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

Questions 37

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health assessment exam 2 test bank Questions

Question 1 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 2 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a knee replacement. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). After knee replacement surgery, the patient is at a higher risk for developing DVT due to immobility and altered blood flow. Monitoring for signs such as calf pain, swelling, and redness is crucial to prevent complications like pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism (Choice A) is a potential complication of untreated DVT. Gastrointestinal bleeding (Choice B) is not directly related to knee replacement surgery. Hypoglycemia (Choice D) is not a common complication post-knee replacement. Monitoring for DVT is essential in preventing life-threatening complications for the patient.

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 patient with a history of diabetes presents with a wound on the foot that is not healing. The nurse would be concerned about the possibility of:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral vascular disease. In a patient with diabetes, poor blood circulation due to damaged blood vessels can lead to delayed wound healing. Peripheral vascular disease is a common complication of diabetes that can result in inadequate blood flow to the extremities, impairing wound healing. Deep vein thrombosis (B) is a blood clot issue, not directly related to poor wound healing. Cellulitis (C) is a bacterial skin infection that can occur in anyone, not just diabetics. Skin cancer (D) is a condition unrelated to the wound healing process in this context.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who is experiencing hypoglycemia. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing a source of fast-acting carbohydrate. In hypoglycemia, the priority is to quickly raise the patient's blood sugar levels to prevent potential complications like seizures or loss of consciousness. Fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or juice, can rapidly increase blood sugar levels. Administering insulin (A) would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the situation. Administering an oral hypoglycemic agent (C) is not appropriate in an acute hypoglycemic episode. Monitoring blood pressure (D) is important but not the priority in this situation.

Question 6 of 9

A 65-year-old man with emphysema and bronchitis has come to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. On assessment of his skin, the nurse would expect to find which of the following?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clubbing of the nails. Clubbing is a physical finding associated with chronic respiratory conditions like emphysema and bronchitis. It is characterized by the softening of the nail bed and the loss of the normal angle between the nail and the nail bed. This occurs due to chronic hypoxia and can be a sign of advanced lung disease. Anasarca (choice A) is generalized edema, not specific to respiratory conditions. Scleroderma (choice B) is a connective tissue disorder affecting the skin and other organs, not directly related to respiratory conditions. Pedal erythema (choice C) refers to redness of the feet and is not a typical finding in emphysema or bronchitis.

Question 7 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 8 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic heart failure. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering diuretics as prescribed. Diuretics help reduce fluid retention in patients with heart failure, relieving symptoms like edema and shortness of breath. Prioritizing diuretics can help manage the patient's fluid balance and improve heart function. Encouraging increased fluid intake (B) is contraindicated as it can worsen fluid overload. Restricting sodium intake (C) is important in heart failure management but not the top priority over administering diuretics. Administering pain medications (D) is not a priority intervention for chronic heart failure management.

Question 9 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of worsening heart failure?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pitting edema and weight gain. In chronic heart failure, worsening symptoms indicate fluid retention. Pitting edema in the extremities and weight gain are signs of fluid overload, indicating worsening heart failure. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor these signs to prevent exacerbation. Fatigue and shortness of breath (Choice A) are common symptoms in heart failure but not specific to worsening condition. Increased urine output (Choice B) is not typically seen in worsening heart failure as the kidneys may be compromised. Decreased blood pressure (Choice C) can occur in acute decompensation but is not a consistent sign of worsening chronic heart failure.

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