Compartment syndrome is a potential complication of elbow fractures that decreases circulation to local neuromuscular structures. The nurse monitors circulation on a casted elbow because irreversible damage can develop if compartment syndrome lasts for more than:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 24 hours. Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure within a closed muscle compartment increases, leading to decreased circulation and potential tissue damage. Monitoring is crucial as irreversible damage can occur if left untreated. The 6 Ps (pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis, pressure) are key indicators. Waiting for 48 hours (choice A) or 12 hours (choice C) is too long and can result in severe consequences. 2 hours (choice B) is too short a timeframe to assess for irreversible damage development, making 24 hours (choice D) the most appropriate timeframe for monitoring and intervention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypoglycemia. In metabolic alkalosis, the blood pH is elevated due to an excess of bicarbonate. Hypoglycemia is not directly related to metabolic alkalosis but can be seen in other conditions like diabetes or fasting. Evaluating for hypocalcemia (A) is important as alkalosis can lead to decreased ionized calcium levels. Hypokalemia (B) is common in metabolic alkalosis due to potassium loss. Hypoxemia (D) is not directly related to metabolic alkalosis but can occur in severe cases due to respiratory compensation. Therefore, hypoglycemia is the least relevant in assessing metabolic alkalosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, bilateral crackles. Fluid in both lung bases on x-ray indicates pulmonary edema, causing crackles on auscultation. Fatigue (A) is a nonspecific symptom. Peripheral edema (B) is a sign of fluid retention in the extremities, not lungs. Jugular vein distention (D) indicates increased central venous pressure, which is not specific to lung fluid.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because inserting a mouth gag during a convulsive seizure can obstruct the airway and pose a choking hazard. Step-by-step rationale: A: Loosening clothing helps improve ventilation. C: Positioning on the side with head flexed forward prevents aspiration. D: Providing privacy is important for patient dignity and confidentiality. B is incorrect as it can be harmful.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jello. A clear liquid diet includes transparent liquids and foods that are liquid at room temperature. Jello meets this criteria as it is a clear, easily digestible food. Milk (A) is not allowed on a clear liquid diet due to its opaque nature. Orange juice (B) contains pulp and is not considered clear. Ice cream (D) is a solid food and not permitted on a clear liquid diet. Therefore, Jello is the most suitable option for someone on a clear liquid diet.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 24 hours. Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure within a closed muscle compartment increases, leading to decreased circulation and potential tissue damage. Monitoring is crucial as irreversible damage can occur if left untreated. The 6 Ps (pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis, pressure) are key indicators. Waiting for 48 hours (choice A) or 12 hours (choice C) is too long and can result in severe consequences. 2 hours (choice B) is too short a timeframe to assess for irreversible damage development, making 24 hours (choice D) the most appropriate timeframe for monitoring and intervention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A-positive blood to an A-negative client. This is because in ABO blood typing, individuals with blood type A have anti-B antibodies in their plasma. Therefore, if A-positive blood (which contains the A antigen) is given to an A-negative client (who has anti-A antibodies), there is a high risk of an acute hemolytic reaction due to the antibodies attacking the transfused blood cells. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not involve a mismatch of ABO blood types that would lead to a significant risk of acute hemolytic reaction. In choice B, O-positive blood can be safely transfused to an A-positive client as O blood is considered the universal donor. In choice C, O-negative blood can be safely given to an O-positive client as O-negative blood is compatible with all blood types. In choice D, B-positive blood can be safely administered to an AB-positive client as the AB blood type can receive both

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that can cause anemia and fatigue. By maintaining the client on bed rest and protecting them from infections, we can help prevent complications such as fatigue and infections due to reduced red blood cell production. Ambulating the client frequently (choice B) may lead to increased fatigue and risk of injury. Advising to drink 3 quarts of fluid per day (choice C) is not specific to thalassemia treatment and could potentially worsen symptoms. Instructing the client to elevate lower extremities (choice D) is not directly related to managing thalassemia and may not provide significant benefits in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: The client's ability to produce antibodies. This is crucial in assessing immune system disorders as antibodies play a key role in fighting infections and other foreign invaders. By evaluating the client's ability to produce antibodies, the nurse can determine if the immune system is functioning properly. A: The client's diet is not directly related to immune system disorders unless there are specific deficiencies impacting immune function. B: The client's family member's history of chronic diseases may provide some genetic predisposition information but does not directly assess the client's immune system. C: The client's drug history is important but more relevant to medication interactions and side effects rather than evaluating the immune system.