The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving tobramycin sulfate intravenously every 8 hours. Which result should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?
- A. A total bilirubin of 0.5 mg/dL (8.5 mcmol/L)
- B. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 15 mm/hour
- C. A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 30 mg/dL (10.8 mmol/L)
- D. A white blood cell count (WBC) of 6000 mm³ (6 × 10â¹/L)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tobramycin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Adverse effects or toxic effects of tobramycin sulfate include nephrotoxicity as evidenced by an increased BUN and serum creatinine; irreversible ototoxicity as evidenced by tinnitus, dizziness, ringing or roaring in the ears, and reduced hearing; and neurotoxicity as evidenced by headaches, dizziness, lethargy, tremors, and visual disturbances. The normal BUN ranges from 10 to 20 mg/dL (3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L), depending on the laboratory. The normal total bilirubin level ranges from 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL (5.1 to 17 mcmol/L). The normal sedimentation rate for a male is ≤15 mm/hr and for a female is ≤20 mm/hr. A normal WBC count is 5000 to 10,000 mm³ (5 to 10 × 10â¹/L).
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The nurse is applying electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes to a diaphoretic client. Which intervention should the nurse take to keep the electrodes securely in place?
- A. Secure the electrodes with adhesive tape.
- B. Place clear, transparent dressings over the electrodes.
- C. Apply lanolin to the skin before applying the electrodes.
- D. Cleanse the skin with alcohol before applying the electrodes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol defats the skin and helps the electrodes adhere to the skin. Placing adhesive tape or a clear dressing over the electrodes will not help the adhesive gel of the actual electrode make better contact with the diaphoretic skin. Lanolin or any other lotion makes the skin slippery and prevents good initial adherence.
The nurse is ambulating a client for the first time after having abdominal surgery. What clinical manifestations should indicate to the nurse that the client may be experiencing orthostatic hypotension? Select all that apply.
- A. Nausea
- B. Dizziness
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Lightheadedness
- E. Flushing of the face
- F. Reports of seeing spots
Correct Answer: A,B,D,F
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension occurs when a normotensive person develops symptoms of low blood pressure when rising to an upright position. Whenever the nurse gets a client up and out of a bed or chair, there is a risk for orthostatic hypotension. Symptoms of nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, tachycardia, pallor, and reports of seeing spots are characteristic of orthostatic hypotension. A drop of approximately 15 mm Hg in the systolic blood pressure and 10 mm Hg in the diastolic blood pressure also occurs. Fainting can result without intervention, which includes immediately assisting the client to a lying position.
The nurse is assessing a pregnant client with a diagnosis of abruptio placentae. Which manifestations of this condition should the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply.
- A. Uterine irritability
- B. Uterine tenderness
- C. Painless vaginal bleeding
- D. Abdominal and low back pain
- E. Strong and frequent contractions
- F. Nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns
Correct Answer: A,B,D,F
Rationale: Placental abruption, also referred to as abruptio placentae, is the separation of a normally implanted placenta before the fetus is born. It occurs when there is bleeding and formation of a hematoma on the maternal side of the placenta. Manifestations include uterine irritability with frequent low-intensity contractions, uterine tenderness that may be localized to the site of the abruption, aching and dull abdominal and low back pain, painful vaginal bleeding, and a high uterine resting tone identified by the use of an intrauterine pressure catheter. Additional signs include nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns, signs of hypovolemic shock, and fetal death. Painless vaginal bleeding is a sign of placenta previa.
The nurse is preparing to provide postsurgical care for a client after a subtotal thyroidectomy. The nurse anticipates the need for which item to be placed at the bedside to minimize the client's risk for injury?
- A. Hypothermia blanket
- B. Emergency tracheostomy kit
- C. Magnesium sulfate in a ready-to-inject vial
- D. Ampule of saturated solution of potassium iodide
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Respiratory distress can occur after thyroidectomy as a result of swelling in the tracheal area. The nurse would ensure that an emergency tracheostomy kit is available. Surgery on the thyroid does not alter the heat control mechanism of the body. Magnesium sulfate would not be indicated because the incidence of hypomagnesemia is not a common problem after thyroidectomy. Saturated solution of potassium iodide is typically administered preoperatively to block thyroid hormone synthesis and release and to place the client in a euthyroid state.
A client has fallen and sustained a leg injury. Which question should the nurse ask to help determine if the client sustained a fracture?
- A. Is the pain a dull ache?
- B. Is the pain sharp and continuous?
- C. Does the discomfort feel like a cramp?
- D. Does the pain feel like the muscle was stretched?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fracture pain is generally described as sharp, continuous, and increasing in frequency. Bone pain is often described as a dull, deep ache. Muscle injury is often described as an aching or cramping pain, or soreness. Strains result from trauma to a muscle body or the attachment of a tendon from overstretching or overextension.