PN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 | Nurselytic

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Given the client's vegan diet, fatigue, weakness, pale mucous membranes, and rapid pulse (Exhibit 1), iron deficiency anemia is likely. Administering an iron supplement is anticipated it corrects low hemoglobin, a common vegan shortfall without meat or fortified sources, directly addressing the suspected etiology. Nutritional consultation helps long-term, but immediate supplementation is urgent for symptom relief and oxygen delivery. A low-sodium diet suits heart failure or hypertension, not anemia blood pressure (132/60 to 102/50 mm Hg) reflects orthostasis, not sodium issues. Fluid restriction applies to fluid overload, not here, where hydration supports circulation. Iron supplementation aligns with anemia management guidelines (e.g., ferrous sulfate), offering rapid hematologic improvement, making it the expected prescription for this presentation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Iron supplements oxidize in the gut, often turning stools black due to unabsorbed iron a normal, expected effect clients should recognize to avoid alarm. Green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach) boost dietary iron, but oxalates limit absorption, making this less indicative of supplement-specific teaching. Swelling in feet isn't a typical iron effect edema suggests heart or kidney issues, not anemia treatment. Taking iron 1 hour before meals aids absorption, a good practice, but the question emphasizes understanding therapy outcomes. Black stools confirm the client grasps a common, visible side effect, aligning with education goals (e.g., managing expectations), ensuring adherence and reducing unnecessary worry, making it the clearest sign of comprehension.

Correct Answer: A, C

Rationale: Acute compartment syndrome post-ORIF arises from pressure buildup in muscle compartments, impairing perfusion. Increased pain at the incision site severe, unrelieved by analgesics, and disproportionate to the procedure is a hallmark, reflecting nerve and tissue ischemia. Dyspnea suggests fat embolism syndrome, a separate complication from marrow release, not compartment pressure. Tingling indicates nerve compression, a later sign, but pain precedes it in the 6 Ps (pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis, poikilothermia). Swelling occurs, but pain's intensity and persistence distinguish compartment syndrome from normal postoperative edema. Early recognition of escalating pain prompts fasciotomy, preventing necrosis, making it the most consistent finding per orthopedic emergency protocols.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Post-ORIF, increased pain (Day 2, 1600) suggests compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency requiring immediate provider notification to evaluate for fasciotomy. Elevating the extremity at heart level balances perfusion without worsening pressure, unlike high elevation which reduces blood flow. Checking oxygen saturation and medicating pain address symptoms, not the cause pain here signals ischemia, not hypoxia. Assessing the incision (e.g., swelling) supports suspicion, but notification trumps delay; cold packs may mask signs. Monitoring vital signs is routine, but pain's acuity demands action over documentation. Prompt reporting aligns with the 6 Ps, prioritizing limb salvage, making it the critical first step.

Correct Answer: A, D

Rationale: Compartment syndrome requires relieving pressure to restore perfusion. Opening the splint (or cast) reduces external compression, an anticipated step pre-fasciotomy if tightness contributes to ischemia, per orthopedic protocols. Urinalysis checks for myoglobinuria from muscle breakdown, a diagnostic aid, but not immediate relief. NPO status prepares for surgery, a later consideration after pressure relief. A dependent leg position increases venous pooling, worsening swelling and pressure contraindicated here. Opening the splint directly addresses the mechanical cause, buying time for surgical evaluation, aligning with emergency management (e.g., AAOS guidelines), making it the expected prescription to prioritize limb viability.