MED SURG 2 – Mastery exam questions and answers completely solved.
The nurse is assessing for brachial plexus compromise on a pt that underwent a
left shoulder arthroplasty. To assess for median nerve integrity, the nurse:
- Has the patient touch his thumb to his palm.
- Has the patient raise his arm above his head.
- Has the patient spread out all of the fingers while resisting pressure.
- Has patient pinch fingers and thumb together, notes strength when the nurse
tries to pull them apart. - Answer Have the pt pinch fingers and thumb together,
notes strength when the nurse tries to pull them apart.
To assess the median nerve, the pt should touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of
the fifth finger and then resist as the nurse attempts to pull them apart. Having
the pt grip while the nurse tries to open the gripped fingers accomplishes this
test.
A hearing impaired pt was admitted to the hospital. Which is the best way for the
nurse to communicate effectively?
- Talking directly into the impaired ear.
- Face the patient and speak directly with a clear tone.
- Placing the mouth near the good ear and shout out the words.
- Writing what you want to communicate to the patient. - Answer Face the pt and
speak directly with a clear tone
,The best way to communicate effectively with the hearing impaired person is to
face him/her and speak clearly so that they may benefit from adequate volume
and also the visual reinforcement of seeing you speak
The nurse is providing instructions to a pt with a plaster cast on the left arm. To
relieve itching under the cast, the patient should:
- Use a hair dryer to blow cool air into the cast.
- Apply pressure to the outside of the cast directly over the area that itches.
- Pour small amounts of water down the cast.
- Use a clothes hanger to itch under the cast. - Answer Use a hair dryer to blow
cool air into the cast.
Forceful air can relieve itching inside the cast. Since hot air can burn the skin
under the cast, cool air should be used instead.
This should not be done while cast is still drying. Objects should never be placed
under the cast due to skin breakdown
Which of the following patients would benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
85-year-old with extensive burns
48-year-old with a recent kidney transplant
25-year-old with a brain tumor
37-year-old with pneumonia - Answer 85 year old with extensive burns
, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases oxygenation to compromised tissue, such as
wounds and burns. Increasing the oxygen supply to the affected tissues aids in
wound healing.
An adult client with chronic renal failure is starting hemodialysis. Which of the
following indicates to the nurse that hemodialysis is necessary for the client?
Ascites
Respiratory acidosis
Hypertension
Hyperkalemia
Uremia - Answer - Hyperkalemia
- Uremia (chronic kidney disease)
A serum potassium level of above 5.5 mEq/L (hyperkalemia) may cause cardiac
arrhythmias and is life threatening. The seriousness of the situation calls for
medical attention and early treatment such as hemodialysis.
Uremia occurs when urea and other waste products build up because the kidneys
can no longer eliminate them. Severe complications include seizure, cardiac
arrest, or death. Hemodialysis is used to treat uremic syndrome.
The nurse is assessing for brachial plexus compromise on a pt that underwent a
left shoulder arthroplasty. To assess for median nerve integrity, the nurse:
- Has the patient touch his thumb to his palm.
- Has the patient raise his arm above his head.
- Has the patient spread out all of the fingers while resisting pressure.
- Has patient pinch fingers and thumb together, notes strength when the nurse
tries to pull them apart. - Answer Have the pt pinch fingers and thumb together,
notes strength when the nurse tries to pull them apart.
To assess the median nerve, the pt should touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of
the fifth finger and then resist as the nurse attempts to pull them apart. Having
the pt grip while the nurse tries to open the gripped fingers accomplishes this
test.
A hearing impaired pt was admitted to the hospital. Which is the best way for the
nurse to communicate effectively?
- Talking directly into the impaired ear.
- Face the patient and speak directly with a clear tone.
- Placing the mouth near the good ear and shout out the words.
- Writing what you want to communicate to the patient. - Answer Face the pt and
speak directly with a clear tone
,The best way to communicate effectively with the hearing impaired person is to
face him/her and speak clearly so that they may benefit from adequate volume
and also the visual reinforcement of seeing you speak
The nurse is providing instructions to a pt with a plaster cast on the left arm. To
relieve itching under the cast, the patient should:
- Use a hair dryer to blow cool air into the cast.
- Apply pressure to the outside of the cast directly over the area that itches.
- Pour small amounts of water down the cast.
- Use a clothes hanger to itch under the cast. - Answer Use a hair dryer to blow
cool air into the cast.
Forceful air can relieve itching inside the cast. Since hot air can burn the skin
under the cast, cool air should be used instead.
This should not be done while cast is still drying. Objects should never be placed
under the cast due to skin breakdown
Which of the following patients would benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
85-year-old with extensive burns
48-year-old with a recent kidney transplant
25-year-old with a brain tumor
37-year-old with pneumonia - Answer 85 year old with extensive burns
, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases oxygenation to compromised tissue, such as
wounds and burns. Increasing the oxygen supply to the affected tissues aids in
wound healing.
An adult client with chronic renal failure is starting hemodialysis. Which of the
following indicates to the nurse that hemodialysis is necessary for the client?
Ascites
Respiratory acidosis
Hypertension
Hyperkalemia
Uremia - Answer - Hyperkalemia
- Uremia (chronic kidney disease)
A serum potassium level of above 5.5 mEq/L (hyperkalemia) may cause cardiac
arrhythmias and is life threatening. The seriousness of the situation calls for
medical attention and early treatment such as hemodialysis.
Uremia occurs when urea and other waste products build up because the kidneys
can no longer eliminate them. Severe complications include seizure, cardiac
arrest, or death. Hemodialysis is used to treat uremic syndrome.
