A client with chronic kidney disease is being evaluated for dialysis. Which laboratory value would be most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL
- B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
- C. Creatinine 3.5 mg/dL
- D. BUN 50 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium 6.2 mEq/L. In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys struggle to regulate potassium levels, leading to hyperkalemia. A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is dangerously high and can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Hemoglobin of 9.5 g/dL may indicate anemia, which is common in chronic kidney disease but is not immediately life-threatening. Creatinine and BUN levels are markers of kidney function; although elevated levels indicate kidney impairment, they are not acutely life-threatening like severe hyperkalemia.
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The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just undergone a thoracentesis. Which finding should be reported immediately?
- A. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side.
- B. Pain at the procedure site.
- C. Blood-tinged sputum.
- D. Shortness of breath.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Shortness of breath should be reported immediately as it may indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication of thoracentesis. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side, pain at the procedure site, and blood-tinged sputum are common findings post-thoracentesis and do not necessarily indicate immediate complications like a pneumothorax.
The nurse is assessing a client with cirrhosis who has developed ascites. What is the most important intervention to include in the care plan?
- A. Restrict sodium intake
- B. Encourage high-protein meals
- C. Increase fluid intake
- D. Administer diuretics as prescribed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer diuretics as prescribed. Diuretics are often prescribed to help manage fluid accumulation in ascites, which is a common complication of cirrhosis. Restricting sodium intake (Choice A) is essential in managing ascites, but administering diuretics takes precedence in the care plan. Encouraging high-protein meals (Choice B) and increasing fluid intake (Choice C) are not the primary interventions for managing ascites in cirrhosis.
While caring for a client who is being mechanically ventilated, the nurse responds to a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Endotracheal cuff pressure greater than 25 cm H2O.
- B. Decreased lung compliance during ventilation.
- C. Bilateral crackles with increased secretions.
- D. Restless client who is biting the endotracheal tube.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A restless client biting the endotracheal tube can increase airway resistance, triggering the high-pressure alarm and indicating a need for immediate intervention. This behavior can lead to complications such as dislodgement of the tube or airway obstruction. Endotracheal cuff pressure greater than 25 cm H2O, decreased lung compliance, and bilateral crackles with increased secretions are important assessments but do not directly address the urgent need to intervene when a high-pressure alarm is triggered.
The nurse is preparing a client for discharge after a major surgical procedure. What is the priority instruction to include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Signs of infection to monitor for
- B. Pain management techniques
- C. Activity restrictions and safety measures
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Providing comprehensive discharge instructions covering signs of infection to monitor for, pain management techniques, activity restrictions, and safety measures is crucial after a major surgical procedure. Each of these components plays a vital role in the client's recovery and well-being. It is important for the client to understand how to identify signs of infection, manage pain effectively, and adhere to activity restrictions to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery process. While each instruction is important on its own, combining all aspects into the discharge teaching ensures that the client has a holistic understanding of their post-operative care, empowering them to take charge of their health and know when to seek further assistance if needed. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of discharge teaching and should all be included to provide the client with comprehensive care instructions.
The nurse is assessing an older resident with a history of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and identifies a distended bladder. What should the nurse do?
- A. Stand the client to void and run tap water within hearing distance before catheterizing
- B. Straight catheterize and if the residual urine volume is greater than 100 mL, clamp catheter
- C. Catheterize q2h and place in an indwelling catheter at the end of the prescribed 24hr period
- D. Catheterize with an indwelling catheter and if the residual volume is greater than 100 mL, inflate the balloon
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.