Before administering the prescribed morphine sulfate to a client post-op following laparotomy who reports pain and dry mouth, what should the nurse do first?
- A. Measure the client's vital signs.
- B. Assess the client's pain level.
- C. Verify the morphine order with another nurse.
- D. Check the client's last dose of morphine.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Before administering morphine sulfate, it is crucial to measure the client's vital signs to ensure that the client is stable and safe to receive the medication. This step helps identify any contraindications or abnormalities that could affect the administration of morphine. Assessing the client's pain level (choice B) is important, but ensuring the client's physiological stability takes precedence. Verifying the morphine order with another nurse (choice C) and checking the client's last dose of morphine (choice D) are important steps but are not the priority before administering the medication.
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The LPN/LVN is assessing the nutritional status of several clients. Which client has the greatest nutritional need for additional intake of protein?
- A. A college-age track runner with a sprained ankle.
- B. A lactating woman nursing her 3-day-old infant.
- C. A school-aged child with Type 2 diabetes.
- D. An elderly man being treated for a peptic ulcer.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, a lactating woman nursing her 3-day-old infant. During lactation, women have increased nutritional needs, including protein, to support milk production for their infants. Protein is essential for proper growth and development. While choice A, a college-age track runner with a sprained ankle, may require protein for tissue repair, the lactating woman's need is greater due to the demands of breastfeeding. Choice C, a school-aged child with Type 2 diabetes, may have specific dietary considerations related to diabetes management but does not necessarily require additional protein intake compared to a lactating woman. Choice D, an elderly man being treated for a peptic ulcer, may need protein for wound healing, but the nutritional need for a lactating woman is higher to support her infant's growth.
A client has recently started using a behind-the-ear hearing aid. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the use of this assistive device?
- A. This type of hearing aid allows for fine-tuning of volume.
- B. I should ensure the hearing aid stays secure during exercise.
- C. I might hear a whistling sound when I first insert the hearing aid.
- D. I will be sure to remove my hearing aid before taking a shower.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because removing the hearing aid before taking a shower is essential to prevent water damage, as moisture can harm the device. Choice A is incorrect because behind-the-ear hearing aids do allow for fine-tuning of volume. Choice B is incorrect because exercise may cause the hearing aid to shift position, so it's important to ensure it stays secure. Choice C is incorrect because hearing a whistling sound when inserting the hearing aid may indicate improper placement or fit.
At the surgical scrub sink, a surgical nurse demonstrated the proper surgical handwashing technique by scrubbing:
- A. With her hands held lower than her elbows
- B. With her hands held higher than her elbows
- C. With her hands in a fist position
- D. With hands placed on her chest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct technique for surgical handwashing involves scrubbing with hands held higher than the elbows. This positioning helps prevent water from the contaminated area (the hands) from flowing towards the cleaner area (the elbows). This directional flow minimizes the risk of contaminating the scrubbed hands during the handwashing process. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A - having hands lower than elbows would risk contamination of the clean area, C - using a fist position does not ensure proper coverage and thorough handwashing, and D - placing hands on the chest is not part of the proper surgical handwashing technique.
A healthcare professional is reviewing a plan of care for a client who was admitted with dehydration as a result of prolonged watery diarrhea. Which prescription should the healthcare professional question?
- A. Oral psyllium (Metamucil)
- B. Oral potassium supplement
- C. Parenteral half normal saline
- D. Parenteral albumin (Albuminar)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Parenteral albumin (Albuminar). Parenteral albumin is not typically indicated for dehydration resulting from diarrhea. In this case, fluid replacement therapy with intravenous fluids such as parenteral half normal saline would be more appropriate. Oral psyllium and oral potassium supplement are not the primary interventions for managing dehydration due to watery diarrhea. Oral psyllium is a fiber supplement used for constipation rather than diarrhea. Oral potassium supplements may be necessary if potassium levels are low due to dehydration, but the priority is fluid replacement. Therefore, choices A and B are less relevant in this scenario.
A nurse educator is presenting a module on basic first aid for newly licensed home health nurses. The client who has heat stroke will have which of the following?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Clammy skin
- D. Bradypnea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Heat stroke is characterized by elevated body temperature, which can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure) due to dehydration and vasodilation. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and clammy skin are not typical findings in heat stroke. Bradypnea (slow breathing) is also not a common feature of heat stroke. Therefore, hypotension is the most likely cardiovascular manifestation seen in a client with heat stroke.