A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a knee replacement. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Both B and C. After knee replacement surgery, patients are at risk for developing DVT and pulmonary embolism due to immobility and surgery-related factors. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs, which can lead to a pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs. Monitoring for both complications is crucial to prevent serious consequences. Option A, hyperglycemia, is not a common complication following knee replacement surgery and is not directly related to immobility or surgery. Option B, DVT, is correct but does not encompass the risk of pulmonary embolism. Option C, pulmonary embolism, is correct but does not cover the initial risk of DVT formation. Therefore, monitoring for both DVT and pulmonary embolism is essential in post-operative knee replacement patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Drinking caffeinated beverages can potentially increase blood pressure due to their stimulant effect. Limiting caffeine intake is recommended for patients with hypertension. Statement A is correct as reducing sodium and increasing potassium intake can help lower blood pressure. Statement B is correct as processed foods and fast food are typically high in sodium and unhealthy fats, which can worsen hypertension. Statement D is correct as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are part of a heart-healthy diet for managing hypertension.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for hyperkalemia is to administer insulin (Choice C). Insulin drives potassium into cells, lowering serum potassium levels. This is effective in acutely reducing high potassium levels. Administering calcium gluconate (Choice A) is used for stabilizing cardiac membranes in hyperkalemia but does not lower potassium levels. Sodium bicarbonate (Choice B) is used for metabolic acidosis, not hyperkalemia. Furosemide (Choice D) is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss but is not the primary intervention for hyperkalemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because building trust with patients is crucial for effective communication and promoting patient cooperation. Trust takes time to develop and is essential in gaining accurate information about a patient's health. Patients may not disclose all information if they do not trust the nurse. Choice A is incorrect because patients may withhold information for various reasons. Choice C is incorrect as not all patients seeking care may fully understand the Canadian health care system. Choice D is incorrect because not all patients may recognize the importance of answering all questions, especially if they are uncomfortable or lack trust in the healthcare provider.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer thrombolytics. Thrombolytics help dissolve blood clots causing the stroke, restoring blood flow to the brain. This intervention is time-sensitive to prevent further brain damage. Administering aspirin (B) is important but not the priority over thrombolytics. Performing an ECG (C) assesses heart function, not the immediate intervention for stroke. Administering corticosteroids (D) is not indicated in acute stroke management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: decrease maternal fluids. When fetal distress is indicated, decreasing maternal fluids helps prevent further stress on the fetus by reducing the volume of amniotic fluid. This can help improve blood flow to the placenta and oxygen delivery to the baby. Increasing maternal fluids (choice A) can worsen the situation by potentially increasing amniotic fluid volume and further compromising fetal oxygenation. Administering oxygen (choice B) is important to improve oxygen supply to the fetus. Turning the mother (choice D) can help relieve pressure on the baby but is not the primary action when fetal distress is indicated.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it quickly reverses severe allergic reactions. It works by constricting blood vessels, relaxing airway muscles, and increasing heart rate. These actions help to counteract the potentially life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure. Applying antihistamines (B) may help with mild allergic reactions but are not sufficient for anaphylaxis. Administering morphine (C) or pain relief (D) is not appropriate initially as they do not address the immediate life-threatening nature of anaphylaxis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Shakiness and dizziness. Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms such as shakiness and dizziness. This is because the brain requires glucose for energy, and when levels drop too low, these symptoms can occur. Increased thirst and urination (A) are more indicative of hyperglycemia, where blood sugar levels are too high. Blurred vision and headaches (C) can be symptoms of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia but are less specific to hypoglycemia. Fatigue and weight loss (D) are not typical symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it directly asks for specific information about past hospitalizations, prompting Mr. Y to recall the last time he was admitted for chest pain. This question is open-ended, allowing Mr. Y to provide detailed information voluntarily. A is incorrect as it assumes Mr. Y has been hospitalized without directly asking for that information. B is a better choice but lacks specificity in requesting details about past hospitalizations. C is inappropriate as it assumes permission to access medical records without Mr. Y's consent.