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

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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 with a history of asthma. The nurse should educate the patient to avoid which of the following triggers?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cold, dry air. Cold, dry air is a common trigger for asthma exacerbations, as it can irritate the airways and lead to bronchoconstriction. This trigger can worsen asthma symptoms and increase the risk of an asthma attack. Educating the patient to avoid cold, dry air can help prevent asthma flare-ups. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical activity but can be managed with proper warm-up and medication. It is not typically something to avoid altogether. C: Caffeine is a mild bronchodilator and can actually help alleviate asthma symptoms in some cases. D: Environmental allergens can trigger asthma in some individuals, but they vary from person to person, so avoidance strategies would depend on specific allergens identified through testing.

Question 3 of 9

The nurse is taking a patient's family history. Important diseases or problems to ask the patient about include:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: mental health issues. When taking a family history, mental health issues are important as they can have a genetic component and can impact the patient's overall health. Emphysema (A) is a respiratory condition, head trauma (B) is not typically hereditary, and fractured bones (D) are usually due to accidents or osteoporosis, not genetic.

Question 4 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.

Question 5 of 9

When a nurse is assessing a patient's pain level, which of the following questions would be most appropriate?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Asking the patient to rate pain on a scale of 0 to 10 is a standard pain assessment tool, allowing for quantification and tracking of pain intensity. Step 2: This question helps in understanding the severity of pain objectively. Step 3: It provides a baseline for further pain management interventions. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect as they do not directly address assessing pain intensity or severity. Summary: Option A is the most appropriate as it focuses on quantifying pain, which is crucial for effective pain management. Choices B, C, and D are not as relevant for assessing pain intensity.

Question 6 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of stroke. The nurse should monitor the patient for signs of:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Atrial fibrillation. Patients with a history of stroke are at an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a common cause of ischemic stroke. Monitoring for signs of atrial fibrillation such as irregular heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, and chest discomfort is crucial for early detection and prevention of recurrent strokes. Pulmonary embolism (A), chronic kidney disease (C), and sepsis (D) are not directly associated with a history of stroke and would not be the primary focus of monitoring in this case.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about the importance of controlling blood glucose levels. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because stopping insulin when blood sugar is normal can lead to hyperglycemia. A: Monitoring blood sugar is essential for diabetes management. C: Eating balanced diet and exercising help control blood sugar levels. D: Avoiding sugary foods is important to manage blood sugar.

Question 8 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 9 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.

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