A postpartum client presents with persistent, severe perineal pain despite analgesic medication. On assessment, the nurse observes ecchymosis and swelling of the perineum. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presence of persistent, severe perineal pain along with ecchymosis and swelling of the perineum can indicate a complication such as a hematoma. A hematoma is a collection of blood that can occur in the perineal area postpartum, usually as a result of trauma during delivery. It is essential to notify the healthcare provider immediately to assess the situation, provide appropriate treatment, and prevent further complications. Applying ice packs or administering additional analgesic medication may not address the underlying issue of a possible hematoma, so prompt medical evaluation is crucial in this situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to ensure proper insertion technique during a urinary catheterization is to use aseptic technique and sterile equipment. This is crucial in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. Aseptic technique involves maintaining cleanliness and preventing the introduction of harmful microorganisms during invasive procedures like catheterization. Using sterile equipment helps minimize the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract, which could lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Therefore, it is essential that the nurse follows strict infection control protocols and uses sterile equipment to maintain patient safety and well-being during the catheterization procedure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The health care team will try the oral route first for Ms. C for delivering nutrition and fluid because it is the most natural and least invasive method. If the patient is able to tolerate oral intake and has adequate oral intake, it is typically the preferred route. Only if she is unable to meet her nutritional needs orally or has difficulty swallowing, then alternative routes such as nasogastric tube, gastrostomy tube, or intravenous routes may be considered. It's important to promote oral intake whenever possible to maintain the patient's quality of life and prevent complications associated with more invasive methods.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most commonly associated adverse effect with ACE inhibitors is a dry cough. This cough is non-productive and can be quite bothersome for patients, often leading to non-compliance with the medication. The cough is thought to be due to the accumulation of bradykinin and substance P, which are vasodilatory and bronchoconstrictive peptides that are normally degraded by ACE. When ACE is inhibited, these peptides accumulate and can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, resulting in the dry cough. It's important for healthcare providers to be aware of this common side effect and consider alternative medications if the cough becomes problematic for the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta receptors in the body. One common adverse effect of beta-blockers is bradycardia, or a slowed heart rate. Since the patient is being prescribed a beta-blocker for migraine headaches, it is important for the nurse to monitor closely for signs and symptoms of bradycardia such as dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. Monitoring the heart rate regularly and reporting any significant decrease to the healthcare provider is essential to prevent complications associated with bradycardia. Compared to the other options, bradycardia is the most relevant adverse effect to monitor in a patient prescribed a beta-blocker.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the physician-specialist assessed the patient and determined that an immediate sonogram is needed for the medical condition. An intervention is a specific action taken in response to a medical need or condition. Ordering an immediate sonogram falls under the category of an intervention because it involves a timely and targeted diagnostic procedure to address the medical situation identified by the physician. The other options (A. Operation Room, C. Laboratory, D. CT scan) do not accurately represent the specific action of ordering a sonogram in response to the medical condition assessed by the physician.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Upon clinical assessment, the nurse observes that the outstanding manifestation of the patient is edema. Edema is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues, leading to swelling. Edema can be a sign of various health conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or injury. It is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause of edema promptly to prevent complications and provide appropriate treatment for the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate diagnostic examination to confirm the incidence of hypertension among residents is blood pressure (BP) monitoring. Hypertension is defined by elevated blood pressure readings consistently measured over time. Monitoring of blood pressure is essential for diagnosing hypertension and determining the severity of the condition. Chest x-ray, ultrasound, and electrocardiogram are not specific tests for diagnosing hypertension. While these tests may be useful in assessing potential complications or causes of hypertension, they do not directly confirm the presence of high blood pressure. Regular BP monitoring with the use of a sphygmomanometer or automated blood pressure device is crucial in diagnosing and managing hypertension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a woman in active labor is experiencing intense pain and requests non-pharmacological pain relief measures, the nurse should prioritize providing continuous labor support. Continuous labor support, also known as a doula or labor companion, has been shown to be effective in reducing the perception of pain and improving labor outcomes. The presence of a supportive person can provide physical, emotional, and informational support, helping the woman cope with the pain and navigate through the labor process. This intervention can enhance the woman's overall experience of labor and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes without the need for pharmacological interventions. Administering opioids, performing epidural analgesia, or initiating nitrous oxide inhalation are pharmacological pain relief measures and may not align with the woman's preference for non-pharmacological options.