Nokea
A client has a serum calcium level of 7.2mg/dl. During the physical examination, the nurse expects to assess:
- A. Trousseau’s sign
- B. Hegar’s sign
- C. Homan’s sign
- D. Goodell’s sign
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trousseau's sign. A serum calcium level of 7.2mg/dl indicates hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is a clinical manifestation of hypocalcemia, characterized by carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure. This occurs due to increased neuromuscular excitability from low calcium levels. Hegar's sign (B) is associated with pregnancy, Homan's sign (C) is a clinical test for deep vein thrombosis, and Goodell's sign (D) is a softening of the cervix during pregnancy. These signs are not relevant to a client with hypocalcemia.
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Mr. Chua has developed liver cirrhosis. Nurse Bea expects alteration in which laboratory values?
- A. carbon dioxide level
- B. prothrombin time
- C. gastric pH
- D. white blood cell count
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: prothrombin time. In liver cirrhosis, the liver's ability to produce clotting factors is impaired, leading to prolonged prothrombin time. This indicates an increased risk of bleeding. Choice A is incorrect as carbon dioxide levels are not typically affected by liver cirrhosis. Choice C, gastric pH, is unrelated to liver function. Choice D, white blood cell count, is not directly affected by liver cirrhosis. Therefore, the alteration in prothrombin time is the most relevant laboratory value to monitor in this case.
In a client who has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, CD4+ levels are measured to determine the:
- A. Presence of opportunistic infections
- B. Extent of immune system damage
- C. Level of the viral load
- D. Resistance to antigens
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. CD4+ cells are a type of white blood cell crucial for immune function.
2. HIV targets and destroys CD4+ cells, leading to immune system damage.
3. Measuring CD4+ levels helps determine the extent of this damage.
4. Therefore, the correct answer is B.
Summary:
A: Presence of opportunistic infections - CD4+ levels indirectly affect susceptibility, but not measured for this purpose.
C: Level of the viral load - Measured separately from CD4+ levels.
D: Resistance to antigens - CD4+ levels do not directly indicate resistance.
A total thyroidectomy is ordered following discovery of a cold nodule. In this case of hyperthyroidism versus malignancy, the nurse anticipates that the patient will have:
- A. A complete thyroidectomy also
- B. a partial thyroidectomy (approximately one-half of the thyroid is removed)
- C. a partial thyroidectomy (approximately five-sixths of the thyroid is removed)
- D. administration of thyroid medication
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A complete thyroidectomy also. In the case of a cold nodule, which indicates potential malignancy, a total thyroidectomy is warranted to remove the entire thyroid gland to prevent the spread of cancer. A partial thyroidectomy, as in choices B and C, would not be sufficient in addressing malignancy. Administering thyroid medication, as in choice D, would not be appropriate for treating malignancy. Therefore, the correct approach is to perform a total thyroidectomy to ensure complete removal of the affected gland and to address both hyperthyroidism and potential malignancy.
The nurse notes that a client’s wound has not improved despite consistent wound care as outlined in the care plan. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Reassess the wound and client’s condition.
- B. Discontinue the current care plan.
- C. Increase the frequency of wound dressing changes.
- D. Refer the client to a specialist immediately.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Reassessing the wound and client's condition allows the nurse to identify any factors contributing to the lack of improvement.
Step 2: It helps determine if the current care plan needs modifications or if there are underlying issues affecting healing.
Step 3: This step ensures a comprehensive evaluation before making any changes to the care plan, promoting evidence-based practice.
Step 4: Choosing this option aligns with the nursing process of assessment, which is crucial for making informed decisions in client care.
Summary:
Option A is correct as it emphasizes the importance of reassessment to gather more information and make informed decisions. Discontinuing the care plan (Option B) without assessment can be harmful. Increasing dressing changes (Option C) may not address the underlying issue. Referring immediately (Option D) may be premature without reassessment.
To treat cervical cancer, a client has had an applicator of radioactive material placed in the vagina. Which observation by the nurse indicates a radiation hazard?
- A. The client is maintained on strict bed rest
- B. The head of the bed is at 30-degree angle
- C. The client receives a complete bed bath each morning
- D. The nurse checks the applicator’s position every 4 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because maintaining the head of the bed at a 30-degree angle can cause the radioactive material to shift within the client's body, increasing the risk of radiation exposure. This position should be avoided to prevent displacement of the applicator.
A: Strict bed rest is appropriate to minimize movement and dislodgement of the applicator, ensuring proper treatment delivery.
C: Providing a bed bath does not pose a radiation hazard as long as proper precautions are taken.
D: Checking the applicator's position every 4 hours is essential for monitoring and ensuring it remains in place to deliver the intended treatment.