint stiffness. Walking with assistance like a walker promotes circulation, strengthens muscles, and aids in the recovery process. Option A is incorrect because transferring from bed to chair twice a day may not provide sufficient mobilization for the patient's recovery. Option B, turning from back to unaffected side every 2 hours, is important for preventing pressure ulcers but does not address the need for weight-bearing activity. Option C, crutch walking with non-weight bearing on the operative leg, is not appropriate for a patient with a cemented prosthesis as weight-bearing is usually encouraged with this type of surgery. Educationally, it is essential for nurses to understand the rationale behind postoperative activities to provide optimal care for their patients. In the context of the NCLEX exam, understanding the importance of early mobilization and weight-bearing after orthopedic procedures is crucial for selecting the most appropriate nursing interventions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the physical assessment of a patient with early to moderate rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the nurse should expect to find spindle-shaped fingers (Option C) as a characteristic manifestation. This is due to synovitis causing inflammation in the joints, leading to a characteristic deformity of the fingers. A) Hepatomegaly (Option A) is not typically associated with RA. It is more commonly seen in conditions like liver disease or heart failure. B) Heberden's nodes (Option B) are bony swellings that occur at the distal interphalangeal joints and are commonly seen in osteoarthritis, not RA. D) Crepitus on joint movement (Option D) is a sensation of grating or grinding within the joint and is more commonly associated with osteoarthritis due to the wearing down of cartilage, not typically seen in early to moderate RA. Educationally, understanding the characteristic signs and symptoms of RA is crucial for nurses to provide effective care and support to patients with this condition. Recognizing spindle-shaped fingers can help in early identification and management of RA, leading to improved outcomes for patients. Nurses need to be able to differentiate between various joint conditions to provide appropriate care and support to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine, joints, and ligaments, it is crucial for patients to perform back, neck, and chest stretches along with deep-breathing exercises to maintain flexibility and prevent complications like spinal fusion. These exercises help improve posture, reduce stiffness, and enhance respiratory function, which are essential for managing the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Option A is incorrect because while proper footwear is important for overall comfort and joint support, it does not directly address the specific needs of ankylosing spondylitis patients. Option B is incorrect as sleeping on the side with the knees and hips flexed may provide temporary relief but does not address the need for ongoing exercise and stretching to maintain flexibility and prevent complications. Option C is incorrect as keeping the spine slightly flexed may aggravate the condition by promoting a posture that can lead to increased stiffness and decreased mobility over time. Understanding the rationale behind the correct answer is crucial for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam as it not only tests their knowledge of specific conditions but also reinforces the importance of patient education and tailored interventions to improve patient outcomes in real-world clinical practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.