A postpartum client reports severe perineal pain and difficulty passing stools following a vaginal delivery. Which nursing intervention should be implemented?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering a stool softener as ordered is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a postpartum client experiencing severe perineal pain and difficulty passing stools following a vaginal delivery. Stool softeners help to soften the stool, making it easier for the client to pass without straining, which can exacerbate perineal pain. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's orders when administering medications to ensure proper dosing and effectiveness. Encouraging the client to refrain from defecation may lead to constipation and worsen the situation. Applying ice packs to the perineum can provide temporary pain relief, but addressing the underlying issue of constipation with a stool softener is more effective in the long term. Providing education on proper perineal hygiene is important for overall postpartum care, but addressing the immediate issue of constipation with a stool softener takes precedence in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A grieving individual may show a range of cues across different aspects of their life. Thoughts may include constant preoccupation with the loss, difficulties in concentrating, or intrusive thoughts. Feelings may involve sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or relief. Behavioral cues may include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, social withdrawal, or the use of substances. Physiologic complaints can manifest as headaches, stomach issues, fatigue, or other physical symptoms. Therefore, when a nurse observes cues related to thoughts, feelings, behavior, and physiologic complaints in a patient, it can suggest that the patient is grieving for a loss.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Malpractice is a type of tort that involves professional negligence or misconduct by a professional such as a nurse that results in harm to a patient. In this scenario, failing to obtain informed consent before performing a procedure is considered a breach of the standard of care expected from a healthcare professional, which falls under malpractice. This failure to obtain informed consent deprives the patient of the right to make an informed decision about their treatment and can lead to legal consequences for the nurse.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Feces, urine, blood, and other body fluids are considered as vehicles of transmission in the context of communicable diseases. These substances can carry and transmit disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites from infected individuals to others. Through close contact or exposure to these contaminated body fluids, the pathogens can enter the body of another person and cause infection. Nurses like Nurse Keena must exercise caution and use appropriate infection control measures to prevent transmission of communicable diseases through these vehicles.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms described by the patient indicate a potential transfusion reaction, such as a hemolytic reaction or allergic reaction. The immediate action the nurse should take in such a situation is to stop the infusion of the packed red blood cells. This will help prevent further complications and ensure the safety of the patient. After stopping the infusion, the nurse should assess the patient's condition, monitor vital signs, and inform the healthcare team, including the physician, regarding the situation. Once the patient is stable, further investigations can be conducted to determine the cause of the reaction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario described, with the patient having an acute exacerbation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis, the priority intervention to manage the metabolic derangements is to perform emergent hemodialysis for potassium removal. Hemodialysis is the most effective and rapid method to lower dangerously high potassium levels in the blood. It is crucial in cases of severe hyperkalemia where other measures such as medications or dietary modifications may not be sufficient or fast enough to correct the elevated potassium levels. Additionally, hemodialysis can also help in improving metabolic acidosis by removing waste products and excess electrolytes from the blood. Overall, emergent hemodialysis is the most appropriate intervention for managing the acute metabolic abnormalities in this critically ill patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The approach of using summary indicators of health to depict health status is known as a descriptive approach. In this method, researchers aim to provide a clear and concise summary of the health status of a population or group. It involves presenting information in a straightforward manner, without making judgments or interpretations about the data. Descriptive statistics are often used in public health research to provide an overview of key health indicators and trends. This approach helps to identify patterns and characteristics within the data, which can then be used to inform decision-making and interventions aimed at improving health outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of multiple fluid-filled sacs (cysts) within the ovaries, which can be visualized on ultrasound. Women with PCOS often experience menstrual irregularities such as irregular periods or no periods, as well as symptoms of hyperandrogenism like hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne. Other common features of PCOS include insulin resistance and obesity. It is important to note that not all women with PCOS will have ovarian cysts, but the presence of multiple cysts is a common finding in this condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a pregnant patient with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), the most appropriate imaging modality for evaluation is contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography. This imaging technique has been shown to be safe for the fetus when necessary, especially if the benefits of making a diagnosis outweigh the minimal risks associated with radiation exposure. It provides quick and accurate detection of PE with high sensitivity and specificity.