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

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Encouraging early ambulation. Early ambulation helps prevent complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle weakness. It improves circulation, lung function, and overall recovery. Administering pain medication regularly (A) is important but not the top priority. Deep breathing exercises (B) are beneficial but not as crucial as early ambulation post-hip replacement. Monitoring for signs of infection (C) is essential but not the top priority for preventing complications in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Immobilize the spine. This is the first priority because it helps prevent further injury to the spinal cord. By immobilizing the spine, the nurse ensures that any movement doesn't worsen the existing injury. Placing the client in a supine position (B) can be done after immobilization. Administering analgesics (C) should not be done before assessing the extent of the injury. Assessing the airway (D) is important but should come after immobilizing the spine to prevent any unnecessary movement.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Never did too good in school." This statement should be explored further during an interview because it can provide insights into the patient's educational background, potential learning difficulties, or past experiences that may impact their health literacy or understanding of medical information. Understanding the patient's educational history can help the nurse tailor communication and education strategies effectively. A: "Sleeps like a baby" is not as critical for further exploration as it pertains to the patient's sleep quality. B: "Has no health problems" is important information but does not require immediate further exploration. D: "Is currently not taking any medication" is important for medication reconciliation but does not warrant immediate further exploration in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking the patient to rate pain intensity using a scale (like 0-10) provides a standardized measure of pain perception. This quantitative data helps healthcare providers assess pain severity accurately and track changes over time. Asking about allergies (B) is important but not directly related to pain assessment. Asking the patient to describe the pain (C) provides qualitative information but may not be as reliable or consistent as a numerical rating. Measuring pain intensity using a scale (D) is similar to the correct answer but does not involve the patient's subjective input, which is crucial in pain assessment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antiepileptics. This is the most appropriate intervention for a client with a history of seizures as antiepileptic medications help prevent or reduce the frequency of seizures. Monitoring vital signs (B) is important but does not directly address the underlying issue of seizures. Oxygen therapy (C) may be needed during a seizure but does not prevent future episodes. Monitoring ECG (D) may provide information on cardiac function but is not the primary intervention for seizures. Administering antiepileptics is essential for seizure management.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: D - Administering oxygen Rationale: 1. Oxygen is crucial in acute myocardial infarction to improve oxygenation and reduce myocardial workload. 2. Administering oxygen helps alleviate ischemia and prevents further damage. 3. Prioritizing oxygenation before pain medication or assessment ensures immediate intervention for the patient's well-being. Summary of other choices: A: Administering pain medication - Important for comfort but not the priority in acute myocardial infarction. B: Performing a head-to-toe assessment - Necessary but not as urgent as ensuring oxygenation. C: Establishing an intravenous line - Helpful but not as critical as administering oxygen in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reorient the client. Reorientation helps the confused client regain awareness of their surroundings, time, and situation post-operatively. It can improve their cognition and reduce anxiety. Notifying the healthcare provider (A) may be necessary but not the primary concern. Increasing circulation (C) is important but not the first step for a confused post-op client. Assessing pain (D) is important but addressing confusion takes precedence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. This is the most important nursing intervention for a client with severe dehydration because IV fluids provide rapid rehydration and help restore electrolyte balance efficiently. Monitoring vital signs (choice B) is important but not as crucial as providing immediate fluid replacement. Providing oral rehydration (choice C) may not be effective for severe dehydration as the client may have difficulty absorbing fluids orally. Administering oxygen (choice D) is not directly related to treating dehydration, so it is not the most important intervention in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct immediate intervention for a hypoglycemic client is to provide 4-6 ounces of fruit juice with sugar. This is because the client needs a quick source of glucose to raise their blood sugar levels rapidly. Fruit juice with sugar is easily absorbed, providing a fast-acting solution to hypoglycemia. Commercially prepared glucose tablets may take longer to be absorbed than fruit juice. Hard candies and honey may not contain enough sugar to raise blood sugar levels quickly compared to fruit juice. Therefore, fruit juice with sugar is the most effective option for immediate intervention in hypoglycemic clients.