When caring for a client in the advanced stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which of the following referrals is the nurse's priority?
- A. Psychologist
- B. Social worker
- C. Occupational therapist
- D. Speech-language pathologist
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the advanced stage of ALS, speech and swallowing difficulties become significant. As a result, the priority referral for the nurse would be a speech-language pathologist. This professional can assist in managing communication challenges and provide strategies to address swallowing issues, ensuring the client's safety and quality of life.
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During the assessment of a client receiving packed RBCs, which finding indicates fluid overload?
- A. Low back pain.
- B. Dyspnea.
- C. Hypotension.
- D. Thready pulse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dyspnea is a key finding indicating fluid overload in a client receiving packed RBCs. Fluid overload can lead to pulmonary edema, causing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea). Low back pain is not typically associated with fluid overload but can be more related to musculoskeletal issues. Hypotension and thready pulse are more indicative of hypovolemia (low fluid volume), not fluid overload.
A client has generalized petechiae and ecchymoses. The nurse should expect a prescription for which of the following laboratory tests?
- A. Platelet count
- B. Potassium level
- C. Creatinine clearance
- D. Prealbumin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Generalized petechiae and ecchymoses can indicate a potential issue with platelet function or count. Therefore, the most relevant laboratory test to evaluate this condition would be a platelet count. Platelet count helps assess the number of platelets in the blood, which are crucial for clotting and preventing bleeding. Monitoring platelet levels can provide important information about a client's bleeding risk and overall hematologic health.
When applying Nagele's rule, a healthcare professional is estimating a client's expected date of delivery based on their last menstrual period, which began on April 12th. What date should the healthcare professional determine to be the client's expected delivery date? (Use mmdd format.)
- A. 119
- B. 121
- C. 115
- D. 122
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To calculate the expected delivery date using Nagele's rule, begin by subtracting 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual period (April 12th), which results in January 12th. Then, add 7 days. Therefore, the expected delivery date would be January 19th (0119). This calculation method helps healthcare professionals estimate the client's due date.
A client with depression reports taking St. John's wort along with citalopram. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following conditions as a result of an interaction between these substances?
- A. Serotonin syndrome
- B. Tardive dyskinesia
- C. Pseudoparkinsonism
- D. Acute dystonia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When St. John's wort, an herbal supplement, is taken with citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), there is a risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition that can occur when there is an excess of serotonin in the body, leading to symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, increased body temperature, and more. Monitoring for serotonin syndrome is crucial when these substances are taken together to prevent any potential harm to the client.
A nurse is providing teaching about gastrostomy tube feedings to the parents of a school-age child. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give?
- A. Administer the feeding over 30 minutes
- B. Place the child in a supine position after the feeding
- C. Change the feeding bag and tubing every 3 days
- D. Warm the formula in a warm water bath before administration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering the feeding over 30 minutes helps prevent complications such as aspiration. Placing the child in an upright position after the feeding is recommended to reduce the risk of aspiration. It is essential to change the feeding bag and tubing every 3 days to maintain asepsis and prevent infections. Warming the formula in a warm water bath is the correct method as using a microwave can create hot spots that may burn the child's mouth or throat.