A client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis is experiencing prolonged periods of weakness, and the primary health care provider prescribes an edrophonium test, also known as a Tensilon test. A test dose is administered and the client becomes weaker. How should the nurse interpret these results?
- A. Myasthenic crisis is present.
- B. Cholinergic crisis is present.
- C. This result is a normal finding.
- D. This result is a positive finding.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An edrophonium test may be performed to determine whether increasing weakness in a client with previously diagnosed myasthenic is a result of cholinergic crisis (overmedication) with anticholinesterase medications or myasthenic crisis (undermedication). Worsening of the symptoms after the test dose of medication is administered indicates a cholinergic crisis.
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The nurse suspects that an air embolism has occurred when the client's central venous catheter disconnects from the intravenous (IV) tubing. The nurse immediately places the client on her or his left side in which position?
- A. High Fowler's
- B. Trendelenburg's
- C. Lateral recumbent
- D. Reverse Trendelenburg's
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If the client develops an air embolism, the immediate action is to place the client in Trendelenburg's position on the left side. This position raises the client's feet higher than the head and traps any air in the right atrium. If necessary, the air can then be directly removed by intracardiac aspiration.
The nurse caring for a client after right radical mastectomy includes which intervention in the nursing plan of care for this client?
- A. Takes blood pressures in the right arm only
- B. Draws serum laboratory samples from the right arm only
- C. Positions the client supine and flat with the right arm elevated on a pillow
- D. Checks the right posterior axilla area when assessing the surgical dressing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If there is drainage or bleeding from the surgical site after mastectomy, gravity will cause the drainage to seep down and soak the posterior axillary portion of the dressing first. The nurse checks this area to detect early bleeding. Blood pressure measurement, venipuncture, and intravenous sites should not involve use of the operative arm. The client should be positioned with the head in semi-Fowler's position and the arm on the operative side elevated on pillows to decrease edema.
A client has been taking a prescribed calcium channel blocker therapy for approximately 2 months. The home care nurse monitoring the effects of therapy should determine that drug tolerance has developed if which is noted in the client?
- A. Decrease in weight
- B. Increased joint pain
- C. Output greater than intake
- D. Gradual rise in blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Drug tolerance can develop in a client taking an antihypertensive such as a calcium channel blocker, which is evident by rising blood pressure levels. The primary health care provider should be notified, who may then increase the medication dosage, change medication, or add a diuretic to the medication regimen. The client is also at risk of developing fluid retention, which would be manifested as dependent edema, intake greater than output, and an increase in weight. Joint pain is not associated with this form of tolerance.
The nurse has a prescription to ambulate a client with a nephrostomy tube four times a day. The nurse determines that the safest way to ambulate the client while maintaining the integrity of the nephrostomy tube is to implement which intervention?
- A. Change the drainage bag to a leg collection bag.
- B. Tie the drainage bag to the client's waist while ambulating.
- C. Use a walker to hang the drainage bag from while ambulating.
- D. Tell the client to hold the drainage bag higher than the level of the bladder.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The safest approach to protect the integrity and safety of the nephrostomy tube with a mobile client is to attach the tube to a leg collection bag. This allows for greater freedom of movement, while preventing accidental disconnection or dislodgment. The drainage bag is kept below the level of the bladder. Option 3 presents the risk of tension or pulling on the nephrostomy tube by the client during ambulation.
The nurse is caring for a client who develops compartment syndrome as a result of a severely fractured arm. When the client asks why this happens, how should the nurse respond?
- A. A bone fragment has injured the nerve supply in the area.
- B. An injured artery causes impaired arterial perfusion through the compartment.
- C. Bleeding and swelling cause increased pressure in an area that cannot expand.
- D. The fascia expands with injury, causing pressure on underlying nerves and muscles.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Compartment syndrome is caused by bleeding and swelling within a compartment, which is lined by fascia that does not expand. The bleeding and swelling place pressure on the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels in the compartment, triggering the symptoms. Therefore, options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect statements.