The nurse managing a client's post-supratentorial craniotomy care should assure that the client is maintained in which position?
- A. Prone
- B. Supine
- C. Semi-Fowler's
- D. Dorsal recumbent
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Following a supratentorial craniotomy, the client should be maintained in a semi-Fowler's position (head of bed elevated 30 to 45 degrees) to promote venous drainage from the brain, reduce intracranial pressure, and prevent swelling at the surgical site. The prone position could increase pressure on the surgical site and impede breathing. The supine position may increase intracranial pressure due to poor venous drainage. The dorsal recumbent position, while flat with knees flexed, does not provide the elevation needed to reduce intracranial pressure effectively.
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The nurse is caring for a client prescribed digoxin. Which manifestations correlate with a digoxin level of 2.3 ng/dL (2.93 nmol/L)? Select all that apply.
- A. Nausea
- B. Drowsiness
- C. Photophobia
- D. Increased appetite
- E. Increased energy level
- F. Seeing halos around bright objects
Correct Answer: A,B,C,F
Rationale: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used to manage and treat heart failure, control ventricular rate in clients with atrial fibrillation, and treat and prevent recurrent paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. The therapeutic range is 0.8 to 2.0 ng/mL (1.02 to 2.56 nmol/L). Signs of toxicity include gastrointestinal disturbances, including anorexia, nausea, and vomiting; neurological abnormalities such as fatigue, headache, depression, weakness, drowsiness, confusion, and nightmares; facial pain; personality changes; and ocular disturbances such as photophobia, halos around bright lights, and yellow or green color perception.
The nurse is assisting a client diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy to fill out the dietary menu. The nurse advises the client to avoid which entree item?
- A. Tomato soup
- B. Fresh fruit plate
- C. Vegetable lasagna
- D. Ground beef patty
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients with hepatic encephalopathy have impaired ability to convert ammonia to urea and must limit intake of protein and ammonia-containing foods in the diet. The client should avoid foods such as chicken, beef, ham, cheese, milk, peanut butter, and gelatin. The food items in options 1, 2, and 3 are acceptable to eat.
The nurse is assessing a 3-day-old preterm neonate with a diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Which assessment finding indicates that the neonate's respiratory condition is improving?
- A. Edema of the hands and feet
- B. Urine output of 3 mL/kg/hour
- C. Presence of a systolic murmur
- D. Respiratory rate between 60 and 70 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: RDS is a serious lung disorder caused by immaturity and the inability to produce surfactant, resulting in hypoxia and acidosis. Lung fluid, which occurs in RDS, moves from the lungs into the bloodstream as the condition improves and the alveoli open. This extra fluid circulates to the kidneys, which results in increased voiding. Therefore, normal urination is an early sign that the neonate's respiratory condition is improving (normal urinary output is 2 to 5 mL/kg/hour). Edema of the hands and feet occurs within the first 24 hours after the development of RDS as a result of low protein concentrations, a decrease in colloidal osmotic pressure, and transudation of fluid from the vascular system to the tissues. Systolic murmurs usually indicate the presence of a patent ductus arteriosus, which is a common complication of RDS. Respiratory rates above 60 are indicative of tachypnea, which is a sign of respiratory distress.
The nurse, caring for a client who has been placed in Buck's extension traction while awaiting surgical repair of a fractured femur, should perform a complete neurovascular assessment of the affected extremity that include which interventions? Select all that apply.
- A. Vital signs
- B. Bilateral lung sounds
- C. Pulse in the affected extremity
- D. Level of pain in the affected leg
- E. Skin color of the affected extremity
- F. Capillary refill of the affected toes
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F
Rationale: A complete neurovascular assessment of an extremity includes color, sensation, movement, capillary refill, and pulse of the affected extremity. Options 1 and 2 are not related to neurovascular assessment.
The nurse admits a client who is bleeding freely from a scalp laceration that resulted from a fall. The nurse should take which action first in the care of this wound?
- A. Prepare for suturing the area.
- B. Determine when the client last had a tetanus vaccine.
- C. Cleanse the wound by flushing with sterile normal saline.
- D. Apply direct pressure to the laceration to stop the bleeding.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the presence of active bleeding from a scalp laceration, the priority is to control the bleeding to prevent further blood loss and stabilize the client. Applying direct pressure to the laceration is the most effective initial action to achieve this. Preparing for suturing, determining tetanus vaccine status, and cleansing the wound are important but secondary actions that follow after bleeding is controlled.