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: Administer oxygen. In acute shortness of breath with COPD, oxygen therapy is crucial to improve oxygenation levels and alleviate respiratory distress. Oxygen can help reduce the workload on the lungs and heart. Antibiotics (B) are not indicated unless there is a suspected bacterial infection. Monitoring blood glucose (C) is important in diabetes management but not the priority in acute respiratory distress. Administering pain relief (D) may not address the underlying cause of the shortness of breath. Oxygen therapy directly targets the respiratory issue in COPD exacerbation, making it the most effective initial intervention.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it focuses on assessing the impact of the pain on the woman's daily activities, which is crucial in understanding the severity and functional limitations caused by the pain. This helps in planning appropriate interventions and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. Choice A is incorrect as it shifts the focus to the family's reaction rather than the woman's pain. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes a diagnosis without proper assessment and may minimize the woman's experience. Choice C is incorrect as it redirects the conversation to the nurse's experience, which is not helpful in addressing the woman's pain and needs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are unable to effectively excrete potassium, leading to elevated levels in the blood. This can result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring for hyperkalemia is crucial in managing patients with kidney disease. Other choices are incorrect because: B: Hypoglycemia is not typically associated with chronic kidney disease. C: Hypotension may occur in kidney disease but is not directly related to decreased renal function. D: Hypercalcemia is not a common complication of decreased renal function; in fact, kidney disease can lead to low levels of calcium.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C: Reinforce the dressing is the correct intervention for serosanguineous drainage after cholecystectomy. This helps maintain a clean and dry wound environment, promotes healing, and prevents infection. Changing the dressing (B) may disrupt the wound healing process. Notifying the physician (A) is important but not the immediate intervention. Applying an abdominal binder (D) is not indicated for managing serosanguineous drainage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the most important action for a client with respiratory distress because it helps improve oxygen levels in the blood and supports breathing. Oxygen therapy can prevent hypoxia and reduce respiratory workload. Corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and analgesics may be beneficial in specific situations, but they are not the primary intervention for respiratory distress. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, bronchodilators help open airways, and analgesics provide pain relief but do not directly address the underlying issue of inadequate oxygenation. Administering oxygen should always be the first priority in managing respiratory distress.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neutropenia. During chemotherapy, neutropenia, a decrease in white blood cells, can occur, leading to increased risk of infections. Monitoring for neutropenia is crucial for timely intervention. Hyperkalemia (B) is not commonly associated with chemotherapy. Hypoglycemia (C) is more related to diabetes or insulin therapy. Chronic pain (D) is not a typical complication of chemotherapy. Monitoring for neutropenia allows the nurse to provide appropriate care to prevent infections and ensure the patient's safety.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly allows for timely adjustments in treatment. 2. It helps in preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia complications. 3. Enables the patient to understand how their lifestyle choices impact their blood sugar levels. 4. Empowers the patient to make informed decisions regarding their diabetes management. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Limiting physical activity can lead to complications like obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity. C: Diet should focus on balanced nutrition, not just low-fat or high-protein, to manage diabetes effectively. D: Taking insulin regardless of blood sugar levels can result in hypoglycemia or poor blood sugar control.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum typically caused by infection. Administering antibiotics is crucial to treat the underlying infection. IV fluids (B) may be necessary to maintain hydration, but antibiotics address the root cause. Placing the client in a supine position (C) is not a specific intervention for peritonitis. Administering epinephrine (D) is not indicated for peritonitis as it is not a treatment for infection.