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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse needs more information to assess the situation effectively. By asking the patient more about the effects of the herbs, the nurse can gather crucial details about the patient's condition and the potential impact of the herbs on her health. This will help the nurse make an informed decision on the appropriate course of action. Choice A is incorrect because jumping to conclusions without gathering more information can be detrimental to the patient's care. Choice C is incorrect as sending the herbs for analysis may not provide immediate insights into the patient's condition. Choice D is incorrect as the focus should be on directly obtaining information from the patient rather than involving a third party.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. This intervention is crucial for a client with an obstructed airway as it helps maintain oxygenation while efforts are made to clear the obstruction. Oxygen administration ensures the client receives adequate oxygen supply to prevent hypoxia and further complications. Monitoring respiratory rate (B) is important but not the priority when airway obstruction is present. Applying a cold compress (C) or administering corticosteroids (D) are not appropriate interventions for an obstructed airway and do not address the immediate need for adequate oxygenation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because using confrontation in this situation involves addressing the discrepancy between the patient's statement and observed behavior without being aggressive or judgmental. By stating, "Mr. K., I know that you are lying," the nurse directly addresses the inconsistency, encouraging honesty and open communication. This approach can help build trust and facilitate a more honest discussion about the patient's tobacco use. Choice A is incorrect as it is too direct and may come across as accusatory. Choice B is also incorrect as it does not acknowledge the discrepancy and may not lead to a productive conversation. Choice C is incorrect as it avoids addressing the issue and focuses on the patient's personal situation instead of the behavior in question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics. This is the best nursing action for a client with a wound infection because antibiotics are necessary to treat the infection at its source, targeting the bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotics help prevent the infection from spreading and promote healing. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: B: Applying a sterile dressing is important for wound care but does not address the underlying infection. C: Monitoring blood pressure is important for overall patient assessment but does not directly treat the wound infection. D: Placing the client in a sitting position is not relevant to treating a wound infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Liver. The liver is responsible for the extensive metabolism of acetaminophen through various pathways, including glucuronidation, sulfation, and oxidation. It converts acetaminophen into less toxic metabolites for elimination. The kidneys (B) primarily filter blood and regulate fluid balance; the lungs (C) are involved in gas exchange; and the pancreas (D) produces digestive enzymes and insulin, not involved in acetaminophen metabolism. Therefore, the liver is the correct choice for this question.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary edema. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs causing pulmonary edema. This can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Monitoring for pulmonary edema is crucial in heart failure management to prevent respiratory distress and worsening heart function. Rationale: A: Hypoglycemia - While patients with heart failure may be at risk for metabolic abnormalities, hypoglycemia is not a common complication directly related to heart failure. C: Anemia - Anemia can occur in heart failure due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, but it is not a direct complication that requires immediate monitoring like pulmonary edema. D: Hypertension - Heart failure is characterized by a reduced ability of the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to decreased cardiac output. Therefore, hypertension is not typically a complication seen in heart failure patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor for arrhythmias. This is because in a client showing signs of shock after surgery, the priority is to assess for any cardiac complications such as arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring for arrhythmias allows prompt identification and intervention. Administering a blood transfusion (A) may be necessary in some cases of shock but is not the first intervention. Administering oxygen (C) may also be necessary, but addressing cardiac complications takes precedence. Encouraging deep breathing (D) is not a priority in managing shock-related complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy and addresses the patient's potential emotions directly. By asking if the patient feels nervous or worried about the pregnancy, the nurse acknowledges the observed nonverbal behaviors and opens the door for the patient to express their feelings. This approach shows sensitivity and may help the patient feel understood and supported. Choice A is incorrect because directly asking the patient to explain what they are feeling might come off as intrusive and could make the patient uncomfortable. Choice B is not ideal as remaining silent may lead to missed opportunities for the patient to share their concerns. Choice D, while important, does not address the specific nonverbal cues observed and may not prompt the patient to open up about their emotions.