QUESTIONS WITH ACCURATE SOLUTIONS AND
NGN 2025 LATEST EDITION.
NGN: A nurse is caring for a patient who is in the SCI unit. Admitted 3 days
prior, following a C7 injury. On day 2, the patient has a nonproductive
cough and output is 100 mL over the last 6hrs.
Vital signs: T 100F. HR 54. R 26. BP 96/60. O2 90% RA.
Address the patient's O2 sat first, followed by the output.
-Using the ABC framework, the priority finding the nurse should address is the
O2 at 90%. Impaired functioning of the intercostal muscles and nerves of the
diaphragm increases the risk of atelectasis and pneumonia for the patient
who has a SCI.
-Using the greatest risk framework, the nurse should identify the decreased
urine output should be addressed next. Recognize the risk of autonomic
dysreflexia from urinary retention and observe the patient's abdominal
distention, assess for bladder distention, and check the catheter tubing for
obstruction.
1. NGN: What should the nurse do after the adolescent returns from
surgery, following an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of the right
tibia?
Select all that apply.
A. Perform neurovascular assessments every hour
B. Remove indwelling urinary catheter when no longer indicated
C. Elevate the affected limb at chest level
, D. Apply warm packs to right extremity for the first 24 hrs
E. Assist the adolescent with ambulation from bed to chair
Rationale:
• Frequent neurovascular assessments are crucial post-ORIF to detect
early signs of compartment syndrome.
• Catheters should be discontinued as soon as possible to prevent
infection.
• Elevating the limb at chest level (not above the heart) helps reduce
swelling while preserving circulation.
• Warm packs and ambulation are contraindicated immediately post-op
due to risk of increased inflammation or injury.
2. NGN: What is the adolescent with an internal fixation of the right tibia
most at risk for developing?
Correct Answer: Compartment syndrome
Rationale:
The combination of cool, pale skin, pain rated 10/10, absent pedal pulses,
and paresthesia are hallmark signs of compartment syndrome, a surgical
emergency that requires immediate intervention.
3. NGN: Which interventions are anticipated and which are
contraindicated in the adolescent experiencing compartment syndrome?
Anticipated Interventions:
Remove the splint
Prepare the adolescent for surgery (fasciotomy)
,Contraindicated Interventions:
Elevate the leg above heart level
Apply ice to the extremity
Rationale:
• Splint removal relieves pressure.
• Surgical fasciotomy is the definitive treatment.
• Elevation above heart and cold therapy can further reduce perfusion,
worsening ischemia.
4. NGN: The nurse is preparing the adolescent for fasciotomy. Which
finding should be reported to the HCP prior to surgery?
Correct Answer: A. The adolescent’s parents have concerns regarding the
surgery
Rationale:
Parental concern indicates lack of informed consent, a legal and ethical
issue that must be addressed before proceeding.
5. NGN: Which findings indicate the adolescent’s condition is improving
after fasciotomy for compartment syndrome?
Extremity pulse +3
Capillary refill 2 seconds
Right extremity warm to touch
Reports no numbness or tingling
Reports pain 2/10
, Rationale:
These signs indicate restoration of circulation and relief of nerve
compression, confirming that the intervention was effective.
6. NGN: What should the nurse assess prior to inserting an indwelling
urinary catheter?
Correct Answer: C. Latex allergy
Rationale:
Latex exposure can trigger severe allergic reactions; alternatives must be
used if allergy is present.
7. NGN: Which prescriptions are anticipated and contraindicated for a
patient admitted after a suicide attempt?
Anticipated:
Potassium 40 mEq PO daily
Initiate suicide precautions
Contraindicated:
Fluoxetine 20 mg PO daily (allergy to SSRIs)
Low sodium diet (increased lithium toxicity risk)
Rationale:
• The patient has hypokalemia, requiring correction.
• A recent suicide attempt necessitates precautions.
• Fluoxetine is an SSRI, which the patient is allergic to.
• Low sodium levels raise the risk of lithium toxicity.