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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.
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The client with chronic renal failure is being educated about the importance of a low-sodium diet. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can eat canned vegetables as long as I rinse them first.
- B. I can use table salt sparingly.
- C. I can eat frozen dinners if they are labeled low-sodium.
- D. I can eat whatever I want as long as I avoid salty foods.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients with chronic renal failure need to strictly limit their sodium intake. Advising the client to use table salt sparingly is incorrect as they should avoid table salt altogether to adhere to a low-sodium diet. Choice A is correct as rinsing canned vegetables can help reduce their sodium content. Choice C is correct as consuming frozen dinners labeled low-sodium can be a suitable option. Choice D is incorrect as it implies that avoiding only salty foods is sufficient, when in fact, overall sodium intake needs to be monitored closely.
What is the primary purpose of administering anticoagulants to a patient with atrial fibrillation?
- A. To reduce blood pressure.
- B. To prevent clot formation.
- C. To prevent arrhythmias.
- D. To reduce inflammation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of administering anticoagulants to a patient with atrial fibrillation is to prevent clot formation. Patients with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk of forming blood clots in the heart, which can lead to stroke if they travel to the brain. Anticoagulants help to reduce this risk by inhibiting the clotting process. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect because anticoagulants do not primarily aim to reduce blood pressure, prevent arrhythmias, or reduce inflammation in patients with atrial fibrillation.
To help minimize the risk of postoperative respiratory complications after a hypophysectomy, during preoperative teaching, the nurse should instruct the client how to:
- A. Use incentive spirometry.
- B. Turn in bed.
- C. Take deep breaths.
- D. Cough.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client on how to take deep breaths. Deep breathing exercises are essential in preventing postoperative respiratory complications like atelectasis by promoting lung expansion. Using incentive spirometry is a more specific and advanced method of promoting deep breathing and lung expansion, making it a better choice than just turning in bed. While turning in bed may help with overall comfort and positioning, it is not as directly related to respiratory complications as deep breathing exercises. Coughing, although important for clearing secretions, is not as effective in preventing atelectasis as deep breathing exercises.
What is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI)?
- A. Administering oxygen.
- B. Administering nitroglycerin.
- C. Administering aspirin.
- D. Administering morphine.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering oxygen is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction to improve oxygenation. Oxygen helps ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle, reducing the workload on the heart. Nitroglycerin and aspirin are important interventions in the treatment of MI; however, oxygen administration takes precedence to ensure adequate oxygenation. Morphine may be considered for pain relief, but it is not the initial priority in the treatment of a suspected MI.
The client is being educated by the nurse on home blood glucose monitoring. Which of the following blood glucose measurements indicates hypoglycemia?
- A. 59 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L)
- B. 75 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L)
- C. 108 mg/dL (6 mmol/L)
- D. 119 mg/dL (6.6 mmol/L)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A blood glucose level of 59 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L) is considered hypoglycemia, which is an abnormally low blood sugar level. This level requires immediate attention as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, shakiness, and even loss of consciousness if left untreated. Choices B, C, and D have blood glucose levels within the normal range or slightly higher, indicating euglycemia or normal blood sugar levels, and not hypoglycemia.