Nokea
A visiting home care nurse finds a client unconscious in the bedroom. The client has a history of abusing the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, sertraline. The nurse should immediately conduct which assessment?
- A. Pulse
- B. Respirations
- C. Blood pressure
- D. Urinary output
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In an emergency situation, the nurse should determine breathlessness first and then assess for a pulse. Blood pressure would be assessed after these assessments are performed. Urinary output is also important but is not the priority at this time.
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The home health nurse is performing an initial assessment on a client who has been discharged after an insertion of a permanent pacemaker. Which client statement indicates that an understanding of self-care is evident?
- A. I will never be able to operate a microwave oven again.
- B. I should expect occasional feelings of dizziness and fatigue.
- C. I will take my pulse in the wrist or neck daily and record it in a log.
- D. Moving my arms and shoulders vigorously helps check pacemaker functioning.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with permanent pacemakers must be able to take their pulse in the wrist and/or neck accurately so as to note any variation in the pulse rate or rhythm that may need to be reported to the primary health care provider. Clients can safely operate most appliances and tools, such as microwave ovens, video recorders, AM-FM radios, electric blankets, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers, as long as the devices are grounded and in good repair. If the client experiences any feelings of dizziness, fatigue, or an irregular heartbeat, the primary health care provider is notified. The arms and shoulders should not be moved vigorously for 6 weeks after insertion.
A client has been diagnosed with left tension pneumothorax. Which finding observed by the nurse indicates that the pneumothorax is rapidly worsening? Select all that apply.
- A. Hypertension
- B. Flat neck veins
- C. Increased cyanosis
- D. Tracheal deviation to the right
- E. Diminished breath sounds on the left
- F. Observable asymmetry of the thorax
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F
Rationale: A tension pneumothorax is characterized by distended neck veins, displaced point of maximal impulse (PMI), tracheal deviation to the unaffected side, asymmetry of the thorax, decreased to absent breath sounds on the affected side, worsening cyanosis, and worsening dyspnea. The increased intrathoracic pressure causes the blood pressure to fall, not rise.
A client with a spinal cord injury is at risk of developing footdrop. What intervention should the nurse use as a preventive measure?
- A. Mole skin-lined heel protectors
- B. Regular use of posterior splints
- C. Application of pneumatic boots
- D. Avoiding dorsal flexion of the foot
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The effective means of preventing footdrop (plantar flexion) is the use of posterior splints or high-top sneakers. Dorsal flexing of the foot would help to counteract the effects of footdrop. Heel protectors protect the skin but do not prevent footdrop. Pneumatic boots prevent deep vein thrombosis but not footdrop.
When a client experiences frequent runs of ventricular tachycardia, the primary health care provider prescribes flecainide. Because of the effects of the medication, which nursing intervention is specific to this client's safety?
- A. Monitor the client's urinary output.
- B. Assess the client for neurological problems.
- C. Ensure that the bed rails remain in the up position.
- D. Monitor the client's vital signs and electrocardiogram (ECG) frequently.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Flecainide is an antidysrhythmic medication that slows conduction and decreases excitability, conduction velocity, and automaticity. However, the nurse must monitor for the development of a new or worsening dysrhythmia. Options 1, 2, and 3 are components of standard care but are not specific to this medication.
A client is scheduled for hydrotherapy for a burn dressing change. Which action should the nurse take to ensure that the client is comfortable during the procedure?
- A. Ensure that the client is appropriately dressed.
- B. Administer an opioid analgesic 30 to 60 minutes before therapy.
- C. Schedule the therapy at a time when the client generally takes a nap.
- D. Assign an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to stay with the client during the procedure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client should receive pain medication approximately 30 to 60 minutes before a burn dressing change. This will help the client tolerate an otherwise painful procedure. None of the remaining options addresses the issue of pain effectively.