A client is 2 days postoperative following a hip replacement surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Heart rate of 88/min
- B. Redness and warmth in the calf
- C. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
- D. Heart rate of 96/min
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Redness and warmth in the calf can indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious complication following hip replacement surgery. It is crucial to report this finding promptly for further evaluation and intervention. The other options, heart rates of 88/min and 96/min, are within normal limits for an adult and may not require immediate reporting. A urine output of 30 mL/hr is concerning for decreased kidney perfusion, but the priority in this case is the potential DVT due to its severe implications.
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What is the priority nursing action for a patient with respiratory distress?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Reposition the patient
- C. Administer bronchodilators
- D. Provide chest physiotherapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing action for a patient with respiratory distress is to administer oxygen. Oxygen therapy is crucial in improving oxygenation levels and relieving respiratory distress, making it the top priority intervention. Repositioning the patient, administering bronchodilators, or providing chest physiotherapy may be necessary interventions depending on the underlying cause, but ensuring adequate oxygen supply should take precedence in addressing respiratory distress.
A healthcare provider is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider report?
- A. Serum calcium 8.5 mg/dL
- B. Blood glucose level 120 mg/dL
- C. Serum sodium 138 mEq/L
- D. Serum albumin 3.5 g/dL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum albumin 3.5 g/dL. A low serum albumin level indicates protein deficiency, which can be a complication of TPN therapy and requires prompt intervention. The other laboratory findings provided (serum calcium 8.5 mg/dL, blood glucose level 120 mg/dL, and serum sodium 138 mEq/L) are within normal ranges and do not specifically indicate complications related to TPN therapy.
A nurse is reviewing the results of an arterial blood gas analysis of a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which of the following results should the nurse expect?
- A. PaO2 of 95 mm Hg
- B. PaCO2 of 55 mm Hg
- C. HCO3 of 24 mEq/L
- D. pH level of 7.35
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there is impaired gas exchange, leading to retention of carbon dioxide (CO2) and subsequent respiratory acidosis. A PaCO2 of 55 mm Hg is higher than the normal range (35-45 mm Hg) and is indicative of respiratory acidosis in COPD. Choices A, C, and D are not typically associated with COPD. PaO2 may be decreased, HCO3 may be elevated to compensate for acidosis, and pH may be lower than 7.35 due to respiratory acidosis in COPD.
What is the most concerning electrolyte imbalance for a patient receiving digoxin?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hyponatremia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is Hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is the most concerning electrolyte imbalance for a patient receiving digoxin because it can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Low potassium levels can potentiate the effects of digoxin on the heart, leading to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Hyperkalemia (Choice A) is not typically associated with digoxin use. Hyponatremia (Choice C) and Hypercalcemia (Choice D) are not directly related to digoxin therapy and do not pose the same risk of toxicity.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Provide a low-sodium diet.
- B. Administer lorazepam as prescribed.
- C. Keep the client in a supine position.
- D. Place the client in restraints as prescribed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering lorazepam is the appropriate intervention for a client experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Lorazepam helps reduce agitation and prevent complications during this withdrawal phase. Choice A, providing a low-sodium diet, is not directly related to managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Choice C, keeping the client in a supine position, is not necessary and may not address the client's withdrawal symptoms. Choice D, placing the client in restraints, should only be considered if the client is at risk of harming themselves or others, but it is not the primary intervention for managing alcohol withdrawal.