The nurse is performing a functional assessment on an 82-year-old patient who recently had a stroke. Which of the following questions would be the most important to ask?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Are you able to dress yourself?" This question is the most important because it directly assesses the patient's functional abilities post-stroke, providing crucial information about their independence and self-care abilities. It helps determine the patient's level of disability and need for assistance with activities of daily living. Choice A: "Do you wear glasses?" is not as important in this context as it does not directly address the patient's functional status post-stroke. Choice C: "Do you have any thyroid problems?" is irrelevant to the functional assessment of a patient post-stroke. Choice D: "How many times a day do you have a bowel movement?" is not as critical as assessing the patient's ability to perform basic activities of daily living.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer thrombolytics. Thrombolytics help dissolve blood clots causing the stroke, restoring blood flow to the brain. This intervention is time-sensitive to prevent further brain damage. Administering aspirin (B) is important but not the priority over thrombolytics. Performing an ECG (C) assesses heart function, not the immediate intervention for stroke. Administering corticosteroids (D) is not indicated in acute stroke management.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Both B and C. After knee replacement surgery, patients are at risk for developing DVT and pulmonary embolism due to immobility and surgery-related factors. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs, which can lead to a pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs. Monitoring for both complications is crucial to prevent serious consequences. Option A, hyperglycemia, is not a common complication following knee replacement surgery and is not directly related to immobility or surgery. Option B, DVT, is correct but does not encompass the risk of pulmonary embolism. Option C, pulmonary embolism, is correct but does not cover the initial risk of DVT formation. Therefore, monitoring for both DVT and pulmonary embolism is essential in post-operative knee replacement patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assessing the patient's respiratory status. After administering pain medication, especially opioids, it is crucial to monitor the patient's respiratory status due to the risk of respiratory depression. This assessment is a priority because respiratory depression can be life-threatening. Other choices are not as immediate: A, assessing for addiction, can be done but is not as critical at this moment; B, assessing pain level, is important but comes after ensuring the patient's safety; D, assessing for infection, is not directly related to the immediate effects of pain medication.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse should prevent infiltration of calcium to avoid tissue necrosis and sloughing. Infiltration of calcium can lead to severe tissue damage due to its caustic nature. Therefore, the nurse should be vigilant in monitoring the IV site and ensuring proper placement to prevent this complication. Choice A is incorrect because infusing hypertonic solutions rapidly can lead to fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances. Choice B is incorrect because exceeding the recommended amount of potassium per liter of fluid can result in hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous. Choice D is incorrect because calcium does not diminish digitalis's action; in fact, calcium can potentiate the effects of digitalis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply a splint. This is the first step because immobilizing the affected limb helps prevent further injury and reduces pain. Administering fluids (B) and oxygen (C) are important but not the priority in this situation. Elevating the limb (D) can wait until the fracture is stabilized.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor for transfusion reactions. When a client receiving a blood transfusion develops chills, it may indicate a transfusion reaction, such as a febrile non-hemolytic reaction. The nurse's first priority is to monitor the client closely for other signs of a reaction, such as fever, rash, or shortness of breath. Stopping the transfusion may be necessary, but monitoring for reactions is crucial to identify and manage any adverse effects promptly. Vital signs should be monitored as part of assessing for reactions. Performing a lumbar puncture is not indicated in this situation and is unrelated to managing a transfusion reaction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: decrease maternal fluids. When fetal distress is indicated, decreasing maternal fluids helps prevent further stress on the fetus by reducing the volume of amniotic fluid. This can help improve blood flow to the placenta and oxygen delivery to the baby. Increasing maternal fluids (choice A) can worsen the situation by potentially increasing amniotic fluid volume and further compromising fetal oxygenation. Administering oxygen (choice B) is important to improve oxygen supply to the fetus. Turning the mother (choice D) can help relieve pressure on the baby but is not the primary action when fetal distress is indicated.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide IV fluids. The first step in caring for a client with severe burn injuries is to ensure adequate hydration and prevent hypovolemic shock. IV fluids are crucial to replace lost fluids and maintain circulation. Cooling the burn site (choice A) may be important but not the first step. Providing pain relief (choice C) is important but not as critical initially. Initiating IV fluids (choice D) is similar to the correct answer, but providing IV fluids is more urgent than initiating them.