Nokea
A 30-year-old client in the third trimester of her pregnancy asks the nurse for advice about upper respiratory discomforts. She complains of nasal stuffiness and epistaxis, most noticeable on the left side. Which reply by the nurse is correct?
- A. It sounds as though you are coming down with a bad cold. I'll ask the doctor to prescribe a decongestant for relief of symptoms.'
- B. A good vaporizer will help; avoid the cool air kind. Also, try saline nose drops, and spend less time on your left side.'
- C. These discomforts are all a result of increased blood supply; one of the pregnancy hormones, estrogen, causes them.'
- D. This is most unusual. I'm sure your obstetrician will want you to see an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Decongestants may exaggerate the nasal stuffiness associated with pregnancy. Judicious use of decongestants and nasal sprays is advocated during pregnancy. Cool air vaporizers and saline drops may help to relieve the nasal stuffiness. Positioning on either lateral side does not decrease nasal stuffiness or prevent epistaxis. Increased estrogen levels result in nasal mucosa edema with subsequent nasal stuffiness. Estrogen also promotes vasodilation, which contributes to epistaxis. The nurse may recommend cool air vaporizers and saline drops to help with the nasal stuffiness. Increased estrogen levels result in nasal mucosa edema with subsequent nasal stuffiness. Estrogen also promotes vasodilation discomforts associated with pregnancy.
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A five-month-old infant is admitted to the ER with a temperature of 103.6°F and irritability. The mother states that the child has been listless for the past several hours and that he had a seizure on the way to the hospital. A lumbar puncture confirms a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. The nurse should assess the infant for:
- A. Periorbital edema
- B. Tenseness of the anterior fontanel
- C. Positive Babinski reflex
- D. Negative scarf sign
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tenseness of the anterior fontanel indicates increased intracranial pressure in bacterial meningitis due to inflammation. The other findings are not specific to meningitis in infants.
The nurse is preparing to check a client for Trousseau's sign. Which equipment should the nurse obtain?
- A. Tongue blade
- B. Blood pressure cuff
- C. Reflex hammer
- D. Stethoscope
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Trousseau’s sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm to induce carpopedal spasm indicating hypocalcemia. The other equipment is not used for this assessment.
The most important reason to closely assess circumferential burns at least every hour is that they may result in:
- A. Hypovolemia
- B. Renal damage
- C. Ventricular arrhythmias
- D. Loss of peripheral pulses
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Full-thickness circumferential burns are nonelastic and create an internal tourniquet effect, compromising distal blood flow in extremities or respiratory motion in the torso, leading to loss of peripheral pulses.
A male client is scheduled to have angiography of his left leg. The nurse needs to include which of the following when preparing the client for this procedure?
- A. Validate that he is not allergic to iodine or shellfish.
- B. Instruct him to start active range of motion of his left leg immediately following the procedure.
- C. Inform him that he will not be able to eat or drink anything for 4 hours after the procedure.
- D. Inform him that vital signs will be taken every hour for 4 hours after the procedure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Angiography, an invasive radiographic examination, involves the injection of a contrast solution (iodine) through a catheter that has been inserted into an artery. The client is kept on complete bed rest for 6-12 hours after the procedure. The extremity in which the catheter was inserted must be immobilized and kept straight during this time. The contrast dye, iodine, is nephrotoxic. The client must be instructed to drink a large quantity of fluids to assist the kidneys in excreting this contrast media. The major complication of this procedure is hemorrhage. Vital signs are assessed every 15 minutes initially for signs of bleeding.
A female client is seeking counseling for personal problems. She admits to being very unhappy lately at both home and work. During the nursing assessment, she uses many defense mechanisms. Which statement or action made by the client is an example of adaptive suppression?
- A. I did not get the raise because my boss does not like me.'
- B. I felt a lump in my breast 2 weeks ago. I put off getting it checked until after my sister's wedding.'
- C. My son died 3 years ago. I still cannot bring myself to clean out his room.'
- D. My husband told me this morning that he wants a divorce. I am upset, but I cannot discuss the matter with him until after my company's board meeting today.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This statement is an example of adaptive rationalization. She is coping with her disappointment by rationalizing. This is adaptive because no harm is done to self or others. It is used to protect her ego. This is an example of maladaptive suppression. She is suppressing the seriousness of the lump. It is maladaptive because delaying treatment will cause harm to her. The client's actions are an example of maladaptive denial. She is denying her son's death by not facing his possessions. Until she faces his death, she cannot face reality. This is an example of adaptive suppression. She realizes the impact of her husband's statement but delays discussion until she can devote her full attention to the matter.