A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a knee replacement. Which of the following should the nurse prioritize in the post-operative care plan?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation. Early ambulation helps prevent complications such as blood clots, improves circulation, aids in lung expansion, and promotes faster recovery. Pain management is important but encouraging mobility is a priority. Administering IV antibiotics is not necessary unless there is an infection present. Monitoring for signs of deep vein thrombosis is important but encouraging ambulation is a proactive approach to prevent its occurrence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: B is correct because patients with CKD often have difficulty excreting potassium, so limiting high potassium foods is crucial to prevent hyperkalemia. A is incorrect because increasing potassium intake is not recommended. C is incorrect as excessive protein intake can worsen kidney function. D is incorrect because CKD patients typically have fluid restrictions to prevent fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation. This is the priority intervention because it allows the nurse to assess the patient's current cardiac status and detect any potential complications early. Monitoring vital signs provides crucial information on the patient's cardiovascular stability, while oxygen saturation levels indicate adequate tissue perfusion. Administering pain medication (A) can be important but not the priority. Deep breathing exercises (C) and providing nutritional education (D) are important but not as immediate as monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation in a patient with a history of myocardial infarction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A blood pressure reading of 160/100 mm Hg is most concerning because it falls within the hypertensive crisis range, indicating severely elevated blood pressure that requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications like stroke or heart attack. Choices B, C, and D are within the prehypertension or mild hypertension ranges and are not as immediately concerning.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Be totally honest with him, even if the information is unpleasant. This is the best approach because honesty builds trust and credibility, crucial in a healthcare setting. It allows the teenager to make informed decisions about his care and fosters a therapeutic relationship. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Using periods of silence may be misinterpreted as indifference or lack of engagement. C: Promising total confidentiality may not be feasible in healthcare settings and could lead to potential harm if critical information needs to be shared with others for the patient's safety. D: Using slang language may come across as unprofessional and may hinder effective communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ear. Examining the ear first is crucial in infants as it allows the nurse to assess for any signs of infection or abnormalities that could impact the infant's overall health. Ear infections are common in infants and can lead to serious complications if not detected early. By examining the ear first, the nurse can promptly address any issues and provide appropriate treatment. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: - B: Nose - While examining the nose is important, it is not the priority in infants as ear issues are more common and can have immediate implications on health. - C: Throat - Throat examination is important but typically follows ear examination in infants, as ear infections are more prevalent. - D: Abdomen - Abdominal examination is important for overall health assessment but is not the initial area to examine in infants as ear issues take precedence due to their frequency and potential impact.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: He has a snake phobia. Phobias are irrational and persistent fears of specific objects or situations. In this case, the patient's fear of snakes is unreasonable and causes discomfort even when encountering pictures of snakes. This aligns with the characteristics of a phobia. Choice B is incorrect as hypochondriasis involves excessive worry about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance. Choice C is incorrect as obsessions are intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety, while the patient's fear of snakes is more of a specific fear rather than an obsession. Choice D is incorrect as delusions are fixed false beliefs, and the patient's fear of snakes is not based on a false belief but rather an irrational fear.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation and use of compression stockings. This intervention is crucial post-hip replacement to prevent complications such as blood clots and muscle weakness. Early ambulation helps prevent blood clots by promoting circulation, and compression stockings further aid in preventing deep vein thrombosis. Pain medication (A) is important but not the priority in preventing complications. Providing nutritional support (C) is also important but does not directly prevent post-operative complications. Monitoring for signs of infection (D) is essential but not as immediate as promoting early ambulation to prevent complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pneumonia. The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath and cough with thick, green sputum suggest an acute infection in the lungs. Pneumonia is characterized by inflammation and infection of the lung tissue, leading to symptoms such as productive cough, shortness of breath, and sputum production. It is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. A: Asthma typically presents with wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath triggered by certain stimuli, but not usually with thick, green sputum. B: Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, characterized by cough with clear or slightly discolored sputum, not typically thick and green. D: Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the arteries of the lungs, causing sudden shortness of breath and chest pain, but not usually associated with green sputum production.