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A client complained of nausea, a metallic taste in her mouth, and fine hand tremors 2 hours after her first dose of lithium carbonate (Lithane). What is the nurse's best explanation of these findings?
- A. These side effects are common and should subside in a few days.
- B. The client is probably having an allergic reaction and should discontinue the drug.
- C. Taking the lithium on an empty stomach should decrease these symptoms.
- D. Decreasing dietary intake of sodium and fluids should minimize the side effects.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is, 'These side effects are common and should subside in a few days.' Nausea, metallic taste, and fine hand tremors are common side effects of lithium carbonate (Lithane) and typically diminish within a few days as the body adjusts to the medication. Option B is incorrect because these symptoms are not indicative of an allergic reaction. Option C is incorrect as taking lithium on an empty stomach does not directly address or decrease these specific side effects. Option D is also incorrect as reducing sodium and fluid intake is not the recommended approach to managing these particular side effects of lithium.
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After surgery for an imperforate anus, an infant returns with a red and edematous colostomy stoma. What action should the nurse take based on this finding?
- A. Elevate the buttocks.
- B. Document the findings.
- C. Apply ice immediately.
- D. Call the primary health care provider.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A red and edematous colostomy stoma is a common finding immediately after surgery, and these changes are expected to decrease over time. As the stoma heals, it usually becomes pink without signs of abnormal drainage, swelling, or skin breakdown. Therefore, the appropriate action for the nurse is to document these normal findings. Elevating the buttocks, applying ice, or calling the primary health care provider are unnecessary interventions at this stage.
The nursing care plan for a toddler diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome) should be based on the high risk for development of which problem?
- A. Chronic vessel plaque formation
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Occlusions at the vessel bifurcations
- D. Coronary artery aneurysms
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is chronic vessel plaque formation. Kawasaki Disease affects small and medium-sized blood vessels, leading to progressive inflammation and potential damage to the walls of medium-sized muscular arteries, which can result in coronary artery aneurysms. While other complications such as pulmonary embolism and occlusions at vessel bifurcations can occur in different conditions, for Kawasaki Disease, the primary concern is the development of chronic vessel plaque formation.
A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child after corrective surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot. The mother reports that the child has suddenly begun seizing. The nurse recognizes this problem is probably due to
- A. A cerebral vascular accident
- B. Postoperative meningitis
- C. Medication reaction
- D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is a cerebral vascular accident. Polycythemia occurs as a physiological reaction to chronic hypoxemia, which commonly occurs in clients with Tetralogy of Fallot. Polycythemia and the resultant increased viscosity of the blood increase the risk of thromboembolic events, including cerebrovascular accidents. Signs and symptoms of a cerebral vascular accident include sudden paralysis, altered speech, extreme irritability or fatigue, and seizures. Postoperative meningitis (choice B) is less likely in this scenario as the sudden onset of seizing is more indicative of a vascular event rather than an infection. Medication reaction (choice C) is not the most probable cause given the history provided. Metabolic alkalosis (choice D) is not associated with sudden seizing in this context.
A newborn is having difficulty maintaining a temperature above 98 degrees Fahrenheit and has been placed in a warming isolette. Which action is a nursing priority?
- A. Protect the neonate's eyes from the heat lamp
- B. Monitor the neonate's temperature
- C. Warm all medications and liquids before administration
- D. Avoid touching the neonate with cold hands
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a newborn is placed in a warming isolette due to difficulty maintaining temperature, the priority action is to continuously monitor the neonate's temperature to prevent overheating. Using heat lamps is unsafe as their temperature cannot be regulated, potentially causing harm. Warming medications and fluids before administration is not necessary in this situation. While touching the neonate with cold hands may startle them, it does not pose a safety risk compared to monitoring and controlling the temperature.
What nursing action demonstrates the nurse understands the priority nursing diagnosis when caring for patients being treated with splints, casts, or traction?
- A. The nurse assesses extremity pulse, temperature, color, pain, and feeling every hour.
- B. The nurse orders meals with adequate protein and calcium for the patient.
- C. The nurse teaches the patient never to insert objects under a cast to scratch an itch.
- D. The nurse administers oral painkillers as ordered.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess extremity pulse, temperature, color, pain, and feeling every hour. This action aligns with the priority nursing diagnosis of Risk for Peripheral Neurovascular Dysfunction related to fractures. Monitoring these factors is crucial to detect any signs of compromised circulation or nerve function promptly. Option B is incorrect as it does not directly address the priority nursing diagnosis. Option C is important but does not directly relate to the neurovascular aspect. Option D, administering painkillers, is necessary but does not specifically address the priority nursing diagnosis of neurovascular dysfunction.