A client complains of paresthesia in the fingers and toes and experiences hand spasms when the blood pressure cuff is inflated. Which serum laboratory finding should the nurse expect to find when assessing the client?
- A. Elevated serum calcium
- B. Low serum magnesium
- C. Low serum calcium
- D. Elevated serum potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low serum calcium. Hand spasms and paresthesia are indicative of potential hypocalcemia, which is characterized by low serum calcium levels. Elevated serum calcium (Choice A) is not consistent with the symptoms described. Low serum magnesium (Choice B) and elevated serum potassium (Choice D) are not typically associated with hand spasms and paresthesia.
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The nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection to a 6-month-old child. Which injection site is best for the nurse to use?
- A. Vastus lateralis
- B. Deltoid
- C. Ventrogluteal
- D. Dorsogluteal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The vastus lateralis is the preferred site for IM injections in infants due to their limited muscle mass and safety. Infants do not have well-developed muscle mass, making the vastus lateralis the best option for IM injections. The deltoid muscle is typically used for older children and adults. Ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal sites are not recommended for infants due to safety concerns, including the risk of damaging the sciatic nerve. Therefore, the correct choice is the vastus lateralis for IM injections in infants.
After implementing a new fall prevention protocol on the nursing unit, which action by the nurse-manager best evaluates the protocol's effectiveness?
- A. Compare the number of falls that occurred before and after protocol implementation
- B. Analyze data that reflects the unit's costs incurred due to the new protocol
- C. Conduct a chart review on the unit to determine the number of clients at risk for falling
- D. Consult with the physical therapist to evaluate the benefits of the new fall protocol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The best way to evaluate the effectiveness of a new fall prevention protocol is by comparing the number of falls that occurred before and after its implementation. This direct comparison helps in assessing the impact of the protocol on reducing fall rates. Choices B, C, and D do not directly measure the effectiveness of the protocol. Analyzing costs incurred (Choice B), conducting a chart review (Choice C), or consulting with a physical therapist (Choice D) may provide valuable information but do not specifically evaluate the protocol's effectiveness in preventing falls.
The nurse is admitting a client from the post-anesthesia unit to the postoperative surgical care unit. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Advance to clear liquids as tolerated
- B. Straight catheterization if unable to void
- C. Administer Cefazolin 1 gram IVPQ q6 hours
- D. Obtain a complete blood cell count (CBC) in the morning
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to perform straight catheterization if the client is unable to void. This action is essential to prevent urinary retention and its potential complications following anesthesia. Option A, advancing to clear liquids, is not the priority upon admission as the focus should be on urinary function first. Option C involves administering an antibiotic, which is important but not the immediate priority. Option D, obtaining a CBC, can be done later and is not as crucial as ensuring proper urinary function postoperatively.
What nursing intervention is particularly indicated for the second stage of labor?
- A. Providing pain medication to increase the client's tolerance of labor
- B. Assessing the fetal heart rate and pattern for signs of fetal distress
- C. Monitoring effects of oxytocin administration to help achieve cervical dilation
- D. Assisting the client to push effectively so that the expulsion of the fetus can be achieved
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During the second stage of labor, assisting the client to push effectively is crucial for the delivery of the fetus. This action helps to facilitate the expulsion of the fetus from the uterus. Providing pain medication (Choice A) is not typically done during the second stage of labor as the focus shifts to pushing and delivery. Assessing the fetal heart rate (Choice B) is important but is more relevant throughout labor, not specifically for the second stage. Monitoring the effects of oxytocin administration (Choice C) is more associated with the first stage of labor to help with uterine contractions and cervical dilation.
The nurse notes that an older adult client has a moist cough that increases in severity during and after meals. Based on this finding, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to perform deep breathing exercises daily.
- B. Offer the client additional clear fluids frequently.
- C. Collect a sputum specimen immediately.
- D. Request a consultation to confirm dysphagia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The moist cough that worsens during and after meals suggests possible dysphagia, a condition related to swallowing difficulties. Requesting a consultation for dysphagia is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Encouraging the client to perform deep breathing exercises (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of dysphagia. Offering additional clear fluids (choice B) may not be appropriate for someone with swallowing difficulties. Collecting a sputum specimen (choice C) is not the priority in this scenario as the focus should be on identifying and managing the swallowing problem.