A patient has been on prolonged bed rest, and the nurse is observing for signs associated with immobility. While assessing the patient, the nurse is alert to which of the following signs?
a. Increased blood pressure
b. Decreased heart rate
c. Increased urinary output
d. Decreased peristalsis
D
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A In the immobilized patient, decreased circulating fluid volume, pooling of blood in the lower extremities, and decreased autonomic response occur. These factors result in decreased venous return, followed by a decrease in cardiac output, which is reflected by a decline in blood pressure.
B Recumbency increases cardiac workload and results in an increased pulse rate.
C Fluid intake can diminish with immobility, and this, combined with other causes, such as fever, increases the risk of dehydration. Urinary output may decline on or about the fifth or sixth day after immobilization, and the urine is often highly concentrated.
D Immobility disrupts the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal system, resulting in decreased appetite and slowed peristalsis.
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A) Erectile dysfunction is common after prostatectomy as a result of hormonal changes. B) All prostatectomies carry a risk of nerve damage and consequent erectile dysfunction. C) Erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy is expected, but normally resolves within several months. D) Modern surgical techniques have eliminated the risk of erectile dysfunction following prostatectomy.
How does palliative surgery differ from any other type of surgery?
A. The main purpose is cosmetic in nature rather than functional repair or comfort. B. There are fewer risks associated with palliative surgery than with any other type of surgery. C. The outcomes of palliative surgery cannot be ensured to produce the desired ef-fect or restoration of functional ability. D. Palliative surgery is performed to provide temporary relief of distressing symp-toms rather than to cure a problem or condition.
A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
a. "If my erection lasts longer than 4 hours, I should contact my provider." b. "I should not use nitroglycerin within 12 hours of using sildenafil." c. "I should take this drug about 15 minutes before sexual activity." d. "This drug may cause me to have an erection when I don't want one."
The nurse is caring for a child on bed rest who has severe edema in a left lower extremity due to blocked lymphatic drainage. Which nursing diagnosis would take priority?
1. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity 2. Risk for Altered Body Image 3. Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements 4. Risk for Activity Intolerance