A client admitted to the hospital is suspected of having Guillain-Barré syndrome. Which assessment findings should the nurse identify as manifestations of this disorder? Select all that apply.
- A. Dysphagia
- B. Paresthesia
- C. Facial weakness
- D. Difficulty speaking
- E. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
- F. Descending symmetrical muscle weakness
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute autoimmune disorder characterized by varying degrees of motor weakness and paralysis. Motor manifestations include ascending symmetrical muscle weakness that leads to flaccid paralysis without muscle atrophy, decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes, respiratory compromise and respiratory failure, and loss of bladder and bowel control. Sensory manifestations include pain (cramping) and paresthesia. Cranial nerve manifestations include facial weakness, dysphagia, diplopia, and difficulty speaking. Autonomic manifestations include labile blood pressure, dysrhythmias, and tachycardia.
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A client at risk for respiratory failure is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 6 L per minute. Arterial blood gas (ABG) results indicate pH 7.29, PcO2 49 mm Hg, Po2 58 mm Hg, and HCO3 18 mEq/L. What intervention should the nurse anticipate that the primary health care provider will prescribe for respiratory support for this client?
- A. Intubating for mechanical ventilation
- B. Keeping the oxygen at 6 L per minute via nasal cannula
- C. Lowering the oxygen to 4 L per minute via nasal cannula
- D. Adding a partial rebreather mask to the current prescription
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If respiratory failure occurs and supplemental oxygen cannot maintain acceptable PaO2 and PaCO2 levels, endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are necessary. The client is exhibiting respiratory acidosis, metabolic acidosis, and hypoxemia. Lowering or keeping the oxygen at the same liter flow will not improve the client's condition. A partial rebreather mask will raise CO2 levels even further.
The nurse instructs a mother of a child who had a plaster cast applied to the arm about measures that will help the cast dry. Which instructions should the nurse provide to the mother? Select all that apply.
- A. Lift the cast using the fingertips.
- B. Place the child on a firm mattress.
- C. Direct a fan toward the cast to facilitate drying.
- D. Support the cast and adjacent joints with pillows.
- E. Place the extremity with the cast in a dependent position.
- F. Reposition the extremity with the cast every 2 to 4 hours.
Correct Answer: B,C,D,F
Rationale: To help the cast dry, the child should be placed on a firm mattress. A fan may be directed toward the cast to facilitate drying. Once the cast is dry, the cast should sound hollow and be cool to touch. The cast and adjacent joints should be elevated and supported with pillows. To ensure thorough drying, the extremity with the cast should be repositioned every 2 to 4 hours. The cast is lifted by using the palms of the hands (not the fingertips) to prevent indentation in the wet cast surface. Indentations could possibly cause pressure on the skin under the cast.
A client is brought into the emergency department after sustaining a possible closed head injury. Which assessment will the nurse perform first?
- A. Level of consciousness
- B. Pulse and blood pressure
- C. Respiratory rate and depth
- D. Ability to move extremities
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first action of the nurse is to ensure that the client has an adequate airway and respiratory status. In rapid sequence, the client's circulatory status is evaluated (option 2), followed by evaluation of the status of the cardiovascular and neurological systems.
The nurse is caring for a 33-week pregnant client who has experienced a premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). Which interventions should the nurse expect to be part of the plan of care? Select all that apply.
- A. Perform frequent biophysical profiles.
- B. Monitor for elevated serum creatinine.
- C. Monitor for manifestations of infection.
- D. Teach the client how to count fetal movements.
- E. Use strict sterile technique for vaginal examinations.
- F. Inform the client about the need for tocolytic therapy.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) increases the risk of infection, preterm labor, and fetal compromise. Frequent biophysical profiles assess fetal well-being. Monitoring for manifestations of infection is critical due to the risk of chorioamnionitis. Teaching the client to count fetal movements helps monitor fetal activity and detect potential distress. Strict sterile technique for vaginal examinations minimizes infection risk. Monitoring serum creatinine is not directly related to PROM management. Tocolytic therapy may be considered but is not universally required unless preterm labor is confirmed.
The nurse is reviewing the records of recently admitted clients to the postpartum unit. The nurse determines that which clients would have an increased risk for developing a puerperal infection? Select all that apply.
- A. A client with a history of previous infections
- B. A client who has given birth to a set of twins
- C. A client who had numerous vaginal examinations
- D. A client who has experienced three previous miscarriages
- E. A client who underwent a vaginal delivery of the newborn
- F. A client who experienced prolonged rupture of the membranes
Correct Answer: A,C,F
Rationale: Risk factors associated with puerperal infection include a history of previous infections, excessive number of vaginal examinations, cesarean births, prolonged rupture of the membranes, prolonged labor, trauma, and retained placental fragments. A vaginal delivery, a history of miscarriages, and the delivery of twins are not considered as risk factors for developing a puerperal infection.