The nurse cares for a client in Buck’s traction. The nurse understands that it is important to ensure the weights hang free to:

A client underwent a cholecystectomy and is now complaining of cramping and pain in the left calf. Which action is the nurse’s first priority?

The nurse cares for a client who recently underwent surgery to create a stoma for colostomy. The nurse notes that the stoma is dark and dusky in color. What action should the nurse immediately take?

The nurse cares for a client recovering from a subdural hematoma. Which nursing intervention should the nurse perform to prevent foot drop and contractures?

A client is admitted to the nursing unit after experiencing a cerebral vascular accident. The client is unconscious. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?

A client has a history of left-sided heart failure. The nurse knows that one of the complications of this type of heart failure is pulmonary congestion. What should the nurse expect to find upon assessment?

A client is admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of sickle-cell crisis. The nurse anticipates which priority nursing intervention to be ordered by the physician?

The nurse cares for a client who experienced a cerebral vascular accident. The client’s husband asks why his wife has a splint on her hand. The nurse explains that the splint is needed to prevent:

The nurse cares for a client with end-stage liver disease due to cirrhosis secondary to alcohol abuse. The nurse monitors the client for which potentially life-threatening complication of cirrhosis?

The nurse instructs a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about positions to use during times of dyspnea. The nurse recognizes further teaching is necessary when the client states:

Heart failure post myocardial infarction is most commonly caused by:

A client is admitted to the hospital due to complications of cardiomyopathy. The client states, “I am always being admitted to the hospital for the same problem.” The nurse knows that which recurring condition develops in clients with cardiomyopathy?

The nurse instructs the client how to perform foot pumps (extension and flexion of the foot at the ankle). The nurse knows that contracting the leg muscles helps to prevent which postoperative complication?

A client status post-cholecystectomy has a T-tube placed during the surgery. Which action should the nurse take when caring for the T-tube?

A client is admitted to the hospital with a decubitus ulcer in the sacral area. The client is bed ridden and refuses to eat. The nurse realizes that the client is at risk for which complication?

Which chronic complications are associated with diabetes mellitus?

A client returns to the nursing unit after a transurethral prostatic resection. The client has an indwelling urinary catheter with a continuous bladder irrigation system in place. The client complains of bladder spasms. Which priority action should the nurse take?

The nurse cares for a client post-thyroidectomy. The nurse notices the client experiences muscle twitches. Upon questioning, the client complains of numbness and tingling of the mouth and fingertips. The nurse suspects which electrolyte disturbance?

A client has a nasogastric (NG) tube placed after abdominal surgery. Which finding indicates the NG tube may be removed?

The nurse cares for a client after a transphenoidal hypophysectomy. The nurse should monitor for which sign of hemorrhage?

The nurse plans to turn a client who just returned from surgery, where the client’s fractured hip was repaired. Which item should the nurse use to help position the client?

The nurse cares for a client who returns from gastric resection surgery. Which nursing intervention is a priority?

A client with a spinal cord injury complains of severe headache. The nurse finds the client to be diaphoretic, hypertensive, and bradycardiac. The nurse suspects the client is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. Which is the nurse’s first action?

Which client is at least risk for acquiring pneumonia during hospitalization?

The nurse provides teaching to a client who is status post-laminectomy with fusion. The nurse understands further teaching is necessary when the client states:

A client returns from surgery after an abdominal perineal resection. The client has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place that is connected to low suction. After several hours, drainage from the NG tube stops. Which action should the nurse take first?

The nurse cares for a client who recently underwent a colon resection. The nurse notes that arterial blood gas results show metabolic alkalosis. The nurse expects this finding because:

The nurse cares for a client who underwent abdominal surgery 2 days ago. Which symptom suggests the client has developed complications?

The nurse cares for a client who is 2 days postop femoral popliteal bypass. While assessing the client, the nurse notes that the client’s right leg is cool and pale. Which action should the nurse take first?

A client underwent an abdominal hysterectomy 6 hours ago. The nurse teaches the client to avoid which position?