A client with a history of stroke presents with dysphagia. What is the most important nursing intervention to prevent aspiration?
- A. Encourage the client to drink water between meals
- B. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position during meals
- C. Provide the client with thickened liquids
- D. Allow the client to eat quickly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Position the client in a high-Fowler's position during meals. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position (sitting upright at a 90-degree angle) helps reduce the risk of aspiration by ensuring that the airway is protected during swallowing. This position facilitates easier swallowing and decreases the likelihood of food or liquids entering the respiratory tract. Encouraging the client to drink water between meals (choice A) does not directly address the risk of aspiration during meals. Providing thickened liquids (choice C) may be necessary for some patients with dysphagia but is not the most important intervention to prevent aspiration. Allowing the client to eat quickly (choice D) without proper positioning and precautions can increase the risk of aspiration.
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When taking blood pressure at the brachial artery, the nurse should place the client's arm in which position?
- A. Slightly above the level of the heart
- B. At the level of the heart
- C. At a level of comfort for the client
- D. Below the level of the heart
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When taking blood pressure at the brachial artery, it is crucial to place the client's arm at the level of the heart to ensure accurate measurement. Placing the arm above or below the heart level can lead to incorrect readings. Option A, placing the arm slightly above the heart level, would result in falsely lower blood pressure readings as gravity would assist in a lower value. Option C, placing the arm at a level of comfort for the client, may not align with the standardized technique required for accurate blood pressure assessment. Option D, placing the arm below the level of the heart, would likely yield falsely higher blood pressure readings due to increased hydrostatic pressure pushing the blood against gravity.
A 4-year-old with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is receiving a chemotherapy protocol that includes methotrexate, an antimetabolite. Which information should the nurse provide the parents about caring for their child?
- A. Use sunblock or protective clothing when outdoors.
- B. Include the child in regular outings with the family.
- C. Obtain any childhood vaccinations that are not up-to-date.
- D. Use diluted commercial mouthwash for mouth care.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to use sunblock or protective clothing when outdoors. Methotrexate can cause photosensitivity, making the child more prone to sunburns and skin damage. Therefore, advising the parents to protect their child's skin from direct sunlight exposure is crucial. Choice B is incorrect because exposing the child to direct sunlight without protection can worsen the photosensitivity caused by methotrexate. Choice C is incorrect as obtaining vaccinations is generally avoided during chemotherapy due to the child's compromised immune system. Choice D is incorrect as commercial mouthwash may contain alcohol, which can be irritating to the child's oral mucosa, especially during chemotherapy.
During the assessment of a client who has suffered a stroke, what finding would indicate a complication?
- A. Difficulty swallowing
- B. A slight headache
- C. High blood pressure
- D. Muscle weakness on one side
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can indicate complications such as aspiration risk, which is common after a stroke due to impaired swallowing reflexes. It poses a serious threat to the client's respiratory system. Options B, C, and D are less likely to indicate immediate complications post-stroke. A slight headache is a common complaint and may not necessarily indicate a complication. High blood pressure is a known risk factor for strokes but may not be an immediate post-stroke complication unless it is severely elevated. Muscle weakness on one side is a common sign of stroke but may not directly indicate a new complication.
The nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is on mechanical ventilation. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Suction the tracheostomy as needed
- B. Ensure the tracheostomy ties are secure
- C. Provide humidified oxygen
- D. Clean any exudate around the tracheostomy site
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with a tracheostomy on mechanical ventilation is to suction the tracheostomy as needed. Suctioning is essential to maintain a clear airway and prevent respiratory distress. While ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure (choice B) is important, it is not as urgent as airway maintenance. Providing humidified oxygen (choice C) is beneficial but does not address the immediate need for airway clearance. Cleaning exudate around the tracheostomy site (choice D) is important for hygiene but takes precedence over ensuring airway patency through suctioning.
A client presents to the emergency department with symptoms of a myocardial infarction. What should the nurse administer immediately under doctor's orders?
- A. Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting
- B. High-flow oxygen
- C. Intravenous fluids
- D. Nitroglycerin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting. Administering aspirin is crucial in the immediate management of a myocardial infarction as it helps prevent further blood clot formation, which is a key component in the treatment and prevention of myocardial infarction. Oxygen therapy (Choice B) is often provided, but aspirin takes precedence due to its role in reducing clot formation. Intravenous fluids (Choice C) may be needed but are not the immediate priority in this situation. Nitroglycerin (Choice D) is commonly used for chest pain relief in myocardial infarction but is not the first medication to be administered in this scenario.