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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neutropenia. Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy where there is a decrease in neutrophil count, increasing the risk of infections. Monitoring for neutropenia is crucial to prevent serious infections and sepsis in chemotherapy patients. Hyperkalemia (B), chronic pain (C), and hypertension (D) are not direct complications of chemotherapy and do not pose immediate life-threatening risks to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Monitoring for neutropenia takes precedence due to the potential for life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions as it helps to reverse the symptoms quickly and prevent further complications. Administering corticosteroids (B) may be considered later for long-term management, but epinephrine is the immediate priority. Administering oxygen (C) may help with respiratory distress but does not address the underlying allergic reaction. Applying a cold compress (D) may provide temporary relief for local reactions but is not effective for a severe systemic allergic reaction.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Hepatic encephalopathy. In cirrhosis, the liver is unable to detoxify ammonia, leading to its accumulation and causing neurological symptoms. Monitoring for signs such as confusion, altered mental status, and asterixis is crucial. Acute renal failure (A) is not directly related to cirrhosis but may occur as a complication. Acute pancreatitis (C) is not a typical complication of cirrhosis. COPD (D) is a respiratory condition and not directly associated with cirrhosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply an airtight dressing. This is the first priority because it helps prevent air from entering the chest cavity, which can cause a tension pneumothorax. A tension pneumothorax can rapidly lead to respiratory distress and cardiac arrest. Applying an airtight dressing helps stabilize the condition until further medical intervention can be provided. Incorrect choices: A: Performing needle decompression is not the first priority as it is indicated for a tension pneumothorax once it has developed, not as a preventive measure. B: Applying a sterile dressing is important but not the first priority when dealing with a gunshot wound to the chest as sealing the wound to prevent air entry is more critical. D: Monitoring the client's ECG is not the first priority in this situation as addressing the potential tension pneumothorax takes precedence over monitoring the client's heart rhythm.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. Bronchodilators help dilate the airways, relieving bronchospasm and improving airflow in clients experiencing shortness of breath and wheezing. This intervention directly addresses the underlying cause of the symptoms. Administering corticosteroids (B) may be considered in severe cases to reduce inflammation but is not the priority initial intervention. Administering pain relief (C) is not indicated unless pain is identified as a contributing factor. Placing the client in a sitting position (D) can help improve breathing but does not directly address the bronchoconstriction causing the wheezing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To treat human responses. This goal aligns with the nursing profession's focus on addressing the holistic needs of individuals. Nurses aim to understand and manage patients' emotional, physical, and psychological responses to illness or treatment. By treating human responses, nurses can improve overall well-being. A: Providing cost-effective care is important but not a broad goal within nursing. It is a component of efficient healthcare delivery. B: Forming broad nursing diagnoses is a part of the nursing process, not a broad goal in itself. C: Promoting self-care is crucial in nursing practice, but it is more of a specific intervention rather than a broad goal encompassing the entire profession.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer fluids. In hypovolemic shock, the primary issue is a lack of circulating blood volume. Administering fluids helps to restore blood volume and improve perfusion to vital organs, addressing the underlying cause of shock. Vasopressors (B) are used in distributive shock, sodium bicarbonate (C) is used for metabolic acidosis, and corticosteroids (D) are typically not indicated in hypovolemic shock. Administering fluids is the most important intervention to stabilize the client's condition in hypovolemic shock.

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.