Nokea
A 32-year-old female client is being treated for Guillain-Barré syndrome. She complains of gradually increasing muscle weakness over the past several days. She has noticed an increased difficulty in ambulating and fell yesterday. When conducting a nursing assessment, which finding would indicate a need for immediate further evaluation?
- A. Complaints of a headache
- B. Loss of superficial and deep tendon reflexes
- C. Complaints of shortness of breath
- D. Facial paralysis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Headaches are not associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Loss of superficial and deep tendon reflexes is expected with this diagnosis. Complaints of shortness of breath must be further evaluated. Forty percent of all clients have some detectable respiratory weakness and should be prepared for a possible tracheostomy. Pneumonia is also a common complication of this syndrome. Facial paralysis is expected and is not considered abnormal.
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The client is diagnosed with pancreatitis. Which laboratory value is most indicative of this condition?
- A. Elevated amylase
- B. Decreased bilirubin
- C. Elevated hemoglobin
- D. Decreased white blood cell count
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated amylase is a key indicator of pancreatitis, as it is released from damaged pancreatic tissue. Bilirubin, hemoglobin, and white blood cell counts are less specific, though leukocytosis may occur.
A client is taking Deltasone (prednisone) each morning to treat his systemic lupus erythematosus. Which statement best explains the reason for taking the prednisone in the morning?
- A. There is less chance of forgetting the medication if taken in the morning.
- B. There will be less fluid retention if taken in the morning.
- C. The medication is absorbed best with the breakfast meal.
- D. Morning administration mimics the body's natural secretion of corticosteroid.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prednisone is taken in the morning to mimic the body’s natural cortisol peak, which occurs early in the day, minimizing adrenal suppression and side effects. Timing does not primarily affect forgetting, fluid retention, or absorption.
The nurse is preparing to administer a dose of enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client. Which injection site is most appropriate?
- A. Deltoid muscle
- B. Ventrogluteal muscle
- C. Anterolateral thigh
- D. Abdomen, 2 inches from the umbilicus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin, is administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, 2 inches from the umbilicus, to ensure consistent absorption and minimize bruising. Muscle injections are inappropriate.
A nurse is preparing to mix and administer chemotherapy. What equipment would be unnecessary to obtain?
- A. Surgical gloves
- B. Luer lok fitting IV tubing
- C. Surgical hat cover
- D. Disposable long-sleeve gown
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Surgical gloves, Luer lok tubing, and long-sleeve gowns are essential for safe chemotherapy administration to prevent exposure. A surgical hat cover (C) is not typically required unless in a sterile procedure.
Following a gastric resection, a 70-year-old client is admitted to the postanesthesia care unit. He was extubated prior to leaving the suite. On arrival at the postanesthesia care unit, the nurse should:
- A. Check airway, feeling for amount of air exchange noting rate, depth, and quality of respirations
- B. Obtain pulse and blood pressure readings noting rate and quality of pulse
- C. Reassure the client that his surgery is over and that he is in the recovery room
- D. Review physician's orders, administering medications as ordered
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate air exchange and tissue oxygenation depend on competent respiratory function. Checking the airway is the nurse's priority action. Obtaining the vital signs is an important action, but it is secondary to airway management. Reorienting a client to time, place, and person after surgery is important, but it is secondary to airway and vital signs. Airway management takes precedence over physician's orders unless they specifically relate to airway management.