A patient undergoes laminectomy. In the immediate post-operative period, the nurse should

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Post-laminectomy, the nurse prioritizes monitoring vital signs and neurological status (sensation and motor power of the feet) to detect spinal cord or nerve complications (D). Prone positioning (A) may be unsafe, ambulation (B) is premature, and bowel sounds (C) are not the immediate focus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Intraocular pressure (IOP) peaks in the early morning (A) due to diurnal variation, making it the best time for accurate assessment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Leg edema (D) indicates right-sided heart failure due to venous congestion from impaired right heart pumping, common in chronic bronchitis (cor pulmonale). Cyanosis (A) and crackles (B) are more pulmonary, and cough (C) is typical of bronchitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: PaO2 (A) measures oxygenation; ARDS shows severe hypoxemia (low PaO2) despite oxygen therapy, unlike acute respiratory failure, which may involve CO2 retention (B) or pH changes (C).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: High Fowler’s with knees flexed (C) reduces venous pooling and pain in sickle cell crisis by promoting circulation and comfort. Other positions (A, B, D) are less effective.