Nokea
A client experiencing empyema is to have a bedside thoracentesis performed. The nurse plans to have which equipment available in the event that the procedure is not effective?
- A. Code cart
- B. A small-bore needle
- C. Extra-large drainage bottle
- D. Chest tube and drainage system
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Empyema is the collection of pus within the pleural cavity. If the exudate is too thick for drainage via thoracentesis, the client may require placement of a chest tube to adequately drain the purulent effusion. A small-bore needle would not effectively allow exudate to drain. Options 1 and 3 are also unnecessary.
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The nurse is caring for a client who has experienced a thoracic spinal cord injury. In the event that spinal shock occurs, which intravenous (IV) fluid should the nurse anticipate being prescribed?
- A. Dextran
- B. 0.9% normal saline
- C. 5% dextrose in water
- D. 5% dextrose in 0.9% normal saline
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Normal saline 0.9% is an isotonic solution that primarily remains in the intravascular space, increasing intravascular volume. This IV fluid would increase the client's blood pressure. Dextran is rarely used in spinal shock because isotonic fluid administration is usually sufficient. Additionally, Dextran has potential adverse effects. Dextrose 5% in water is a hypotonic solution that pulls fluid out of the intravascular space and is not indicated for shock. Dextrose 5% in normal saline 0.9% is hypertonic and may be indicated for shock resulting from hemorrhage or burns.
A client prescribed lithium carbonate for the treatment of bipolar disorder has a medication blood level of 1.6 mEq/L (1.6 mmol/L). Which assessment question should the nurse ask to determine whether the client is experiencing signs of lithium toxicity associated with this level?
- A. Do you hear ringing in your ears?
- B. Have you noted that your vision is blurred?
- C. Have you fallen recently because you are dizzy?
- D. Have you been experiencing any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Normal lithium levels are between 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L (0.8 to 1.2 mmol/L). One of the most common early signs of lower level lithium toxicity is gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The assessment questions in options 1, 2, and 3 are related to the findings in lithium toxicity at higher levels.
An assessment of a client's vocal cords requires indirect visualization of the larynx. Which instruction should the nurse give the client to facilitate this procedure?
- A. Try to swallow.
- B. Hold your breath.
- C. Breathe normally.
- D. Roll the tongue to the back of the mouth.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Indirect laryngoscopy is done to assess the function of the vocal cords or obtain tissue for biopsy. Observations are made during rest and phonation by using a laryngeal mirror, head mirror, and light source. The client is placed in an upright position to facilitate passage of the laryngeal mirror into the mouth and is instructed to breathe normally. Swallowing cannot be done with the mirror in place. The procedure takes longer than the time the client would be able to hold the breath, and this action is ineffective anyway. The tongue cannot be moved back because it would occlude the airway.
A client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is at 36 weeks' gestation. The client has had weekly reactive nonstress tests for the last 3 weeks. This week, the nonstress test was nonreactive after 40 minutes. Based on these results, the nurse should prepare the client for which intervention?
- A. A contraction stress test
- B. Immediate induction of labor
- C. Hospitalization with continuous fetal monitoring
- D. A return appointment in 2 days to repeat the nonstress test
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A nonreactive nonstress test after 40 minutes indicates that the fetus did not show the expected heart rate accelerations, which may suggest fetal compromise, particularly in a high-risk pregnancy such as one with diabetes mellitus. The next step is typically a contraction stress test to further assess fetal well-being by evaluating the fetal heart rate response to uterine contractions. Immediate induction or hospitalization may be premature without further evaluation, and repeating the nonstress test in 2 days delays necessary assessment.
A child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of rheumatic fever. The nurse reviews the blood laboratory findings, knowing that which finding will confirm the likelihood of this disorder?
- A. Increased leukocyte count
- B. Decreased hemoglobin count
- C. Increased antistreptolysin-O (ASO titer)
- D. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Children suspected of having rheumatic fever are tested for streptococcal antibodies. The most reliable and best standardized test to confirm the diagnosis is the ASO titer. An elevated level indicates the presence of rheumatic fever. The remaining options are unrelated to diagnosing rheumatic fever. Additionally, an increased leukocyte count indicates the presence of infection but is not specific in confirming a particular diagnosis.