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A 54-year-old patient arrives in the emergency department (ED) after exposure to powdered lime at work. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Obtain the patient’s vital signs.
- B. Obtain a baseline complete blood count.
- C. Decontaminate the patient by showering with water.
- D. Brush off any visible powder on the skin and clothing.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because brushing off any visible powder on the skin and clothing is the first step in managing exposure to powdered lime. This action helps to remove the source of exposure and prevent further absorption through the skin. It is crucial to prevent additional contact and reduce the risk of further harm. Obtaining vital signs (choice A) and a complete blood count (choice B) can be important but should come after the initial decontamination. Decontaminating the patient by showering with water (choice C) is not recommended for lime exposure as it can react with water and cause further injury.
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Daily weights are being recorded for the patient with a urine output that has been less than the intravenous and oral intake. The weight yesterday was 97.5 kg. This morning it is 99 kg. The nurse understands that this corresponds to a(n)
- A. fluid retention of 1.5 liters.
- B. fluid loss of 1.5 liters.
- C. equal intake and output due to insensible losses.
- D. fluid loss of 0.5 liters.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: fluid retention of 1.5 liters. The weight gain from 97.5 kg to 99 kg indicates an increase in fluid retention. This difference of 1.5 kg corresponds to fluid retention of 1.5 liters, as 1 liter of water weighs approximately 1 kg. This weight gain suggests that the patient is retaining more fluid than they are excreting, leading to an increase in weight.
Incorrect choices:
B: fluid loss of 1.5 liters - This is incorrect because the weight increased, indicating fluid retention.
C: equal intake and output due to insensible losses - This is incorrect as weight increased, showing an imbalance in intake and output.
D: fluid loss of 0.5 liters - This is incorrect as the weight increased, indicating fluid retention, not loss.
A patient who is orally intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation is anxious and is fighting the ventilator. Which action should the nurse take next?
- A. Verbally coach the patient to breathe with the ventilator.
- B. Sedate the patient with the ordered PRN lorazepam (Ativan).
- C. Manually ventilate the patient with a bag-valve-mask device.
- D. Increase the rate for the ordered propofol (Diprivan) infusion.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Verbally coach the patient to breathe with the ventilator. This approach allows the nurse to address the patient's anxiety and help them synchronize their breathing with the ventilator, promoting better ventilation and oxygenation. It is important to first try non-invasive interventions before resorting to sedation or manual ventilation. Sedating the patient (B) should be a last resort to avoid potential complications. Manual ventilation (C) may disrupt the ventilator settings and cause respiratory distress. Increasing the rate of propofol infusion (D) is not indicated unless the patient's sedation level is inadequate.
The nurse obtains a heart rate of 92 and a blood pressure of 110/76 prior to administering a scheduled dose of verapamil (Calan) for a client with atrial flutter. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Give intravenous (IV) calcium gluconate.
- B. Withhold the drug and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Administer the dose as prescribed.
- D. Recheck the vital signs in 30 minutes and then administer the dose.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer the dose as prescribed. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat atrial flutter. The vital signs obtained are within normal range for this medication. A heart rate of 92 and blood pressure of 110/76 are not contraindications for administering verapamil. Option A is incorrect as calcium gluconate is not indicated in this situation. Option B is incorrect because the vital signs are stable and do not warrant withholding the medication. Option D is incorrect as there is no need to delay the administration of verapamil based on the vital signs provided.
What diagnostic procedure is required to make a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary embolism?
- A. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.
- B. Chest x-ray examination.
- C. High resolution multidetector CT angiogram.
- D. Ventilation-perfusion scanning.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: High resolution multidetector CT angiogram. This diagnostic procedure is required for a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary embolism because it provides detailed imaging of the pulmonary vasculature, allowing visualization of blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.
A: Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis does not directly diagnose pulmonary embolism but may show signs of hypoxemia or respiratory alkalosis, which can be seen in some cases of pulmonary embolism.
B: Chest x-ray examination may show nonspecific findings such as atelectasis or pleural effusion but cannot definitively diagnose pulmonary embolism.
D: Ventilation-perfusion scanning is another imaging modality used in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, but it is less commonly used compared to CT angiogram due to lower sensitivity and specificity.
On their first visit to a critically ill patient, family members stand in the doorway of the room, making no effort to approach the patient. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Instruct the family where the patient can be touched and what to say.
- B. Engage the family in social conversation to ease them into the milieu.
- C. Use visiting hours to explain to the family the general status of the patient.
- D. Leave the family to adjust to the situation when they are ready.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because instructing the family on where the patient can be touched and what to say helps empower them to interact appropriately with the patient. This action promotes the family's involvement in the patient's care, encourages communication, and fosters a supportive environment. Choice B is incorrect as engaging in social conversation may not address the family's hesitance to approach the patient directly. Choice C is incorrect because waiting for visiting hours to provide information may delay necessary support for the family. Choice D is incorrect as leaving the family without guidance may perpetuate their discomfort and hinder their ability to provide emotional support to the patient.