Nursing Process Final Exam Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Have the patient lie flat for 6 to 8 hours after a lumbar puncture to prevent complications like post-lumbar puncture headache. Lying flat helps maintain CSF pressure and reduce the risk of leakage. B: Keeping the patient from eating or drinking for 4 hours is not necessary after a lumbar puncture. C: Monitoring pedal pulses q4h is irrelevant to post-lumbar puncture care. D: Keeping the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees for 24 hours is not recommended after a lumbar puncture as it may increase the risk of complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask the patient to return to the room, so the nurse can inspect the abdomen. Rationale: 1. Patient safety: By examining the patient's abdomen, the nurse can assess for any signs of distress or potential medical issues. 2. Patient-centered care: It is essential to prioritize the patient's well-being by addressing their concerns promptly and appropriately. 3. Professional responsibility: Nurses are trained to assess and evaluate patient symptoms to provide necessary care and support. Summary: A: Requesting the family to leave does not address the patient's symptoms and may disrupt the patient's support system. C: Asking about bowel movements and offering food may not be appropriate if the patient is experiencing stomach discomfort. D: Offering food without proper assessment may worsen the patient's condition and is not recommended before a proper evaluation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Hyponatremia is an electrolyte imbalance characterized by low sodium levels in the blood. Step 2: Restricting fluid intake helps prevent further dilution of sodium in the blood, aiding in correcting hyponatremia. Step 3: Administering sodium can lead to rapid correction, risking osmotic demyelination syndrome. Step 4: Choice C is correct as it aligns with the goal of managing hyponatremia by preventing fluid overload symptoms. Summary: A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the primary concern of correcting low sodium levels in hyponatremia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because pursed lip breathing helps to slow down and control the exhalation process, allowing the individual to exhale a smaller volume of air with more force. This helps to prevent air trapping in the lungs, improve oxygen exchange, and reduce shortness of breath. B: Incorrect - Pursed lip breathing does not increase expiration but rather controls it. C: Incorrect - While pursed lip breathing can promote deep breathing and better oxygen exchange, its primary purpose is to regulate exhalation volume. D: Incorrect - Pursed lip breathing does not specifically target the upper thorax but rather facilitates a more efficient breathing pattern by reducing air trapping in the lungs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because using two pillows to raise the head can increase the risk of venous stasis and thrombosis in a client with polycythemia vera. This condition involves an increased production of red blood cells, leading to thicker blood and potential clot formation. Elevating the head too much can impede blood flow, exacerbating the risk of clotting. Choices A, B, and C are all appropriate statements indicating good self-care practices and physical activity, which are beneficial for clients with polycythemia vera to improve circulation and overall health.