A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following an abdominal surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encouraging early ambulation to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Early ambulation helps prevent blood clot formation in the legs, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis post-surgery. It also promotes circulation and aids in preventing complications like pneumonia. Administering pain medication (B) is important, but preventing complications should take priority. Providing wound care (C) is essential but not the top priority. Encouraging a high-protein diet (D) is beneficial for healing, but immediate post-operative mobility is crucial for preventing complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: sodium and chloride. In the extracellular fluid, sodium and chloride are the major electrolytes due to their roles in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Potassium and phosphate (choice B) are primarily found in intracellular fluid, while potassium and chloride (choice A) are not the major electrolytes in extracellular fluid. Similarly, sodium and phosphate (choice D) are not major extracellular electrolytes. Thus, choice C is the correct answer based on the significant presence and functions of sodium and chloride in the extracellular fluid.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lupus. Lupus can affect the kidneys, leading to renal impairment. Renal impairment can decrease the body's ability to excrete ammonia, resulting in elevated levels. Renal failure (choice A) can also lead to elevated ammonia levels, but lupus specifically contributes to renal issues. Cirrhosis (choice B) primarily affects the liver, not kidneys. Psoriasis (choice C) is a skin condition and does not directly impact ammonia levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In CKD, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products, leading to an increase in BUN levels. Elevated BUN indicates impaired kidney function. Calcium, potassium, and sodium levels may also be affected in CKD, but they are more likely to be imbalanced rather than consistently elevated. Calcium levels may be low due to impaired vitamin D activation, potassium levels may be high due to decreased excretion, and sodium levels can fluctuate based on fluid status. Therefore, while these lab values may be abnormal in CKD, BUN is the most consistently elevated marker of kidney dysfunction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a functional assessment specifically evaluates an older adult's ability to manage day-to-day activities, such as personal care, meal preparation, and mobility. This assessment helps identify any difficulties the individual may have in performing these essential tasks, which can then inform appropriate interventions or support services. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the primary focus of a functional assessment, which is to evaluate an individual's functional abilities and independence in daily living tasks, particularly in the context of aging or disability.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Edema and proteinuria. In CKD, the kidneys are unable to filter waste products effectively, leading to fluid retention (edema) and protein leaking into the urine (proteinuria). Edema occurs due to fluid buildup from decreased kidney function. Proteinuria is a result of damaged glomeruli in the kidneys, allowing proteins to leak into the urine. Weight loss and polyphagia (excessive hunger) are not typical symptoms of CKD. Hypertension and tachycardia can occur in CKD due to fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances. Hypothermia and bradycardia are not common symptoms of CKD and would be more indicative of other conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients with a history of stroke are at increased risk for DVT due to immobility and potential damage to blood vessels. Monitoring for DVT is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism (A) is a potential complication of DVT but not the most direct concern. Hypertension (C) is a common condition but not directly linked to a history of stroke. Hyperglycemia (D) is more commonly associated with diabetes rather than stroke history. Monitoring for DVT in stroke patients is essential for early detection and intervention.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Scurvy. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. Without enough vitamin C, collagen production is impaired, leading to symptoms like bleeding gums, fatigue, and joint pain. Incorrect Choices: A: Rickets is caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, not vitamin C. B: Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition due to inadequate intake of calories and protein, not specifically vitamin C. C: Kwashiorkor is a form of severe acute malnutrition typically caused by inadequate protein intake, not vitamin C deficiency. In summary, the correct answer is D (Scurvy) because it directly relates to inadequate intake of vitamin C, while the other choices are associated with different nutrient deficiencies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer nitroglycerin. This is the nurse's first action for a client with a suspected MI because nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. This can help reduce chest pain and prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Administering nitroglycerin promptly is crucial in managing an MI. Monitoring cardiac rhythm (B) and assessing the ECG (C) are important steps, but administering nitroglycerin takes precedence in addressing the client's immediate symptoms. Assisting with positioning (D) is not as urgent or directly related to managing an MI compared to administering nitroglycerin.