A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following hip replacement surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

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health assessment in nursing test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following hip replacement surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation. This is because early ambulation is crucial in preventing complications such as blood clots and muscle atrophy post hip replacement surgery. It helps improve circulation, prevent joint stiffness, and promote healing. Administering pain medication regularly (A) is important but not the top priority. Providing wound care and dressing changes (C) and monitoring for signs of infection (D) are also important but secondary to early ambulation in preventing complications and promoting recovery.

Question 2 of 9

A visiting nurse is making an initial home visit to a patient who has a number of chronic medical problems. Which type of database is most appropriate to collect in this setting?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A complete health database because of the nurse's primary responsibility for monitoring the patient's health. In this initial home visit, the nurse needs to gather comprehensive information about the patient's medical history, current health status, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors to establish a baseline for ongoing care. This complete health database will help the nurse make informed decisions and provide personalized care. Choice A (follow-up database) is incorrect as it is used to evaluate changes over time, not for the initial assessment. Choice B (episodic database) is incorrect because the patient's chronic medical problems require a more comprehensive approach. Choice D (emergency database) is incorrect as it is used for urgent situations, not for routine assessments.

Question 3 of 9

The nurse is conducting a health interview with a patient named Salil. There is a language barrier, and no interpreter is available. Which of the following is the best example of an appropriate question for the nurse to ask in this situation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Does Salil take medicine?" This is the best question because it is simple, direct, and focuses on gathering important medical information. It is clear and easy to understand even with a language barrier. Choice B is irrelevant and not related to the patient's health status. Choice C assumes symptoms without context. Choice D is inappropriate as it refers to the patient in the third person and includes a leading statement. Asking about medication directly is the most appropriate approach in this scenario.

Question 4 of 9

Which of the following responses might the nurse expect during the functional assessment of a patient whose leg is in a cast?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the nurse would expect the patient to demonstrate functional independence in activities like transferring from a wheelchair to the bed despite having a leg in a cast. This response indicates good mobility and strength, which are positive signs of recovery. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address the functional assessment of the patient. Choice A provides historical information, choice B focuses on pain management, and choice C mentions a self-care routine that is not related to functional ability.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. In CKD, kidneys struggle to excrete potassium, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This can result in dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Hypokalemia (B) is unlikely in CKD due to impaired potassium excretion. Hyperglycemia (C) is more commonly associated with diabetes rather than CKD. Hypercalcemia (D) is not a typical complication of CKD; instead, patients with CKD often experience low calcium levels.

Question 6 of 9

A nurse is teaching a patient about managing high cholesterol. Which of the following dietary changes would be most beneficial for lowering cholesterol?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreasing intake of trans fats. Trans fats are known to increase LDL cholesterol levels, which are considered "bad" cholesterol. By reducing trans fats in the diet, the patient can lower their cholesterol levels. Saturated fats (choice A) can also increase LDL cholesterol, so increasing intake is not beneficial. Dietary fiber (choice B) helps lower cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system, so decreasing intake would not be beneficial. Processed sugars (choice D) do not directly impact cholesterol levels, so increasing intake would not help lower cholesterol. Overall, choosing option C is the most effective dietary change for managing high cholesterol.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse is about to perform an assessment of a patient's lungs. Which of the following is the most appropriate action before auscultation?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ask the patient to lie flat and breathe normally. This position allows for optimal lung expansion, making it easier to hear breath sounds accurately. Asking the patient to lie flat also provides a consistent baseline for comparison across different patients. A: Asking the patient to take deep breaths before auscultation may alter their normal breathing pattern and make it difficult to assess baseline lung sounds accurately. B: Having the patient sit upright can be helpful for certain assessments, but lying flat is preferred for auscultating lung sounds. C: Examining for symmetry is important but not directly related to the optimal position for auscultation.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic asthma. The nurse should monitor the patient for which of the following complications of asthma?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory failure. In chronic asthma, persistent inflammation and airway remodeling can lead to worsening lung function and respiratory distress, ultimately resulting in respiratory failure. Monitoring for signs of respiratory distress such as increased work of breathing, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is crucial. A: Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication of asthma. B: Oxygen toxicity is not a common complication in asthma management unless high concentrations of supplemental oxygen are administered for prolonged periods. C: Hyperkalemia is not directly associated with asthma but may occur as a complication of certain asthma treatments or comorbid conditions. Therefore, the priority complication to monitor in a patient with chronic asthma is respiratory failure due to the progressive nature of the disease and the potential for acute exacerbations.

Question 9 of 9

A 45-year-old woman suffered a head injury in a car accident. A few months after recovering from her injuries, she is unable to differentiate between hot and cold and is unsure of how to dress for the weather. This is an example of:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Agnosia. Agnosia is the inability to recognize or interpret sensory information, such as temperature or clothing. In this case, the woman's inability to differentiate between hot and cold and dress appropriately for the weather indicates a sensory processing issue, characteristic of agnosia. A: Mania is a mood disorder characterized by extreme excitement and impulsivity, not related to sensory perception issues. C: Dementia is a broad term for cognitive decline, which typically includes memory loss and impaired decision-making, but not necessarily sensory perception deficits. D: Amnestic disorder refers to memory impairment, not the inability to interpret sensory information.

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