On the second postoperative day following herniated disk surgery, the client says, "My legs are numb. I thought surgery was going to fix my problems." The nurse's best response to explain the continued pain is
a. "Because of the surgery, there is some swelling, which should subside."
b. "This pain is from the anesthesia and will subside by this afternoon."
c. "This pain is positional and will subside if you roll over on your side."
d. "You are probably moving around too much. I will raise the knee gatch."
A
Following spinal surgery, the nurse should question the client about pain and paresthesias. New paresthesias are probably related to swelling from the surgery, but the surgeon should be notified about their development. If progressive weakness or paralysis of the lower extremities, loss of sphincter control, anal numbness, or urinary retention occurs, emergency surgical decompression may be required.
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As part of a routine physical examination, a 60-year-old patient's primary care provider has ordered blood work that includes cholesterol levels. What result would most strongly suggest the need for treatment with an antihyperlipidemic drug?
A) Elevated LDL levels B) Elevated HDL levels C) A high ratio of HDL to LDL D) Low VLDL levels
The nurse is instructing a client who is at 10 weeks' gestation on smoking cessation and avoiding substance abuse. Which is the rationale for why these should be avoided during pregnancy?
A) Interferes with hormone excretion of the fetus. B) Facilitates the transfer of viruses and other diseases into the developing fetus. C) Passes into the developing fetus through the placenta very easily. D) Stops the synthesis of protein in the developing fetus.
The nurse is assessing the coping behaviors of the parents of a child recently diagnosed with a chronic illness. What behavior should the nurse consider an "approach behavior" that results in movement toward adjustment?
a. Being unable to adjust to a progression of the disease or condition b. Anticipating future problems and seeking guidance and answers c. Looking for new cures without a perspective toward possible benefit d. Failing to recognize the seriousness of the child's condition despite physical evidence
A male client comes to the emergency department complaining of nocturia and nonspecific fullness in the lower pelvic region. What is the best assessment question for the nurse to ask the client?
1. "Are you constipated?" 2. "Are you sexually active?" 3. "How old are you?" 4. "Do you take daily showers?"