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Laboratory findings indicate that a client's serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement.
- B. Prepare to administer a glucose-insulin-potassium replacement.
- C. Change the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurement.
- D. Instruct the client to increase daily intake of potassium-rich foods.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low, indicating severe hypokalemia. The immediate action the nurse should take is to inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement. Option B, preparing to administer glucose-insulin-potassium replacement, is not the first-line intervention; it may be considered in specific situations but requires a healthcare provider's prescription. Option C, changing the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurement, is not the priority when managing critically low potassium levels. Option D, instructing the client to increase daily intake of potassium-rich foods, is not appropriate in this acute situation where immediate intervention is needed to address the dangerously low potassium level.
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A client diagnosed with a history of asthma and bronchitis arrives at the clinic with shortness of breath, productive cough with thickened, tenacious mucus, and the inability to walk up a flight of stairs without experiencing breathlessness. Which action is most important for the nurses to instruct the client about self-care?
- A. Call the clinic if undesirable side effects of medications occur
- B. Avoid crowded enclosed areas to reduce pathogen exposure
- C. Increase the daily intake of oral fluids to liquefy secretions
- D. Teach anxiety reduction methods for feelings of suffocation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increasing the daily intake of oral fluids is crucial for clients with asthma and bronchitis as it helps to liquefy thickened mucus, making it easier to clear the airways and manage symptoms. This self-care measure can improve the client's ability to breathe more effectively. Choice A is not the most immediate concern when addressing thickened mucus and breathing difficulties. While avoiding crowded areas is beneficial to prevent respiratory infections, it is not directly related to managing thickened secretions. Teaching anxiety reduction methods is important for overall well-being, but it does not directly address the physiological issue of thickened mucus in the airways.
In a patient with cirrhosis, which of the following lab results is most concerning?
- A. Elevated liver enzymes.
- B. Low albumin levels.
- C. Elevated bilirubin levels.
- D. Low platelet count.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a patient with cirrhosis, a low platelet count is the most concerning lab result. Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, is common in cirrhosis due to impaired platelet production in the liver. It significantly increases the risk of bleeding and can lead to serious complications such as hemorrhage. Elevated liver enzymes (Choice A) are expected in cirrhosis but may not directly indicate the severity of the disease. Low albumin levels (Choice B) are common in cirrhosis and can contribute to fluid retention but do not pose an immediate risk of bleeding. Elevated bilirubin levels (Choice C) are also expected in cirrhosis and typically indicate impaired liver function but do not directly increase the risk of bleeding as much as a low platelet count.
The client who experiences angina has been advised to follow a low-cholesterol diet. Which of the following meals would be best?
- A. Hamburger, salad, and milkshake.
- B. Baked liver, green beans, and coffee.
- C. Spaghetti with tomato sauce, salad, and coffee.
- D. Fried chicken, green beans, and skim milk.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best meal option for a client with angina following a low-cholesterol diet is spaghetti with tomato sauce, salad, and coffee. This meal is lower in cholesterol content compared to the other options provided. Hamburger with salad and milkshake, baked liver with green beans and coffee, and fried chicken with green beans and skim milk are higher in cholesterol and may not be suitable for an individual with angina who needs to adhere to a low-cholesterol diet.
A young adult is burned when wearing a shirt that was splashed with lighter fluid and caught on fire while attempting to light a charcoal grill. The client ripped off the shirt immediately, without unbuttoning the sleeves, which caused circumferential burns to both wrists. When the client is admitted, which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Monitor pulse intensity.
- B. Evaluate extremity sensation.
- C. Assess range of motion.
- D. Place sterile bandage on both wrists.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring pulse intensity is the priority to ensure circulation is not compromised due to circumferential burns.
What is the primary action of insulin in the body?
- A. To lower blood pressure.
- B. To promote the absorption of glucose into cells.
- C. To increase blood glucose levels.
- D. To decrease blood glucose levels.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To promote the absorption of glucose into cells. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, thereby decreasing blood glucose levels. Choice A is incorrect as insulin does not directly affect blood pressure. Choice C is inaccurate as insulin works to lower, not increase, blood glucose levels. Choice D is incorrect because insulin's primary role is to lower, not increase, blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells.