Patients are at risk for overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI) following splenectomy. Which of the ff. symptoms alerts the nurse to this possibility?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fever. Following splenectomy, patients are at risk for OPSI due to impaired immune response. Fever is a key symptom of infection and should alert the nurse to this possibility. Bruising around the operative site (A) is expected post-surgery. Pain (B) is common after surgery and may not specifically indicate OPSI. Irritability (C) is a vague symptom and not specific to OPSI. In summary, fever is the most concerning symptom as it can indicate an underlying infection in a postsplenectomy patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use the smallest needle possible for injections. This is important for a client with thrombocytopenia because they have a low platelet count, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Using a small needle minimizes the risk of causing bleeding or bruising during injections. Limiting family visits (choice A) is not directly related to protecting the client from bleeding. Encouraging wheelchair use (choice B) is not specifically relevant to protecting the client with thrombocytopenia. Maintaining accurate fluid intake and output records (choice D) is important but not directly related to preventing bleeding in a client with thrombocytopenia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased resistance to infection. Lymphocytes are a crucial part of the immune system, responsible for fighting off infections. A decrease in the number of lymphocytes with age leads to a weakened immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections. - Choice B: Cognitive problems, is not directly related to lymphocyte levels. - Choice C: Urinary incontinence, is not a typical effect of decreased lymphocytes. - Choice D: Decrease in various blood components, is too broad and not specific to the role of lymphocytes in immunity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obtain his oral temperature. Seizure precautions typically include avoiding putting objects in the mouth to prevent injury during a seizure. Taking an oral temperature involves placing an object in the mouth, which could pose a risk if a seizure occurs. Choices B, C, and D are not contraindicated as they do not directly involve potential risks during a seizure. Allowing the patient to wear his own clothing, encouraging personal hygiene, and promoting mobility are safe practices that do not increase the risk of harm during a seizure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it addresses the specific nursing interventions needed for a patient with head injuries like J.E. Skin care and repositioning every 2 hours help prevent pressure ulcers. Maintaining extremity alignment prevents contractures. Respiratory exercises aid in lung expansion and prevent complications. The other choices are incorrect because they either lack essential interventions (B) or include unnecessary or inappropriate interventions (C, D). Teaching the use of an overhead trapeze is not necessary for head injuries, and intermittent positive pressure breathing therapy may not be indicated. Choice A provides a comprehensive and targeted approach to address the specific needs of a patient with head injuries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Include potassium-rich foods. Diuretics can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Including potassium-rich foods helps prevent this deficiency. Choice B is incorrect because fruits and fruit juices are often good sources of potassium. Choice C is incorrect as protein-rich foods do not specifically address potassium needs. Choice D is incorrect as dairy products are also good sources of potassium. Therefore, recommending potassium-rich foods is essential to prevent hypokalemia in clients taking diuretics.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: The nurse should explain that bladder irrigation is necessary to prevent blood clots from occluding the catheter after a TURP procedure. Step 2: Without irrigation, blood clots could block the catheter, leading to urinary retention and potential complications. Step 3: This explanation addresses the patient's concern about increased pain and highlights the importance of the irrigation in maintaining proper urine flow. Step 4: Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of irrigation is not to stop bleeding but to prevent clot formation. Choice B is incorrect because the irrigation is not for administering antibiotics. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the issue of clot formation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. CD4+ cells are a type of white blood cell crucial for immune function. 2. HIV targets and destroys CD4+ cells, leading to immune system damage. 3. Measuring CD4+ levels helps determine the extent of this damage. 4. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Summary: A: Presence of opportunistic infections - CD4+ levels indirectly affect susceptibility, but not measured for this purpose. C: Level of the viral load - Measured separately from CD4+ levels. D: Resistance to antigens - CD4+ levels do not directly indicate resistance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. This intervention is appropriate because it addresses the patient's reduced muscle strength following a left-sided stroke and the risk for falling. Assisting the patient into and out of bed regularly helps prevent falls by ensuring safe mobility and reducing the likelihood of accidents. It promotes independence while also providing necessary support. A: Keeping all side rails down at all times may increase the risk of falls as it removes a safety measure that can help prevent falls. B: Encouraging the patient to remain in bed most of the shift can lead to deconditioning and muscle weakness, increasing the risk of falls. C: Placing the patient in a room away from the nurses' station does not directly address the risk for falls and may hinder timely assistance in case of emergencies. In summary, option D is the most appropriate intervention as it addresses the patient's needs, promotes safety, and supports mobility to prevent falls effectively.