Nokea
A child is admitted to the hospital several days after stepping on a sharp object that punctured her athletic shoe and entered the flesh of her foot. The physician is concerned about osteomyelitis and has ordered parenteral antibiotics. Which of the following actions is done immediately before the antibiotic is started?
- A. The admission orders are written.
- B. A blood culture is drawn.
- C. A complete blood count with differential is drawn.
- D. The parents arrive.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before starting antibiotics, a blood culture should be drawn to identify the causative organism. This step is crucial as antibiotics may interfere with the identification process. Drawing a complete blood count with differential or writing admission orders are important steps in patient care but are not as critical as obtaining a blood culture to guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. The arrival of the parents is not directly related to the immediate action required before starting antibiotics in this scenario.
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A 1-month-old infant has a head measurement of 34 cm and a chest circumference of 32 cm. Based on the interpretation of these findings, what action would the nurse take?
- A. Refer the infant to a physician for further evaluation.
- B. Consider these findings normal for a 1-month-old infant.
- C. Expect the chest circumference to be greater than the head circumference.
- D. Ask the parent to return in 2 weeks to re-evaluate the head and chest circumferences.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In infants, a normal head measurement is approximately 32 to 38 cm, and it is usually around 2 cm larger than the chest circumference. These measurements vary with age; between 6 months and 2 years, both measurements are approximately the same, and after age 2 years, the chest circumference becomes greater than the head circumference. Given that the 1-month-old infant's head measurement is within the typical range and slightly larger than the chest circumference, the nurse should consider these findings normal. There is no indication to refer the infant for further evaluation or to have the parent return for re-evaluation in 2 weeks, as these measurements fall within the expected parameters for a 1-month-old infant.
Patients who cannot move in their bed on their own should be turned at least ________________.
- A. once a day
- B. twice a day
- C. every 2 hours
- D. every 4 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patients who are unable to move in bed are at high risk of developing pressure ulcers and skin breakdown due to prolonged pressure on specific body areas. Turning these patients at least every 2 hours is crucial to relieve pressure, improve circulation, and prevent skin damage. More frequent turning may be necessary for patients with specific needs, such as those who are incontinent of urine and require additional care. Turning patients less frequently, such as once a day, twice a day, or every 4 hours, increases the risk of developing pressure ulcers and other complications. Therefore, the correct answer is to turn patients who cannot move in their bed on their own every 2 hours.
A 70-year-old man has a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg in a lying position, 130/80 mm Hg in a sitting position, and 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position. How should the nurse evaluate these findings?
- A. These readings are a normal response and attributable to changes in the patient's position.
- B. The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.
- C. The blood pressure reading in the lying position is within normal limits.
- D. The change in blood pressure readings is considered within normal limits for the patient's age.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is, 'The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.' Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic pressure of ³20 mm Hg or ³10 mm Hg drop in diastolic pressure that occurs with a quick change to a standing position. This condition is common in individuals on prolonged bed rest, older adults, those with hypovolemia, or taking specific medications. The blood pressure readings provided in the question (150/90 mm Hg lying, 130/80 mm Hg sitting, and 100/60 mm Hg standing) demonstrate a significant change in blood pressure with position changes, which is indicative of orthostatic hypotension. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the readings do not indicate a normal response or blood pressure within normal limits for the patient's age; rather, they suggest the presence of orthostatic hypotension.
Where is the Loop of Henle located in the body?
- A. Liver
- B. Kidney
- C. Heart
- D. Ear
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Loop of Henle is a crucial structure found in the kidneys. It plays a vital role in the concentration of urine by creating a concentration gradient in the renal medulla. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the Loop of Henle is not located in the liver, heart, or ear. Understanding the anatomical location of the Loop of Henle is essential in comprehending renal physiology and the mechanism of action of diuretic medications.
In which of these patients would rectal temperatures be measured?
- A. Older adult
- B. Critically ill patient
- C. School-age child
- D. Patient receiving oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rectal temperature measurement is preferred in situations where other routes are impractical or when the most accurate measure is necessary, such as in critically ill patients. The rectal route may be chosen due to its reliability in such cases. For older adults, school-age children, and patients receiving oxygen via nasal cannula, rectal temperature measurement is not typically indicated. Other routes like oral, tympanic, or axillary measurements are more commonly used in these populations due to comfort, convenience, and non-invasive nature.