A 69-year-old man is receiving dexamethasone (Decadron) 3 mg PO TID for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is MOST important for the nurse to report which of the following findings to the physician?
- A. PT 12 seconds and Hgb 15 g/dL.
- B. BUN 18 mg/dL and creatinine 1.0 mg/dL.
- C. K⺠3.4 mEq/L and CA⺠5/5 mEq/L.
- D. AST (SGOT) 18 U/L and ALT (SGPT) 12 U/L.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: normal Kâ 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, normal Ca 4.5-5.3 mEq/L, indicates hypokalemia and hypercalcemia
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A client is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of bladder cancer. Which finding most likely contributed to the development of bladder cancer?
- A. Two PPD cigarette use for 25 years
- B. Frequent urinary tract infections
- C. Employment in the textile industry
- D. A history of renal calculi
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for bladder cancer due to the exposure to carcinogenic chemicals excreted in urine. Answer A (two packs per day for 25 years) is the most likely contributor. Answers B, C, and D are less directly associated with bladder cancer development.
A client has just been admitted after sustaining a second-degree thermal injury to his right arm.
Which of the following nursing observations is MOST important to report to the doctor?
- A. Pain around the periphery of the injury.
- B. Gastric pH less than 6.0.
- C. Increased edema of the right arm.
- D. An elevated hematocrit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Strategy: Determine how each assessment relates to burns. (1) expected findings in burn wound resolution (2) correct-decrease in gastric pH could indicate hypersecretion of hydrogen ions, predisposing factor to stress ulcer formation (3) expected findings in burn wound resolution (4) expected findings in burn wound resolution
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. Serum potassium and glucose.
- B. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides.
- C. Serum calcium and magnesium.
- D. Serum sodium and chloride.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: TPN can cause hyperglycemia and hypokalemia; monitoring potassium and glucose is critical. Options B, C, and D are less immediately relevant.
A client is currently hospitalized with renal failure and has 3+ pitting edema of the lower extremities.
Which of the following nursing observations would indicate a therapeutic response to therapy for the edema?
- A. Serum potassium 4.0 mEq/L.
- B. Plasma glucose 140 mg/dL.
- C. Increased specific gravity of the urine.
- D. Weight loss of 5 lb over last two days.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Strategy: Determine how each answer choice relates to edema. (1) no relation to edema (2) no relation to edema (3) urine specific gravity may be decreased as client begins to lose some edema fluid (4) correct-edema is a result of sodium and fluid retention; weight loss should occur if therapy is effective
The nurse on postpartum is preparing four clients for discharge. It would be MOST important for the nurse to refer which of the following clients for homecare?
- A. A 15-year-old who vaginally delivered a 7-lb male two days ago.
- B. An 18-year-old multipara who delivered a 9-lb female by cesarean section two days ago.
- C. A 20-year-old multipara who delivered 1 day ago and is complaining of cramping.
- D. A 22-year-old who delivered by cesarean section and is complaining of burning on urination.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Burning on urination suggests a urinary tract infection, requiring homecare follow-up. Options A, B, and C are routine postpartum findings.
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