A patient presents to the emergency department following a motor vehicle crash and suffers a right femur fracture. The leg is stabilized in a full leg cast. Otherwise, the patient has no other major injuries, is in good health, and reports only moderate discomfort. Which is the most pertinent nursing diagnosis the nurse will include in the plan of care?

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Question 1 of 9

A patient presents to the emergency department following a motor vehicle crash and suffers a right femur fracture. The leg is stabilized in a full leg cast. Otherwise, the patient has no other major injuries, is in good health, and reports only moderate discomfort. Which is the most pertinent nursing diagnosis the nurse will include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acute pain. The patient's right femur fracture would likely cause significant pain. Treating the pain is a priority to ensure the patient's comfort and promote healing. Posttrauma syndrome (A) is more applicable for patients experiencing emotional distress following a traumatic event. Constipation (B) may be a concern due to immobility but is not as immediate as managing pain. Anxiety (D) may be present but addressing the acute pain would likely alleviate some anxiety as well.

Question 2 of 9

Alex is taking carbamazepine (tegretol) for seizure disorder. He should be monitored for which of the following potential complications?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: leukocytosis. Carbamazepine can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to leukocytosis. Monitoring for elevated white blood cell count is essential to detect this potential complication early. A: Adult respiratory distress syndrome is not a common complication of carbamazepine. B: Elevated levels of phenytoin is not a direct complication of carbamazepine use. C: Diplopia is a common side effect of carbamazepine, not a potential complication like leukocytosis.

Question 3 of 9

A nurse finds Mr. Gabatan under the wreckage of the car. He is conscious, breathing satisfactorily, and lying on the back complaining of pain in the back and an inability to move his legs. The nurse should first:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Rolling Mr. Gabatan on his abdomen, placing a pad under his head, and covering him with any material available is the appropriate action. This position helps protect his airway and prevents potential complications from a possible spinal injury. It also allows for better assessment of his condition by healthcare professionals. Choice A is incorrect because leaving Mr. Gabatan on his back and instructing him to move can worsen any spinal injury he may have sustained. Choice B is incorrect because raising him to a sitting position can also exacerbate his condition. Choice D is incorrect because moving him without proper stabilization can lead to further injury.

Question 4 of 9

A Jewish client has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. A nursing diagnosis appropriate for a client who has ulcerative colitis is:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: abdominal pain related to decreased peristalsis. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon, leading to abdominal pain due to decreased peristalsis. This impairs the movement of stool through the colon, resulting in pain. Choice B is incorrect as diarrhea is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis, not hyperosmolar intestinal contents. Choice C is incorrect as ulcerative colitis often leads to diarrhea and not fluid volume excess. Choice D is incorrect as activity intolerance is not directly related to ulcerative colitis, whereas abdominal pain is a common symptom associated with the condition.

Question 5 of 9

Bell’s palsy is a ___ cranial nerve disorder characterized by weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 7th cranial nerve. Bell's palsy is caused by inflammation of the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve), leading to facial muscle weakness or paralysis. The 3rd cranial nerve (choice A) controls eye movement, the 5th cranial nerve (choice C) is responsible for facial sensation and chewing, and the 8th cranial nerve (choice D) is related to hearing and balance. Bell's palsy specifically affects the facial muscles, making choice B the correct answer.

Question 6 of 9

A nurse is discharging a client from the hospital. When should discharge planning be initiated?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Discharge planning should start at admission to ensure comprehensive preparation. 2. Early planning allows for assessment of needs and coordination of resources. 3. It promotes continuity of care and reduces risks of readmission. 4. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they miss the opportunity for proactive planning.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse is formulating a diagnosis for a client who is reliving a brutal mugging that took place several months ago. The client is crying uncontrollably and states that he 'can’t live with this fear.' Which of the following diagnoses for this client is correctly written?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Post-trauma syndrome related to being attacked. This diagnosis accurately reflects the client's symptoms of reliving the traumatic event, crying uncontrollably, and expressing fear. "Post-trauma syndrome" encompasses the psychological and emotional distress following a traumatic event. Choice B: Psychological overreaction simplifies the client's experience and does not capture the severity or ongoing nature of the trauma symptoms. Choice C: Needs assistance coping with attack is vague and does not provide a specific diagnosis or acknowledge the clinical presentation of the client. Choice D: Mental distress related to being attacked is too broad and does not specify the specific syndrome or symptoms experienced by the client.

Question 8 of 9

A new nurse asks the preceptor to describe the primary purpose of evaluation. Which statement made by the nursing preceptor is most accurate?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: “Nurses use evaluation to determine the effectiveness of nursing care.” Evaluation in nursing is essential to assess the outcomes of nursing interventions and determine the effectiveness of the care provided. It helps in identifying areas for improvement, making informed decisions, and ensuring quality patient care. Choice A is incorrect because evaluation is not solely about checking completion of tasks but rather assessing the impact of those interventions on patient outcomes. Choice B is incorrect as evaluation is not related to staffing decisions but focuses on assessing the quality of care delivery. Choice D is incorrect as evaluation is not about eliminating paperwork but rather about improving care outcomes.

Question 9 of 9

A patient presents to the emergency department following a motor vehicle crash and suffers a right femur fracture. The leg is stabilized in a full leg cast. Otherwise, the patient has no other major injuries, is in good health, and reports only moderate discomfort. Which is the most pertinent nursing diagnosis the nurse will include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acute pain. The patient's right femur fracture would likely cause significant pain. Treating the pain is a priority to ensure the patient's comfort and promote healing. Posttrauma syndrome (A) is more applicable for patients experiencing emotional distress following a traumatic event. Constipation (B) may be a concern due to immobility but is not as immediate as managing pain. Anxiety (D) may be present but addressing the acute pain would likely alleviate some anxiety as well.

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