Nokea
A client has a sodium level of 125. What findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Abdominal cramping
- B. Elevated blood pressure
- C. Decreased heart rate
- D. Increased thirst
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) often present with various symptoms, including abdominal cramping. Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia due to the altered electrolyte balance. Option B ('Elevated blood pressure') is incorrect because low sodium levels typically lead to decreased blood pressure, not elevated. Option C ('Decreased heart rate') is incorrect as low sodium levels are more likely to cause an irregular heart rate rather than a decreased heart rate. Option D ('Increased thirst') is incorrect because excessive thirst is more commonly associated with high sodium levels (hypernatremia) rather than low sodium levels.
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A client is admitted with a diagnosis of left-sided heart failure. Which assessment finding would be most concerning?
- A. Peripheral edema
- B. Crackles in the lungs
- C. Jugular vein distention
- D. Hepatomegaly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Crackles in the lungs. Crackles in the lungs indicate pulmonary congestion, a serious complication of left-sided heart failure. The presence of crackles suggests fluid accumulation in the lungs, impairing gas exchange and potentially leading to respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent worsening respiratory function. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: Peripheral edema is a common finding in heart failure but may not be as acutely concerning as pulmonary congestion. Jugular vein distention is associated with right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure. Hepatomegaly is often seen in liver conditions and right-sided heart failure, not specifically left-sided heart failure.
When caring for a client at the end of life, which statement by the client's partner reflects effective coping?
- A. I am relying on support from our family during this time.
- B. I am feeling overwhelmed but don't want to talk about it.
- C. I am managing everything on my own without help.
- D. I prefer to stay alone with my partner.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I am relying on support from our family during this time.' When a client is at the end of life, relying on support from family can be an effective coping mechanism. It allows the partner to share the emotional burden, seek comfort, and prevent feelings of isolation. Choice B reflects a reluctance to express feelings, which can hinder coping mechanisms by internalizing stress. Choice C suggests handling everything alone, which can lead to burnout and emotional strain due to the overwhelming responsibilities. Choice D, preferring to stay alone with the partner, may limit access to external support that could provide additional emotional and practical assistance during this challenging time, making it a less effective coping strategy.
A client with an NG tube is receiving intermittent feedings through an open system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Rinse the feeding bag with water between feedings
- B. Tell the client to keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30°
- C. Make sure the enteral formula is at room temperature
- D. Wipe the top of the formula can with alcohol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to tell the client to keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30°. Elevating the head of the bed prevents aspiration of the enteral formula, which is a priority in caring for a client with an NG tube. This action helps in reducing the risk of complications such as pneumonia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While rinsing the feeding bag, ensuring the enteral formula temperature, and maintaining cleanliness are important aspects of enteral feeding care, the priority is to prevent aspiration by keeping the head of the bed elevated. These actions can be implemented after ensuring the client's safety by maintaining the correct bed position.
The LPN/LVN is assisting with the care of a client who has had a stroke. Which intervention is most important to include in the client's plan of care to prevent joint contractures?
- A. Encourage the client to perform active range-of-motion exercises.
- B. Use pillows to keep the client's extremities in a functional position.
- C. Place the client in a prone position for 30 minutes each day.
- D. Perform passive range-of-motion exercises on the affected side.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Using pillows to keep the client's extremities in a functional position is crucial in preventing joint contractures. This intervention helps maintain proper alignment of the joints and reduces the risk of contractures by preventing prolonged positioning that can lead to muscle shortening. Encouraging the client to perform active range-of-motion exercises (Choice A) is beneficial for maintaining mobility but may not be the most important intervention to prevent joint contractures. Placing the client in a prone position for 30 minutes each day (Choice C) can be helpful for preventing pressure ulcers but is not directly related to preventing joint contractures. Performing passive range-of-motion exercises on the affected side (Choice D) can aid in maintaining joint flexibility but may not be as crucial as using pillows to prevent joint contractures.
When performing nasotracheal suctioning for a client with a respiratory infection, what technique should the nurse use?
- A. Apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter
- B. Suction continuously while inserting the catheter
- C. Suction intermittently while inserting the catheter
- D. Use a Yankauer suction device
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When performing nasotracheal suctioning for a client with a respiratory infection, the nurse should apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter. This technique helps minimize mucosal damage and is considered best practice. Choice B, suctioning continuously while inserting the catheter, is incorrect as continuous suctioning can cause trauma to the airway. Choice C, suctioning intermittently while inserting the catheter, is also incorrect as it can increase the risk of hypoxia and mucosal damage. Choice D, using a Yankauer suction device, is not appropriate for nasotracheal suctioning as it is typically used for oral suctioning. Therefore, the correct technique is to apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter to ensure effective and safe suctioning.