A nurse is assessing a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

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health assessment exam 2 test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A nurse is assessing a patient who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because deep breathing and coughing exercises help prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia after abdominal surgery. By promoting lung expansion and clearing secretions, these exercises enhance oxygenation and prevent respiratory issues. Administering pain medication (A) is important but not the priority. Monitoring for infection (C) and providing wound care (D) are also crucial but come after ensuring respiratory function.

Question 2 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a colonoscopy. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bleeding or perforation. After a colonoscopy, the patient is at risk for bleeding or perforation which are serious complications requiring immediate attention. Monitoring for signs such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or signs of peritonitis is crucial. Choice A is not a priority unless the patient shows signs of shock. Choice C is a common post-procedure issue but not a priority complication. Choice D, pain at the insertion site, is expected and can be managed with analgesics.

Question 3 of 9

Which of the following statements reflects a component of spirituality?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because spirituality is a personal and intrinsic search for meaning and purpose in life, which is central to the human experience. This definition aligns with the concept of spirituality as a journey of self-discovery and reflection, independent of organized religion or cultural background. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: Worshiping a higher power within an organization implies a religious practice rather than spirituality, which is more individualistic and introspective. B: Attendance at a specific house of worship is a religious practice, not necessarily reflective of spirituality, which can exist outside formal religious institutions. D: While spirituality can be influenced by cultural background, it is not solely tied to it, as it transcends social, ethnic, and historical boundaries.

Question 4 of 9

A nurse is teaching a patient about managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping the inhaler once feeling better is incorrect. Inhalers are used to manage COPD symptoms long-term, not just when feeling unwell. Step 1: Explain that inhalers are essential for managing COPD and should be used consistently. Step 2: Emphasize that stopping inhaler use prematurely can lead to exacerbation of symptoms and worsening of the condition. Step 3: Reinforce the importance of following the prescribed treatment plan for optimal COPD management. Other choices are incorrect: A: True, avoiding second-hand smoke is crucial for COPD management. B: True, taking medications as prescribed is essential. D: True, breathing exercises can help improve lung function.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of exacerbation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because increased sputum production and shortness of breath are classic signs of exacerbation in COPD. This indicates worsening airflow limitation and potential respiratory distress. Monitoring these signs helps in early intervention and preventing further complications. B: Improved oxygen saturation is not a sign of exacerbation in COPD. It would actually suggest improvement in the patient's condition. C: Increased energy levels are not typical signs of exacerbation in COPD. Patients usually experience fatigue and weakness during exacerbations. D: Decreased respiratory rate is not indicative of exacerbation in COPD. It could be a sign of respiratory depression or sedation, but not exacerbation.

Question 6 of 9

During her prenatal checkup, a patient begins to cry as the nurse asks her about previous pregnancies. The patient says that she is remembering her last pregnancy, which ended in miscarriage. The nurse's best response to her crying would be:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows empathy and validation towards the patient's emotions. By acknowledging the patient's sadness and giving her permission to cry, the nurse creates a safe and supportive environment. This response helps the patient feel understood and accepted, facilitating emotional expression and potentially leading to a deeper therapeutic relationship. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on the nurse's discomfort rather than the patient's feelings. Choice C is incorrect as it may come across as dismissive of the patient's emotions. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests avoiding the topic rather than addressing the patient's feelings directly.

Question 7 of 9

A 23-year-old patient is in the clinic and appears anxious. Her speech is rapid. She is fidgety and in constant motion. Which of the following questions or statements would be most appropriate for the nurse to use in this situation to assess attention span?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it involves a specific and observable task that assesses attention span. By asking the patient to perform a physical action that requires focus and coordination, the nurse can directly evaluate the patient's ability to follow instructions and maintain attention. This task also helps to assess motor skills and coordination, which can be affected in certain conditions associated with anxiety and restlessness. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly assess attention span. Choice A focuses on emotions and behavior rather than attention. Choice B assesses memory recall rather than attention span. Choice C tests comprehension and interpretation skills related to a phrase, but it does not evaluate attention span directly.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a total knee replacement. Which of the following interventions is most important to prevent post-operative complications?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encouraging early ambulation. Early ambulation helps prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism by improving circulation and preventing blood clots. It also promotes joint mobility and muscle strength. Providing pain medication (B) is important but not as crucial as preventing complications. Monitoring for signs of infection (C) is essential but not the most important intervention. Administering antibiotics before surgery (D) does not directly prevent post-operative complications related to knee replacement.

Question 9 of 9

A patient has had a cerebrovascular accident (stroke). He is trying very hard to communicate. He seems driven to speak and says, "I buy obie get spirding and take my train.' What is the best way for the nurse to communicate with this patient?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient is showing signs of expressive aphasia, where they have difficulty with verbal expression. By supporting his efforts to communicate and using pantomime and gestures, the nurse can help bridge the communication gap and facilitate understanding. This approach acknowledges the patient's drive to communicate and helps him convey his thoughts effectively. Option A is incorrect because although the patient may understand, the nurse needs to adapt the communication method to support the patient's expressive difficulties. Option B is incorrect as abandoning communication efforts would be detrimental to the patient's well-being and recovery. Option C is incorrect as the patient's ability to read and write may also be impaired due to the stroke, making this method less effective than using gestures and pantomime.

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