After being hospitalized for 3 days with a right femur fracture, a patient suddenly develops shortness of breath and tachypnea. The patient tells the nurse, 'I feel like I am going to die!' Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to administer prescribed PRN O2 at 4 L/min (Choice B). This is the correct choice because the patient is showing signs of respiratory distress, which could indicate a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening complication following a femur fracture. Administering oxygen can help improve oxygenation and stabilize the patient's condition. It is essential to address the immediate physiological need for oxygen before taking further action. Staying with the patient and offering reassurance (Choice A) may be important but addressing the respiratory distress is the priority. Checking the patient's legs for swelling or tenderness (Choice C) may help in assessing for a potential deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the most urgent action in this scenario. Notifying the health care provider (Choice D) can be done after stabilizing the patient's condition with oxygen.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Ensuring the weight for traction hangs freely prevents complications and maintains proper alignment. 2. This task does not require specialized skills or judgment, making it suitable for delegation to UAP. 3. UAP can be trained to understand the importance of maintaining proper traction alignment. 4. Monitoring skin condition (C) requires assessment skills, removing/reapplying traction (A) is a specialized task, and checking sensation/movement (D) requires clinical judgment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because placing a pillow between the patient's legs and turning the entire body as a unit reduces stress on the surgical site, preventing strain on the back muscles. This technique maintains proper alignment and supports the spine post-surgery. Choice A is incorrect because instructing the patient to move the legs before turning the rest of the body can potentially strain the back and surgical site. Choice B is incorrect as having the patient turn by grasping the side rails and pulling the shoulders over can also lead to strain on the back and surgical site. Choice D is incorrect because turning the patient's head and shoulders first, followed by the hips, legs, and feet can cause twisting and stress on the surgical site.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, assisting the patient to sit up at the bedside. This is important to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption of alendronate. Sitting up allows gravity to assist in moving the medication down the esophagus and reduces the risk of esophageal ulceration. Asking about leg cramps or hot flashes (A) is not directly related to the administration of alendronate. Ensuring the patient has recently eaten (C) is not necessary for alendronate administration. Administering calcium carbonate (D) is not indicated in this scenario as the focus is on alendronate administration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Keep the knees straight when leaning forward to pick something up. This recommendation can increase stress on the lower back and worsen the pain. To prevent low back pain, it is important to bend the knees and use proper body mechanics when lifting objects. The other choices are correct: A: Sleeping in a prone position with the legs extended can help alleviate back pain; C: Acute low back pain typically improves within a few weeks with proper management; D: Avoiding activities that require twisting of the back or prolonged sitting can prevent exacerbation of low back pain.