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: 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 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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitoring for signs of hemorrhage. This is the priority intervention because post-cesarean section hemorrhage is a life-threatening complication that requires immediate attention. The nurse should monitor the patient's vital signs, uterine firmness, and amount of vaginal bleeding to detect any signs of hemorrhage and take prompt action if necessary. Option A is incorrect because pain management is important but not the priority in this situation. Option B is also incorrect as breastfeeding can be encouraged after the patient's condition is stable. Option D is not the priority as preventing deep vein thrombosis is important but not as urgent as monitoring for hemorrhage.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. This statement indicates a misunderstanding because stopping medication once blood pressure is normal can lead to a relapse of hypertension. Step 1: Medication management is crucial for long-term control of hypertension. Step 2: Stopping medication abruptly can cause blood pressure to rise again. Step 3: Regular monitoring, limiting sodium intake, and exercising are all important aspects of hypertension management. Summary: Choices A, B, and D demonstrate good understanding of hypertension management, while choice C shows a need for further education on the importance of continued medication use.