A patient is post-operative following a total hip replacement. The nurse should prioritize which of the following to prevent complications?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation. This is crucial post-total hip replacement to prevent complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle weakness. Early ambulation helps improve circulation, prevent stiffness, and promote faster recovery. Monitoring for infection (A) is important but not the top priority. Administering pain medications (C) and wound care (D) are essential but do not address the primary goal of preventing complications post-operatively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decrease intake of saturated fats. Saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels, leading to increased risk of heart disease and hypertension. Decreasing intake of saturated fats can help lower blood pressure. Incorrect choices: A: Increasing intake of foods high in sodium can worsen hypertension by increasing blood pressure. C: Increasing intake of processed foods often leads to higher sodium and saturated fat intake, worsening hypertension. D: Decreasing intake of fiber is not ideal as fiber helps in maintaining a healthy weight and managing blood pressure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation and use of compression stockings. This intervention is crucial post-hip replacement to prevent complications such as blood clots and muscle weakness. Early ambulation helps prevent blood clots by promoting circulation, and compression stockings further aid in preventing deep vein thrombosis. Pain medication (A) is important but not the priority in preventing complications. Providing nutritional support (C) is also important but does not directly prevent post-operative complications. Monitoring for signs of infection (D) is essential but not as immediate as promoting early ambulation to prevent complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the presence of a physical characteristic like a scar is an objective finding that can be directly observed and measured during a physical assessment. This information is not subject to interpretation or bias. In contrast, choices A, B, and C involve subjective information that relies on the patient's report or memory, making them less reliable and objective. History of allergies (A) and use of medications (B) are subjective and based on the patient's self-report, while last menstrual period (C) is also subjective and may not always be accurate. Therefore, choice D is the only objective piece of information among the options provided.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (A): 1. A critical cultural perspective recognizes that culture is dynamic and contextual. 2. It acknowledges that culture is not static but evolves over time. 3. Understanding culture as relational highlights the interconnectedness of people and their environment. 4. This perspective emphasizes the importance of considering historical, social, and political factors in analyzing culture. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: This choice assumes cultural homogeneity, which does not account for diversity and variation within cultures. C: While language and behavior are aspects of culture, they do not encompass the entirety of cultural expressions. D: This choice oversimplifies culture by suggesting it is solely influenced by environmental factors, neglecting social and historical dimensions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it indicates a misunderstanding about hypertension management. Patients should continue taking medication even if blood pressure is normal to prevent future complications. Monitoring blood pressure regularly (A) is important for tracking progress. Taking medication as prescribed (B) is crucial for controlling blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake (D) helps lower blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect as stopping medication prematurely can lead to uncontrolled hypertension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crossing the legs at the knees. This position can cause hip dislocation due to the twisting motion it creates on the hip joint. When the legs are crossed at the knees, it puts stress on the hip joint, potentially leading to dislocation. Choice B: Sitting with the feet flat on the floor is a safe position that does not put undue stress on the hip joint. Choice C: Sleeping on the affected side can also increase the risk of hip dislocation due to the pressure and weight placed on the hip joint in this position. Choice D: Using assistive devices for ambulation is important for stability and support, and it does not directly contribute to hip dislocation if used correctly.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clustering-related cues. This critical thinking skill helps the nurse recognize relationships among data by grouping related information together. This aids in identifying patterns, connections, and trends within the data, leading to a better understanding of the situation. Validation (A) involves confirming the accuracy of data, not necessarily recognizing relationships. Identifying gaps in data (C) focuses on missing information rather than relationships among existing data. Distinguishing relevant from irrelevant (D) is important but does not directly address recognizing relationships among data. In summary, clustering-related cues (B) is the most relevant skill for recognizing relationships among data in critical thinking.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Severe headaches and blurred vision. These symptoms can indicate a hypertensive crisis, a severe complication of hypertension. Headaches and blurred vision are signs of potentially dangerous high blood pressure levels. Weight loss and fatigue (B), increased appetite and tremors (C), and nausea and vomiting (D) are not typical complications of hypertension and do not directly relate to the cardiovascular effects of high blood pressure. Monitoring for severe headaches and blurred vision is crucial for early detection and management of hypertensive crises.