Nokea
A 59-year-old male client is brought to the emergency room where he is assessed to have a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3. Based on this assessment, how should the nurse characterize the client's condition?
- A. The client is experiencing increased intracranial pressure
- B. He has a good prognosis for recovery
- C. This client is conscious, but is not oriented to time and place
- D. He is in a coma, and has a very poor prognosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 indicates deep unconsciousness, which is classified as a coma. A GCS score of 3 signifies the lowest possible level of consciousness and is associated with a very poor prognosis due to the severity of neurological impairment. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Increased intracranial pressure may be present in comatose patients but is not solely indicated by a GCS score of 3. A good prognosis is unlikely with a GCS score of 3. Being unconscious with a GCS score of 3 does not equate to being conscious but disoriented as in choice C.
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In preparing to administer a scheduled dose of intravenous furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, the nurse notes that the client's B-Type Naturetic peptide (BNP) is elevated. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Measure the client's oxygen saturation before taking further action
- B. Administer a PRN dose of nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
- C. Administer the dose of furosemide as scheduled
- D. Hold the dose of furosemide until contacting the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action is to administer the dose of furosemide as scheduled (Choice C) because an elevated BNP level indicates increased fluid volume and pressure in the heart. Furosemide is a diuretic that helps reduce fluid overload in heart failure patients, which can alleviate symptoms and improve cardiac function. Holding the dose (Choice D) could delay necessary treatment, potentially worsening the patient's condition. Measuring oxygen saturation (Choice A) is important but not the immediate priority in this situation. Administering nitroglycerin (Choice B) is not appropriate as it is used for chest pain related to angina, not for treating elevated BNP levels in heart failure.
When the nurse enters the room to change the dressing of a male client with cancer, he asks, 'Have you ever been with someone when they died?' What is the nurse's best response to him?
- A. Yes, I have. Do you have some questions about dying?
- B. Several times. Now, let's get your dressing changed.
- C. A few times. It was peaceful and there was no pain.
- D. Yes, but you're doing great. Are you concerned about dying?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows empathy and encourages open communication. The nurse acknowledges the client's question and offers support by asking if they have any concerns. This response demonstrates active listening and shows the nurse is willing to address the client's emotional needs.
Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the client's question and focuses solely on the task at hand, lacking empathy. Choice C is incorrect as it provides a general statement about previous experiences without directly addressing the client's inquiry. Choice D is incorrect as it deflects the question and does not actively engage with the client's emotional concerns.
The nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to a client. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
- A. Verify the client's blood type
- B. Ensure the PRBCs are warm
- C. Check the client's vital signs
- D. Obtain the client's consent
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Verify the client's blood type. This is crucial before administering PRBCs to prevent a potentially life-threatening transfusion reaction. Step 1: Check the blood type on the PRBCs label. Step 2: Verify the client's blood type against the label. Steps 3: Crossmatch the blood to ensure compatibility. Checking vital signs (C) is important but not the priority. Ensuring PRBCs are warm (B) is not necessary. Obtaining consent (D) is important but verifying blood type takes precedence to ensure safe transfusion.
A client receiving amlodipine (Norvasc), a calcium channel blocker, develops 1+ pitting edema around the ankles. It is most important for the nurse to obtain what additional client data?
- A. Bladder distention
- B. Serum albumin level
- C. Abdominal girth
- D. Breath sounds
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (Breath sounds). Pitting edema is a common side effect of amlodipine due to vasodilation. It can also lead to pulmonary edema, causing shortness of breath and crackles on auscultation. Therefore, assessing breath sounds is crucial to detect any signs of fluid overload and potential pulmonary complications. Bladder distention (A) is not directly related to the client's current symptoms. Serum albumin level (B) may indicate protein status but is not immediately necessary in this case. Abdominal girth (C) is more indicative of ascites or abdominal distension, not directly related to the client's edema and possible pulmonary complications.
The nurse is making assignments for a new graduate from a practical nursing program who is orienting to the unit. Because the unit is particularly busy this day, there will be little time to provide supervision of this new employee. Which client is the best for the nurse to assign to this newly graduated practical nurse?
- A. Whose discharge has been delayed because of a postoperative infection
- B. With poorly controlled type 2 diabetes who is on a sliding scale for insulin administration
- C. Newly admitted with a head injury who requires frequent assessments
- D. Receiving IV heparin that is regulated based on protocol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Whose discharge has been delayed because of a postoperative infection. This assignment is the best choice for the new graduate nurse because a client whose discharge has been delayed due to a postoperative infection is likely stable and requires minimal immediate interventions. This client would benefit from the new nurse's routine care and monitoring skills, allowing the nurse to focus on completing tasks efficiently.
Option B: With poorly controlled type 2 diabetes who is on a sliding scale for insulin administration requires close monitoring and frequent adjustments in insulin dosages, which may be challenging for a new nurse without adequate supervision.
Option C: Newly admitted with a head injury who requires frequent assessments demands critical thinking skills and quick decision-making abilities, which may overwhelm a new nurse who lacks experience in handling such cases.
Option D: Receiving IV heparin that is regulated based on protocol involves complex medication management and monitoring for potential complications, which may be beyond the scope of a new nurse's comfort level without proper guidance.