A nurse is planning care for a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?
- A. Evaluate electrolytes
- B. Restrict fluid intake
- C. Administer diuretics
- D. Monitor vital signs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client has fluid overload, the nurse's first action should be to evaluate electrolytes. Electrolyte levels can be significantly affected by fluid imbalances, and assessing them will guide the nurse in determining the appropriate interventions. Restricting fluid intake (choice B) may be necessary but is not the initial priority. Administering diuretics (choice C) should be based on the electrolyte evaluation and overall assessment. Monitoring vital signs (choice D) is essential but does not provide direct information on the client's electrolyte status, which is crucial in managing fluid overload.
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A home health nurse is teaching a new caregiver how to care for a client who has had a tracheostomy for 1 year. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Use tracheostomy covers when going outdoors.
- B. Maintain sterile technique when performing tracheostomy care.
- C. Do not remove the outer cannula for routine cleaning.
- D. Clean around the stoma with normal saline.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to use tracheostomy covers when going outdoors. This instruction is important as it helps protect the airway from dust and other particles, reducing the risk of infection or irritation. Choice B is incorrect because maintaining sterile technique is crucial during tracheostomy care to prevent infections, but it is not the most pertinent instruction in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as removing the outer cannula is not a routine cleaning procedure and should only be done by healthcare professionals when necessary. Choice D is incorrect because cleaning around the stoma with normal saline is not recommended as it can cause irritation to the skin and stoma site.
A nurse in a provider's office is obtaining the health and medication history of a client who has a respiratory infection. The client tells the nurse that she is not aware of any allergies, but that she did develop a rash the last time she was taking an antibiotic. Which of the following information should the nurse give to the client?
- A. We need to document the exact medication you were taking because you might be allergic to it.
- B. You should take a different type of antibiotic this time.
- C. A rash is a common reaction and is not usually concerning.
- D. You can take the same antibiotic again if needed.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should advise the client to document the exact medication taken to identify potential allergies and prevent adverse reactions. This is important as the client developed a rash previously while taking an antibiotic, indicating a possible allergic reaction. Choice B is not appropriate as switching antibiotics without proper evaluation can be risky. Choice C is incorrect as rashes should not be dismissed without further investigation, especially in the context of taking medication. Choice D is also not recommended as re-taking the same antibiotic without clarifying the allergic reaction can lead to a potentially severe outcome.
When assessing a client's skin as part of a comprehensive physical examination, what finding should a nurse expect?
- A. Capillary refill less than 3 seconds
- B. 1+ pitting edema in both feet
- C. Pale nail beds in both hands
- D. Thick skin on the soles of the feet
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Capillary refill less than 3 seconds. This finding is considered normal and indicates good peripheral perfusion. Pitting edema (choice B) and pale nail beds (choice C) are abnormal findings that may suggest underlying health issues. Thick skin on the soles of the feet (choice D) is not an expected normal finding during a skin assessment and could be indicative of a callus or other skin condition.
A healthcare professional is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following clients is at increased risk for body-image disturbances?
- A. A client who had a laparoscopic appendectomy
- B. A client who had a mastectomy
- C. A client who had a left above-the-knee amputation
- D. A client who had a cardiac catheterization
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients who have undergone significant visible body changes, like amputation, are at increased risk for body-image disturbances. Amputation can have a profound impact on self-image and body perception due to the visible structural alteration. While conditions like laparoscopic appendectomy, mastectomy, and cardiac catheterization may also affect body image, they are less likely to cause significant disturbances compared to visible changes like amputation.
The client is receiving discharge instructions for a new antihypertensive medication. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will stop taking the medication if I experience dizziness.
- B. I will monitor my blood pressure regularly.
- C. I will avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- D. I will rise slowly from a sitting to a standing position.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Stopping antihypertensive medication abruptly can lead to rebound hypertension, which can be dangerous. Clients should never discontinue their medication without consulting their healthcare provider first. Choice B is correct because monitoring blood pressure is essential when taking antihypertensive medication to ensure it stays within the target range. Choice C is correct as alcohol can potentiate the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive medications. Choice D is correct as orthostatic hypotension can occur, so rising slowly helps prevent dizziness and falls. Therefore, choice A is the statement that indicates a need for further teaching.