Nokea
A client has had heart failure. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement prior to the initial administration of digoxin to this client?
- A. Assess the apical pulse, counting for a full 60 seconds
- B. Take a radial pulse, counting for a full 60 seconds
- C. Use the pulse reading from the electronic blood pressure device
- D. Check for a pulse deficit
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assess the apical pulse, counting for a full 60 seconds. It is the nurse’s responsibility to take the client’s pulse before administering digoxin. The correct technique for taking an apical pulse is to use the stethoscope and listen for a full 60 seconds. Digoxin is held for a pulse below 60 beats per minute. A radial pulse, potentially less accurate, or blood pressure are not part of the initial assessment before administering an initial dose of digoxin.
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A 14 year-old with a history of sickle cell disease is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of vaso-occlusive crisis. Which statements by the client would be most indicative of the etiology of this crisis?
- A. I knew this would happen. I've been eating too much red meat lately.'
- B. I really enjoyed my fishing trip yesterday. I caught two fish.'
- C. I have really been working hard practicing basketball.'
- D. I went to get a cold checked out last week, and I have gotten worse.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: I went to get a cold checked out last week, and I have gotten worse.' Any condition that increases the body's need for oxygen or alters the transport of oxygen, such as infection, trauma or dehydration may result in a sickle cell crisis.
While providing home care to a client with congestive heart failure, the nurse is asked how long diuretics must be taken. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. As you urinate more, you will need less medication to control fluid.'
- B. You will have to take this medication for about a year.'
- C. The medication must be continued so the fluid problem is controlled.'
- D. Please talk to your health care provider about medications and treatments.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The medication must be continued so the fluid problem is controlled.' This is the most therapeutic response and gives the client accurate information.
The client's total WBC count is 20,000/mm3 two days after surgery. Which assessment finding should the nurse most associate with this laboratory result?
- A. Respiratory rate slow and shallow
- B. Skin incision pink, crusty, and intact
- C. Dark amber urine per urinary catheter
- D. Diminished lung sounds with crackles
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: D: Elevated WBC and crackles suggest a respiratory infection. A: Slow respiration is unrelated. B: Normal incision appearance doesn't correlate. C: Amber urine indicates dehydration, not infection.
A client is being maintained on heparin therapy for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse must closely monitor which of the following laboratory values?
- A. bleeding time
- B. platelet count
- C. activated PTT
- D. clotting time
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: activated PTT. Heparin is used to prevent further clots from being formed and to prevent the present clot from enlarging. The Activated Prothromboplastin Time (APTT) test is a highly sensitive test to monitor the client on heparin.
The nurse has been teaching a client with congestive heart failure about proper nutrition. Which of these lunch selections indicates the client has learned about sodium restriction?
- A. Cheese sandwich with a glass of 2% milk
- B. Sliced turkey sandwich and canned pineapple
- C. Cheeseburger and baked potato
- D. Mushroom pizza and ice cream
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sliced turkey sandwich and canned pineapple. Sliced turkey sandwich is appropriate since it is not a highly processed food and canned fruits are low in sodium. All of the other choices contain one or more high-sodium foods.