Nokea
A 30-year-old man is being admitted to the hospital for elective knee surgery. Which assessment finding is most important to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Tympany on percussion of the abdomen
- B. Liver edge 3 cm below the costal margin
- C. Bowel sounds of 20/minute in each quadrant
- D. Aortic pulsations visible in the epigastric area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Liver edge 3 cm below the costal margin.' Normally, the lower border of the liver is not palpable below the ribs, so this finding suggests hepatomegaly, which could indicate an underlying health issue. Tympany on percussion of the abdomen, bowel sounds of 20/minute in each quadrant, and aortic pulsations visible in the epigastric area are all within normal limits for a physical assessment and do not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
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A client in the ICU has been intubated and placed on a ventilator. The physician orders synchronous intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV). Which statement best describes the work of this mode of ventilation?
- A. The ventilator delivers a set rate and tidal volume regardless of whether the client is attempting to breathe
- B. The ventilator coordinates delivered breaths with the client's respiratory efforts
- C. The ventilator provides a supplemental breath for every third breath of the client
- D. The ventilator provides breaths during the expiratory phase of the client's respirations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Synchronous intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) is a ventilation mode that coordinates delivered breaths with the client's own respiratory efforts. This mode allows the client to initiate breaths, with the ventilator providing preset breaths at a controlled rate and volume. Option A is incorrect because in SIMV, the ventilator syncs with the client's respiratory efforts. Option C is incorrect as it does not accurately depict the way SIMV works. Option D is also incorrect as SIMV does not specifically provide breaths during the expiratory phase of the client's respirations. Therefore, the correct answer is B, where the ventilator coordinates breath delivery with the client's breathing efforts.
The patient with chronic pancreatitis will be taught to take the prescribed pancrelipase (Viokase)
- A. at bedtime.
- B. in the morning.
- C. with each meal.
- D. for abdominal pain.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to take pancrelipase (Viokase) with each meal. Pancrelipase is a pancreatic enzyme replacement medication that helps with the digestion of nutrients. Patients with chronic pancreatitis often have difficulty digesting food properly due to insufficient pancreatic enzyme production. Taking pancrelipase with each meal assists in the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates consumed during the meal. Option A ('at bedtime') is incorrect because enzymes should be taken with meals to aid in digestion. Option B ('in the morning') is not ideal as it does not ensure optimal enzyme activity during meals. Option D ('for abdominal pain') is incorrect as pancrelipase is not meant to be taken solely for pain relief but rather to aid in digestion.
Which finding would necessitate an immediate change in the therapeutic plan for a patient with grade 2 hepatic encephalopathy?
- A. Weight loss of 2 lb (1 kg)
- B. Positive urine pregnancy test
- C. Hemoglobin level of 10.4 g/dL
- D. Complaints of nausea and anorexia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A positive urine pregnancy test would require an immediate change in the therapeutic plan for a patient with grade 2 hepatic encephalopathy due to the teratogenic effects of ribavirin. Ribavirin needs to be discontinued immediately to prevent harm to the fetus. The other options, weight loss, hemoglobin level, and complaints of nausea and anorexia, are common adverse effects of the prescribed regimen and may necessitate interventions such as patient education or supportive care, but they would not mandate an immediate cessation of therapy as in the case of a positive pregnancy test.
To detect possible complications in a patient with severe cirrhosis who has bleeding esophageal varices, it is most important for the nurse to monitor
- A. bilirubin levels.
- B. ammonia levels.
- C. potassium levels.
- D. prothrombin time.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a patient with severe cirrhosis and bleeding esophageal varices, monitoring ammonia levels is crucial. Severe liver dysfunction impairs the metabolism of protein in the GI tract, leading to increased ammonia levels. Elevated ammonia levels can result in hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication. Monitoring bilirubin levels is important for assessing liver function and jaundice but may not directly reflect the risk of complications from bleeding esophageal varices. Potassium levels are important but not the most critical in this scenario. Prothrombin time is essential for evaluating coagulation status but does not directly relate to the risk of complications from bleeding esophageal varices in this patient.
The nurse is caring for a 36-year-old patient with pancreatic cancer. Which nursing action is the highest priority?
- A. Offer psychological support for depression.
- B. Offer high-calorie, high-protein dietary choices.
- C. Administer prescribed opioids to relieve pain as needed.
- D. Teach about the need to avoid scratching any pruritic areas.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer prescribed opioids to relieve pain as needed. Pain management is the highest priority in this scenario as effective pain control is essential for the patient's overall well-being. Pain relief will not only improve the patient's comfort but also enhance their ability to eat, follow dietary recommendations, and be open to psychological support. Offering psychological support for depression (Choice A) is important but addressing pain takes precedence. While providing high-calorie, high-protein dietary choices (Choice B) is crucial, it is secondary to managing pain. Teaching about the need to avoid scratching pruritic areas (Choice D) is relevant but not the highest priority in this situation where pain management is critical for the patient's quality of life.