Nokea
A client has a total serum calcium level of 7.5 mg/dL (1.88 mmol/L). Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to note on assessment of the client? Select all that apply.
- A. Constipation
- B. Muscle twitches
- C. Negative Chvostek's sign
- D. Positive Trousseau's sign
- E. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
- F. Prolonged ST interval on electrocardiogram (ECG)
Correct Answer: B,D,E,F
Rationale: Hypocalcemia is a total serum calcium level less than 9 mg/dL (2.25 mmol/L). Clinical manifestations include muscle twitches, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, positive Trousseau's sign, and prolonged ST interval on ECG. Negative Chvostek's sign and constipation are not associated with hypocalcemia.
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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.
The nurse provides a class to new mothers on newborn care. When teaching cord care, the nurse should instruct mothers to take which action?
- A. If antibiotic ointment has been applied to the cord, it is not necessary to do anything else to it.
- B. All that is necessary is to wash the cord with antibacterial soap and allow it to air-dry once a day.
- C. Apply alcohol thoroughly to the cord, being careful not to move the cord because it will cause pain to the newborn infant.
- D. Apply the prescribed cleansing agent to the cord, ensuring that all areas around the cord are cleaned two to three times a day.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The cord and base should be cleansed with alcohol (or another substance as prescribed) thoroughly, two to three times per day. The steps are (1) lift the cord; (2) wipe around the cord, starting at the top; (3) clean the base of the cord; and (4) fold the diaper below the umbilical cord to allow the cord to air-dry and prevent contamination from urine. Antibiotic ointment is not normally prescribed. Continuation of cord care is necessary until the cord falls off within 7 to 14 days. Water and soap are not necessary; in fact, the cord should be kept from getting wet. The infant does not feel pain in this area.
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.
The emergency department nurse is assessing a client who abruptly discontinued benzodiazepine therapy and is experiencing withdrawal. Which manifestations of withdrawal should the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply.
- A. Tremors
- B. Sweating
- C. Lethargy
- D. Agitation
- E. Nervousness
- F. Muscle weakness
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: Benzodiazepines should not be abruptly discontinued because withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur. Withdrawal symptoms include tremor, sweating, agitation, nervousness, insomnia, anorexia, and muscular cramps. Withdrawal symptoms from long-term, high-dose benzodiazepine therapy include paranoia, delirium, panic, hypertension, and status epilepticus. Lethargy is not associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal.
The nurse is monitoring a client who was recently prescribed total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which action should the nurse take when obtaining a fingerstick glucose reading of 425 mg/dL (24.28 mmol/L)?
- A. Stop the TPN.
- B. Administer insulin.
- C. Notify the primary health care provider.
- D. Decrease the flow rate of the TPN.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperglycemia is a complication of TPN, and the nurse should report abnormalities to the primary health care provider. Options 1, 2, and 4 are not done without a primary health care provider's prescription.