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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. After being in critical care for 10 days, it is expected that the patient may be disoriented to time but still be oriented to place and person. This is a common occurrence due to the stressful and disorienting environment of the critical care unit. The patient's cognition may be temporarily affected, leading to difficulty in remembering the date accurately. The patient's ability to recognize their surroundings and identify themselves and others should still be intact. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because disruption in thought content, expressing relief, and clouding of consciousness are not typical cognitive function issues expected in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Encouraging early ambulation and use of compression stockings is crucial post-abdominal surgery to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia. Ambulation helps prevent blood clots and promotes lung expansion. Compression stockings aid in preventing blood pooling in the legs. Administering pain medication regularly (B) is important but not the priority. Monitoring for infection (C) is essential but not the priority immediately post-op. Providing nutritional support and hydration (D) is important but not as critical as preventing immediate complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct interpretation of a drumlike sound heard during percussion of the abdomen is that it indicates air-filled areas within the abdomen. This sound, known as tympany, occurs when air is present in the gastrointestinal tract or hollow organs. Percussion produces a resonant, drum-like sound over these air-filled areas. This is a normal finding during a physical examination. Incorrect Answers: A: Constipation does not typically produce a drumlike sound during percussion. Constipation may cause a dull sound due to fecal matter retention. C: The presence of a tumor would not cause a drumlike sound during percussion. Tumors are typically solid masses and would produce a dull sound during percussion. D: Dense organs such as the liver or spleen would produce a dull sound, not a drumlike sound, during percussion due to their solid nature.

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.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping medication without consulting a healthcare provider can lead to uncontrolled hypertension. Choice A shows understanding of monitoring blood pressure, B demonstrates adherence to medication regimen, and D indicates awareness of dietary management. Choice C is incorrect because abruptly stopping medication can have serious health consequences, making further education necessary.

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.

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.