A client with a history of heart failure presents with increased shortness of breath and swelling in the legs. What is the most important assessment for the LPN/LVN to perform?
- A. Monitor the client's oxygen saturation level.
- B. Assess the client's apical pulse.
- C. Check for jugular vein distention.
- D. Measure the client's urine output.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Checking for jugular vein distention is crucial in assessing fluid overload in clients with heart failure. Jugular vein distention indicates increased central venous pressure, which can be a sign of worsening heart failure. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice A) is important but may not provide immediate information on fluid status. Assessing the apical pulse (Choice B) is relevant for monitoring heart rate but may not directly indicate fluid overload. Measuring urine output (Choice D) is essential for assessing renal function and fluid balance but does not provide immediate information on fluid overload in this scenario.
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The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has been diagnosed with a stroke. Which intervention will the nurse add to the care plan?
- A. Encourage the patient to perform as many self-care activities as possible.
- B. Provide assistance with a bed bath to promote patient comfort.
- C. Coordinate with physical therapy for gait training.
- D. Instruct the patient to remain on bed rest to prevent fatigue.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to perform as many self-care activities as possible. For a patient who has had a stroke, promoting independence and engaging in self-care activities help maintain mobility and foster a sense of autonomy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because providing assistance with a bed bath, coordinating with physical therapy for gait training, or advising bed rest without indications may not be the best interventions for promoting optimal recovery and independence in a stroke patient.
By the second postoperative day, a client has not achieved satisfactory pain relief. Based on this evaluation, which of the following actions should the nurse take, according to the nursing process?
- A. Reassess the client to determine the reasons for inadequate pain relief.
- B. Wait to see whether the pain lessens during the next 24 hours.
- C. Change the plan of care to provide different pain relief interventions.
- D. Teach the client about the plan of care for managing pain.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reassessing the client is crucial to identify the reasons for inadequate pain relief. This action allows the nurse to gather more information, evaluate the current pain management interventions, and make necessary adjustments to the care plan. Waiting for the pain to lessen without taking action delays appropriate pain management. Changing the plan of care without reassessment may lead to ineffective interventions. Teaching the client about the plan of care should be based on a reassessment of the current pain relief status to ensure tailored and effective pain management strategies.
A client is admitted with acute pyelonephritis. Which symptom should the nurse expect the client to report?
- A. Flank pain
- B. Pedal edema
- C. Hypotension
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Flank pain is a classic symptom of acute pyelonephritis, which is a bacterial infection of the kidney. It occurs due to inflammation and irritation of the renal capsule, leading to pain in the flank region. Pedal edema (swelling in the feet and ankles) is more commonly associated with conditions like heart failure or kidney disease, not typically seen in acute pyelonephritis. Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a systemic symptom that may occur with severe infections but is not a specific hallmark of pyelonephritis. Weight gain is also not a typical symptom of acute pyelonephritis; instead, patients may experience weight loss due to decreased appetite and systemic effects of infection.
A healthcare provider is providing discharge teaching to a client about self-administering heparin.
- A. Administer medication in the abdomen.
- B. Administer medication in the thigh.
- C. Administer medication in the upper arm.
- D. Administer medication in the buttock.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Heparin is typically administered in the abdomen for self-injection to avoid muscle tissue and for better absorption. The subcutaneous tissue in the abdomen provides a larger area for injection and is usually recommended for heparin administration. Administering heparin in the thigh, upper arm, or buttock may not be as effective or safe as the abdomen due to variations in absorption rates and potential risks associated with muscle injection.
A nurse questions a medication prescription as too extreme in light of the client's advanced age and unstable status. The nurse understands that this action is an example of which of the following ethical principles?
- A. Fidelity
- B. Autonomy
- C. Justice
- D. Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence refers to the principle of 'do no harm.' In this scenario, questioning a potentially harmful prescription for a client with advanced age and unstable status aligns with the principle of nonmaleficence, as the nurse is advocating for the client's safety and well-being. Choice A, Fidelity, refers to being faithful and keeping promises, which is not directly related to the situation described. Choice B, Autonomy, pertains to respecting a patient's right to make their own decisions, which is not the focus of the nurse questioning the prescription. Choice C, Justice, involves fairness and equal treatment, which is not the primary ethical principle at play in this situation.