When assessing a male client, the nurse finds that he is fatigued and experiencing muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Based on these findings, the nurse plans to check the client's laboratory values to validate the existence of which condition?
- A. Hyperphosphatemia
- B. Hypocalcemia
- C. Hypermagnesemia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias are classic manifestations of hypokalemia. Potassium plays a vital role in muscle function and cardiac conduction, so a deficiency can lead to these symptoms. Checking the client's laboratory values for potassium levels will help confirm the presence of hypokalemia.
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When assisting a client from the bed to a chair, which procedure is best for the nurse to follow?
- A. Place the chair parallel to the bed, with its back toward the head of the bed, and assist the client in moving to the chair.
- B. With the nurse's feet spread apart and knees aligned with the client's knees, stand and pivot the client into the chair.
- C. Assist the client to a standing position by gently lifting upward underneath the axillae.
- D. Stand beside the client, place the client's arms around the nurse's neck, and gently move the client to the chair.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B is the best procedure for the nurse to follow when assisting a client from the bed to a chair. This option emphasizes the correct positioning of the nurse with feet spread apart and knees aligned with the client's, providing a stable base of support. By standing and pivoting the client into the chair, the nurse can maintain control and stability, especially around the client's knees, ensuring a safe transfer.
Earlier this morning, an elderly Hispanic female was discharged to a LTC facility. The family members are now gathered in the hallway outside her room. What is the best action?
- A. Ask the family to wait in the cafeteria while the next of kin makes the necessary arrangements
- B. Provide space and privacy for the family to share their concerns about the client's discharge
- C. Ask the social worker to encourage the family to clear the hallway
- D. Explain to the family the client's need for privacy so that she can make independent decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this situation, providing space and privacy for the family allows them to openly discuss their concerns regarding the client's discharge. It respects the family's need for support, communication, and involvement in the decision-making process, ultimately fostering a more effective and compassionate care environment.
A client with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is being discharged. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Avoid foods high in iodine.
- B. Take your medication with meals.
- C. Monitor your weight daily.
- D. Decrease your daily fluid intake.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid foods high in iodine.' Clients with hyperthyroidism should avoid foods high in iodine to prevent exacerbation of their condition. Iodine is an essential component in thyroid hormone production, and excessive iodine intake can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms. Taking medication with meals (B) can interfere with the absorption of certain thyroid medications. Monitoring weight daily (C) is more relevant for conditions that may lead to weight changes like hypothyroidism. Decreasing fluid intake (D) is not a standard recommendation for hyperthyroidism unless specifically indicated by the healthcare provider.
A healthcare professional is teaching a new colleague about the correct administration of subcutaneous (subQ) injections. Which instruction should the healthcare professional include?
- A. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle for subQ injections
- B. Aspirate for blood return before injecting the medication
- C. Pinch the skin before inserting the needle
- D. Massage the site after administering the injection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A client with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease is receiving atorvastatin (Lipitor). Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. Complete blood count (CBC)
- B. Serum potassium level
- C. Liver function tests (LFTs)
- D. Serum cholesterol level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To evaluate the effectiveness of atorvastatin (Lipitor), the nurse should monitor liver function tests (LFTs) (C) because this medication can impact liver function. Complete blood count (CBC) (A), serum potassium level (B), and serum cholesterol level (D) are not directly indicative of the medication's effectiveness in managing coronary artery disease.