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A client with myasthenia gravis (MG) is receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Review of recent laboratory test results shows that the client's serum magnesium level has decreased below the normal range. In addition to contacting the healthcare provider, what nursing action is most important?
- A. Check the visual difficulties
- B. Note the most recent hemoglobin level
- C. Assess for hand and joint pain
- D. Observe rhythm on telemetry monitor
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to observe the rhythm on the telemetry monitor. Decreased magnesium levels can lead to cardiac issues, such as arrhythmias. Monitoring the heart rhythm is crucial in this situation. Checking visual difficulties (choice A) is not directly related to the potential cardiac effects of low magnesium levels. Noting the hemoglobin level (choice B) and assessing for hand and joint pain (choice C) are not the priority when dealing with low magnesium levels and possible cardiac complications.
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The nurse is assessing an infant with pyloric stenosis. Which pathophysiological mechanism is the most likely consequence of this infant's clinical picture?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory alkalosis
- D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pyloric stenosis often leads to metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of gastric acid from vomiting. Metabolic acidosis would not be expected in pyloric stenosis as there is no excessive acid accumulation. Respiratory alkalosis and respiratory acidosis are not typically associated with pyloric stenosis, making them incorrect choices.
A client is admitted with the diagnosis of Wernicke's syndrome. What assessment finding should the nurse use in planning the client's care?
- A. Right lower abdominal pain
- B. Confusion
- C. Depression
- D. Peripheral neuropathy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Confusion is a key symptom of Wernicke's syndrome, which is due to thiamine deficiency. Wernicke's syndrome is characterized by a triad of symptoms known as the classic triad, which includes confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. Right lower abdominal pain, depression, and peripheral neuropathy are not typically associated with Wernicke's syndrome, making them incorrect choices for this question.
An adolescent male client is admitted to the hospital. Based on Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which nursing intervention best assists this adolescent's adjustment to his hospital stay?
- A. Invite him to participate in the evening group activity
- B. Schedule frequent private phone calls to his parents
- C. Provide access to a variety of video games in his room
- D. Encourage him to learn his way around the hospital
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Inviting the adolescent to participate in group activities aligns with Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, specifically the stage of developing social relationships. By engaging in group activities, the adolescent can interact with peers, fostering social skills and aiding in adjustment to the hospital environment.
Choice B is incorrect as excessive reliance on phone calls to parents may hinder the adolescent's autonomy and independence, which are crucial aspects of Erikson's theory for this age group. Choice C, providing access to video games, while potentially offering entertainment, does not directly address the need for social interaction and relationship-building. Choice D, encouraging the adolescent to learn his way around the hospital, is important for familiarity but may not directly address the need for social interaction and adjustment in the hospital setting.
A client with metastatic breast cancer refuses to participate in a clinical trial and further treatments. Her children ask the nurse to convince their mother to reconsider. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Ask the client if she fully understands the decision she has made with her children present.
- B. Discuss the success of clinical trials and ask the client to consider participating for one month.
- C. Explain to the family that they must accept their mother's decision.
- D. Explore the client's decision to refuse treatment and offer support.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is to explore the client's decision to refuse treatment and offer support. In this situation, it is crucial for the nurse to respect the client's autonomy and decisions regarding her own health. By exploring the client's reasons for refusal, the nurse can better understand her perspective and provide appropriate support. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on questioning the client in front of her children, potentially pressuring her. Option B is inappropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and tries to persuade her to participate. Option C is also incorrect as it dismisses the client's decision and fails to address the family's concerns in a supportive manner.
The charge nurse is making assignments for clients on an endocrine unit. Which client is best to assign to a new graduate nurse?
- A. A female adult with hyperthyroidism who is returning to the unit after a thyroidectomy
- B. A male adult with Cushing's syndrome who reports a headache and visual disturbances
- C. An older man with Addison's disease who is diaphoretic and has hand tremors
- D. A perimenopausal woman with Graves' disease who is nervous and has exophthalmos
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A new graduate nurse can manage the care of a stable client returning from a thyroidectomy. Choice B is not suitable for a new graduate nurse as it involves complex symptoms of Cushing's syndrome that require more experience and knowledge. Choice C presents a client with acute manifestations of Addison's disease, which may be challenging for a new graduate nurse. Choice D involves a client with Graves' disease experiencing nervousness and exophthalmos, which also require a higher level of expertise to manage effectively.