A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a knee replacement. The nurse should encourage the patient to perform which of the following exercises to prevent complications?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Quadriceps setting exercises. These exercises help prevent complications by strengthening the quadriceps muscles, which are crucial for knee stability and joint support post-surgery. They also aid in preventing muscle atrophy and promoting blood circulation. Leg lifts with weights (B) may strain the knee joint, leading to complications. Isometric muscle contractions (C) involve static muscle contractions and do not provide the necessary range of motion needed post-knee surgery. Active range-of-motion exercises (D) may be beneficial but should be performed after quadriceps setting exercises to avoid unnecessary strain on the knee joint.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Place the patient in the supine position. This position allows optimal access to the abdomen for examination due to gravitational forces aiding in organ palpation. Having the patient lie flat (choice B) may not provide adequate access. Positioning the patient on their side (choice D) may limit visibility and palpation. Elevating the head to 45 degrees (choice A) is unnecessary for an abdominal examination on an obese patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assessment. The first step in the nursing process is to assess the patient's condition to gather data and information. In this case, assessing the patient's symptoms, vital signs, and history will help the nurse identify signs of pneumonia and determine the appropriate interventions. Diagnosis (A) comes after assessment, as it involves analyzing the data collected. Implementation (C) and Evaluation (D) are subsequent steps in the nursing process after assessment and diagnosis have been completed. Assessment is crucial for developing an effective care plan and ensuring the best possible outcomes for the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because more information should be gathered to assess the situation appropriately. The woman's appearance may suggest alternative lifestyles or personal expression rather than mental health issues. It is essential to avoid assumptions based solely on appearance and gather a comprehensive history to understand her choices. Options A and B are dismissive and judgmental, failing to consider the complexity of human behavior. Option C is incorrect as the presented information does not provide enough evidence to diagnose manic syndrome. In summary, option D is the most logical and ethical approach to understanding the woman's situation without making unfounded assumptions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Post-operative hip replacement patients are at high risk for DVT due to immobility and surgical trauma. The nurse should monitor for signs such as swelling, redness, and pain in the affected leg. DVT can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if not detected early. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while pneumonia, wound infection, and hypoglycemia are also potential post-operative complications, they are not as directly associated with hip replacement surgery as DVT.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The diaphragm of the stethoscope. The diaphragm is used to assess heart murmurs as it allows for higher-frequency sounds to be heard more clearly. When assessing heart murmurs, using the diaphragm helps to differentiate between systolic and diastolic murmurs, as well as to identify specific characteristics such as intensity and location. A: The bell of the stethoscope is used for low-frequency sounds and would not be ideal for assessing heart murmurs. C: Palpation with the palm of the hand is used to assess pulses and vibrations, not heart murmurs. D: Asking another nurse to double-check the finding is important for validation but does not directly relate to the technique used to assess a heart murmur.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum creatinine levels. In patients with chronic kidney disease, monitoring serum creatinine levels is crucial because it reflects kidney function. An increase in creatinine levels indicates worsening kidney function. Hemoglobin levels (B) are important in assessing anemia, common in CKD, but not the priority. White blood cell count (C) and platelet count (D) may indicate infection or bleeding, respectively, but are not specific to kidney function in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing a source of fast-acting carbohydrate. In a hypoglycemic episode, the priority is to raise the blood sugar quickly to prevent further complications. Fast-acting carbohydrates such as glucose tablets or orange juice can rapidly increase blood sugar levels. Administering insulin (choice A) can further lower blood sugar, checking blood glucose levels (choice C) may delay treatment, and contacting the healthcare provider (choice D) is not necessary in the immediate management of hypoglycemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing supplemental oxygen. In COPD, patients often have difficulty breathing due to impaired lung function. Supplemental oxygen helps improve oxygenation and relieves respiratory distress. Prioritizing this intervention is crucial for managing COPD exacerbations and preventing complications. Administering diuretics (A) may be indicated for comorbid conditions like heart failure but is not a priority in managing COPD. Increasing fluid intake (C) may not directly address the patient's respiratory distress. Encouraging bed rest (D) may lead to deconditioning and worsen respiratory function in COPD patients.