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A client arrives in the emergency department after severely lacerating the left hand with a knife. HR 96, BP 150/88, R36. The client is extremely anxious and crying uncontrollably. Based on this assessment, the nurse anticipates that this client would be in which acid-base imbalance?
- A. Respiratory acidosis
- B. Respiratory alkalosis
- C. Metabolic acidosis
- D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation due to anxiety, pain, shock, severe infection, fever, or liver failure can lead to respiratory alkalosis. In this scenario, the client is extremely anxious and crying uncontrollably, indicating an increased respiratory rate and CO2 loss. Respiratory acidosis (choice A) is incorrect as it is characterized by an increase in CO2 levels, not a loss. Metabolic acidosis (choice C) involves a decrease in blood pH due to an accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate, which is not the case here. Metabolic alkalosis (choice D) results from excess bicarbonate or a loss of acids, not from increased CO2 loss due to hyperventilation.
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A patient has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and COPD. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to a nursing assistant?
- A. Transferring the patient to the shower.
- B. Ambulating the patient for the first time.
- C. Taking the patient's breath sounds.
- D. Educating the patient on monitoring fatigue.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to delegate the task of transferring the patient to the shower to a nursing assistant. Nursing assistants are trained to assist with transfers safely, making this task appropriate for delegation. Ambulating the patient for the first time involves assessing the patient's mobility and tolerance, which requires more assessment and monitoring by a nurse, especially in a patient with fibromyalgia and COPD. Taking the patient's breath sounds involves assessing the patient's respiratory status, which is a nursing responsibility due to the need for clinical judgment. Educating the patient on monitoring fatigue involves providing vital information and should be done by the nurse to ensure comprehensive understanding and tailored recommendations.
Which dietary consideration is most important for the nurse to teach to a client with hypothyroidism?
- A. Increase carbohydrate intake
- B. Increase fluid intake
- C. Avoid shellfish
- D. Increase fiber
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Increase fiber.' In hypothyroidism, clients often experience constipation due to decreased metabolic rate. Increasing fiber in the diet can help alleviate constipation. Choice A, 'Increase carbohydrate intake,' is incorrect as there is no specific need to increase carbohydrate intake in hypothyroidism. Choice B, 'Increase fluid intake,' is not directly related to managing hypothyroidism, although adequate hydration is generally important for overall health. Choice C, 'Avoid shellfish,' is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism due to its iodine content, not hypothyroidism.
The nurse should plan to evaluate the earliest onset of effectiveness of nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) sublingual (SL) within what time frame?
- A. 15 seconds
- B. 3 minutes
- C. 5 minutes
- D. 15 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The onset of action for Nitrostat SL is 1 to 3 minutes. Therefore, the nurse should plan to evaluate the earliest onset of effectiveness within 3 minutes after administering the medication. Option A, 15 seconds, is too short of a time frame for the onset of action of Nitrostat. Option C, 5 minutes, is slightly delayed compared to the typical onset time. Option D, 15 minutes, is too long to wait for evaluating the effectiveness of Nitrostat sublingual administration.
What vitamin is important in preventing peripheral neuritis in a client with alcohol abuse?
- A. Vitamin D
- B. Fat-soluble vitamins
- C. B vitamins
- D. Potassium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fat-soluble vitamins.' Vitamin B, not Vitamin D, is crucial in preventing peripheral neuritis in individuals with alcohol abuse. Vitamin B deficiency, particularly B1 (thiamine), is commonly associated with peripheral neuritis in alcoholics. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Vitamin D is not directly related to peripheral neuritis, and potassium deficiency typically presents with different symptoms.
Which is an example of a sentinel event?
- A. The terminally ill client is referred to hospice and dies 3 months later.
- B. A client receives an unordered mammogram which reveals a small cyst.
- C. A client with a laceration to the knee requiring 4 sutures falls when getting up unassisted after being instructed to remain in bed.
- D. A client scheduled for knee replacement surgery had an above-the-knee amputation performed.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Yes! A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence causing death or serious injury. In this case, a client who was scheduled for knee replacement surgery but had an above-the-knee amputation performed instead represents a sentinel event as it resulted in serious harm that was not intended. The other choices do not meet the criteria for a sentinel event. Choice A describes a natural progression for a terminally ill client, choice B shows an incidental finding from a test, and choice C involves a preventable fall leading to an injury but not a sentinel event.