A client has been tentatively diagnosed with Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism). Which of these findings noted on the initial nursing assessment requires quick intervention by the nurse?
- A. A report of 10 pounds weight loss in the last month
- B. A comment by the client 'I just can't sit still.'
- C. The appearance of eyeballs that appear to 'pop' out of the client's eye sockets
- D. A report of the sudden onset of irritability in the past 2 weeks
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The appearance of eyeballs that appear to 'pop' out of the client's eye sockets, known as exophthalmos, requires quick intervention as it is a severe symptom of Graves' disease. Exophthalmos can indicate an acute condition and may lead to serious complications such as optic nerve damage or corneal ulceration. Weight loss, restlessness, and irritability are common manifestations of hyperthyroidism but do not pose immediate risks compared to the ocular complications associated with exophthalmos.
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When assessing readiness to learn about insulin self-administration, what indicates the client is ready to learn?
- A. I can concentrate best in the morning.
- B. I feel anxious about learning the process.
- C. I have a lot of questions about insulin.
- D. I am not sure if I can manage this at home.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I can concentrate best in the morning.' Readiness to learn is indicated by the client's ability to focus and concentrate, as mentioned in the question. Choice B, 'I feel anxious about learning the process,' indicates apprehension and may hinder the learning process. Choice C, 'I have a lot of questions about insulin,' shows interest but does not directly indicate readiness to learn. Choice D, 'I am not sure if I can manage this at home,' reflects uncertainty and lack of confidence, which may suggest the client is not fully prepared to learn.
At a mobile screening clinic, a nurse is assessing a client who reports a history of a heart murmur due to aortic stenosis. To auscultate the aortic valve, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?
- A. Second intercostal space to the right of the sternum
- B. Fifth intercostal space to the left of the sternum
- C. Third intercostal space to the left of the sternum
- D. Fourth intercostal space at the midclavicular line
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct location to auscultate the aortic valve is the second intercostal space to the right of the sternum. This area corresponds to the aortic valve area where aortic valve sounds are best heard. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect for auscultating the aortic valve. The fifth intercostal space to the left of the sternum is where the mitral valve is best heard, the third intercostal space to the left of the sternum is where the pulmonic valve is best heard, and the fourth intercostal space at the midclavicular line is where the tricuspid valve is best auscultated.
A client is admitted to the hospital in the terminal stage of cancer. The nurse enters the client's room to administer medications and finds the client crying. The appropriate nursing action is to:
- A. Sit and hold the client's hand
- B. Ask why the client is crying
- C. Leave the room to give the client privacy
- D. Administer the medications and leave
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In end-of-life care, providing comfort and emotional support is essential. Sitting with the client, holding their hand, and offering a compassionate presence can help the client feel supported during a difficult time. Asking why the client is crying may not always be necessary as the focus should be on providing comfort rather than probing for information. Leaving the room to provide privacy or just administering medications and leaving may neglect the client's emotional needs and miss an opportunity to provide holistic care.
A client with pneumonia has a decrease in oxygen saturation from 94% to 88% while ambulating. Based on these findings, which intervention should the LPN/LVN implement first?
- A. Assist the ambulating client back to the bed.
- B. Encourage the client to ambulate to resolve pneumonia.
- C. Obtain a prescription for portable oxygen while ambulating.
- D. Move the oximetry probe from the finger to the earlobe.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct intervention is to assist the client back to bed. A decrease in oxygen saturation while ambulating indicates hypoxemia, and the immediate priority is to stabilize oxygen levels. Returning the client to bed allows for rest and decreased oxygen demand, potentially preventing further desaturation. Encouraging continued ambulation (Choice B) may worsen the hypoxemia by increasing oxygen demand. Obtaining portable oxygen (Choice C) is essential but should not delay addressing the low oxygen saturation. Moving the oximetry probe (Choice D) may not address the underlying cause of decreased oxygen saturation and should not be the first intervention.
A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client as part of a neurologic examination. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect as changes associated with aging?
- A. Slower light touch sensation
- B. Some vision and hearing decline
- C. Slower fine finger movement
- D. Some short-term memory decline
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: As individuals age, it is common to experience changes in vision and hearing, leading to some decline in these senses. Slower light touch sensation and slower fine finger movement are also typical findings associated with aging. However, some short-term memory decline is more closely related to cognitive aging rather than typical age-related changes in the neurologic system. Therefore, the correct answer is the decline in vision and hearing. Decreased risk of depression is not a typical finding in aging; in fact, the risk of depression may increase as individuals age.
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