A patient with osteoarthritis of the hip undergoes surgical intervention with a total hip arthroplasty (THA). Which postoperative complication should the healthcare team monitor for in the immediate postoperative period?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Following total hip arthroplasty (THA), patients are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to factors such as immobility, surgery-related vascular damage, and hypercoagulability. DVT refers to the formation of blood clots in the deep veins, typically in the lower extremities. These clots can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). Therefore, monitoring for signs and symptoms of DVT is crucial in the immediate postoperative period to promptly detect and prevent the development of complications such as PE. Common signs of DVT include leg swelling, pain, warmth, and redness. Additionally, healthcare providers may employ preventive measures such as early ambulation, compression stockings, and anticoagulant therapy to reduce the risk of DVT post-THA surgery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Patients with hypothyroidism have a decreased ability to regulate their body temperature due to the reduced hormone levels. Exposure to cold temperatures can exacerbate this issue and lead to symptoms such as cold intolerance, feeling cold all the time, and potentially even hypothermia. It is important for patients with hypothyroidism to avoid prolonged exposure to cold temperatures to prevent any negative impact on their health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Support in maintaining a sense of control is essential in keeping the patient calm during labor. Giving the patient a sense of control allows them to feel empowered and more in charge of their experience. This can help reduce anxiety and fear, ultimately promoting a more positive and calm labor experience. Providing emotional support by assisting the patient in maintaining control can greatly benefit their overall emotional well-being during this stressful time.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct next step after positioning the child is to drop the medicine into the ear canal. This is typically the next step in administering ear drops for a child. The cleaning and positioning steps are to prepare the ear for receiving the medication. Dropping the medicine into the ear canal ensures that the medication can reach the affected area effectively. Once the medicine is dropped into the ear canal, it is important to follow any additional instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding keeping the ear in a certain position or any other post-administration care steps.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent eclampsia, but it can lead to toxicity if levels become too high. One common sign of magnesium toxicity is increased deep tendon reflexes, also known as hyperreflexia. This occurs because magnesium is a muscle relaxant, and elevated levels can lead to over-relaxation of muscles, causing an exaggerated reflex response. Other signs of magnesium toxicity include respiratory depression, decreased urine output, and cardiac arrest. Therefore, in a woman receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate during labor, an increase in deep tendon reflexes would indicate potential toxicity and require immediate intervention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nurse Cora should consider statement C as TRUE with anorexia nervosa. Cultures that portray thinness as the ideal standard of beauty can increase the risk of developing anorexia nervosa. This is because individuals may internalize these societal norms and feel pressure to attain the thin ideal, leading to disordered eating behaviors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Nurse Crissel likely informed the participants that HIV is not casually transmitted through activities like kissing. HIV transmission primarily occurs through activities that involve the exchange of bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Accidental blood exposure, unprotected sex, and mother to child transmission are known routes of HIV transmission due to the direct exchange of bodily fluids containing the virus. However, the virus is not spread through saliva, including activities like kissing, which do not involve the exchange of significant amounts of bodily fluids.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Providing emotional support and addressing psychosocial needs demonstrates palliative care principles when caring for a patient experiencing end-of-life symptoms. Palliative care focuses on holistic care that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual support for patients and their families during times of serious illness. By addressing emotional needs and providing support, the nurse helps improve the patient's quality of life and comfort during this difficult time. This approach goes beyond just managing physical symptoms and pain, recognizing the importance of supporting the patient's overall well-being. Encouraging the patient to make decisions about life-sustaining treatments is also an important aspect of palliative care, but providing emotional support and addressing psychosocial needs is crucial in palliative care practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is known to cause a serious rash, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial for patients taking Lamotrigine to be aware of this potential side effect and report any skin rashes to their healthcare provider promptly. Early detection and appropriate management are essential in preventing serious complications related to these rashes.