Which of these clients would the nurse monitor for the complication of C. difficile diarrhea?
- A. An adolescent taking medications for acne
- B. An elderly client living in a retirement center taking prednisone
- C. A young adult in the second trimester of pregnancy
- D. A middle-aged client receiving radiation for throat cancer
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A middle-aged client receiving radiation for throat cancer. Radiation therapy, particularly to the abdomen or pelvis, can disrupt the gut microbiota and increase the risk of C. difficile infection, especially if the client is also receiving antibiotics or has a weakened immune system.
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The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV ceftriaxone for a urinary tract infection. Which of the following findings should the nurse report immediately?
- A. Mild redness at the IV site.
- B. Temperature of 100.8°F (38.2°C).
- C. Urine output of 50 mL/hour.
- D. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A temperature of 100.8°F suggests worsening infection, requiring immediate reporting. Options A, C, and D are normal or less urgent.
The nurse notes dark red blood and a few clots in the catheter of a client two days after a transurethral prostatectomy (TURP). The nurse should first:
- A. Prepare the client for a return to surgery.
- B. Apply traction to the urethral catheter.
- C. Document the findings as normal.
- D. Decrease the client's oral fluid intake.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The appearance of dark red blood with a few clots indicates a venous bleed. Traction to the urethral catheter and increasing the client's fluid intake should be tried first before calling the doctor. Answer A would be indicated for the client with an arterial bleed, which is characterized by the appearance of bright red blood and many clots in the catheter, so it is incorrect.
The nurse is teaching home care to the parents of a child with acute spasmodic croup. The most important aspects of this care is/are
- A. sedation as needed to prevent exhaustion
- B. antibiotic therapy for 10 to 14 days
- C. humidified air and increased oral fluids
- D. antihistamines to decrease allergic response
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: humidified air and increased oral fluids. The most important aspects of home care for a child with acute spasmodic croup are humidified air and increased oral fluids. Moisture soothes inflamed membranes. Adequate systemic hydration aids in mucociliary clearance and keeps secretions thin, white, watery, and easily removed with minimal coughing.
Which of the following nursing actions is MOST appropriate?
- A. Decrease external stimuli in the child's room.
- B. Administer an analgesic as ordered.
- C. Notify and advise the physician of the child's status.
- D. Document the assessments and continue to observe.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Strategy: All answers are implementations. Determine the outcome of each answer choice. Is it desired? (1) may help the client to cope with current symptoms, but is not highest priority (2) will mask the signs of toxicity (3) correct-signs of toxicity need to be reported to the physician (4) does not take action to resolve the problem
A client who has had a right below-the-knee amputation refers to himself as 'a freak' and 'old peg-leg.' What initial response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
- A. You are not a freak.'
- B. Lots of people have amputations and live a normal life.'
- C. You feel like a freak.'
- D. You shouldn't say that; you are very attractive.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reflecting the client's feelings ('You feel like a freak') validates their emotions, promoting therapeutic communication. Denying, normalizing, or reassuring dismisses their distress.