The nurse is caring for a patient with a plaster splint applied to the ankle. The patient received oral pain medication at 0900. At 1100, the patient reports that the pain is getting worse, not better. What is the nurse's priority action?
a) Give the patient IV pain medication.
b) Reposition the extremity on a pillow and place an ice pack.
c) Assess the pulses and skin temperature distal to the splint.
d) Call the physician to report the patient's increasing pain.
Answer: c) Assess the pulses and skin temperature distal to the splint.
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Which nursing interventions are likely to help the patient to cope by addressing the mediators of stress? Select all that apply
a. "A divorce, while stressful, can be the beginning of a new, better phase of life.". b. "You said you used to jog; getting back to aerobic exercise could be helpful.". c. "Journaling gives one more awareness of how experiences have affected them.". d. "Perhaps a short-term loan from your father will make your layoff less stressful.". e. "Slowing your breathing by counting to three between breaths will calm you.". f. "I have found a support group for newly divorced persons in your neighborhood.".
The nurse is creating a plan of care for an obese patient who is suffering from fatigue related to ineffective breathing. Which intervention best addresses a short-term goal the patient could achieve?
a. Sleeping on two to three pillows at night b. Limiting the diet to 1500 calories a day c. Running 30 minutes every morning d. Stopping smoking immediately
A nurse is working at a womens health clinic and is asked by a client when she should return for her next Pap smear. Which of the following resources would the nurse use to find the most current recommendations?
a. National Health Information Center b. Healthy People 2020 c. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) website d. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website
During a health history, the nurse learns that a young adult smokes cigarettes, drinks alcohol, and does not exercise routinely. What should this information suggest to the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
a. The patient is isolated. b. The patient is having a crisis with intimacy. c. The patient has poor coping mechanisms for stress. d. The patient is participating in risky lifestyle choices. e. The patient has adopted positive ways to cope with stress.