PN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 | Nurselytic

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Iron deficiency anemia stems from low iron, reducing hemoglobin synthesis, while sickle cell disease involves abnormal hemoglobin shape, and pernicious anemia results from B₁₂ malabsorption. Ferritin, the iron storage protein, is low in iron deficiency (e.g., <15 ng/mL), directly reflecting depleted reserves, as seen in the vegan client with fatigue and pale mucous membranes from Exhibit 1. Fatigue occurs across all three conditions nonspecific due to reduced oxygen delivery but isn't unique. Vitamin B₁₂ levels drop in pernicious anemia, not iron deficiency, unless dual deficiency exists, which isn't suggested. Orthostatic hypotension could arise in severe anemia from hypovolemia, but it's not specific to iron deficiency over others. Low ferritin aligns with iron deficiency's pathophysiology, distinguishing it from sickle cell's vaso-occlusion or pernicious anemia's megaloblastic changes, making it the most consistent finding per diagnostic criteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The client's generalized weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale mucous membranes (Exhibit 1) with a vegan diet suggest anemia, likely iron deficiency. Reinforcing education about nutritional supplements (e.g., iron, B₁₂) addresses potential deficiencies vegans risk low iron and B₁₂ without fortified foods while collecting intake data identifies dietary gaps, guiding tailored therapy. Increasing fluids and monitoring respiration might help hydration or respiratory distress, but anemia is the primary issue, not fluid status. Checking blood pressure (132/60 to 102/50 mm Hg) shows orthostasis, a symptom, not the cause oxygen isn't indicated with 94% saturation. Assessing fatigue is ongoing, but a chest X-ray targets lungs, not anemia. Education and data collection tackle the root nutritional cause, aligning with holistic care and prevention, making it the nurse's first action.

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.