A client is admitted with a 6.5-cm thoracic aneurysm. The nurse records findings from the initial assessment in the client's chart, as shown below. At 10:30 a.m., the client complains of sharp midchest pain after having a bowel movement. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Assess the client's vital signs
- B. Administer a bolus of lactated Ringer's solution
- C. Assess the client's neurologic status
- D. Contact the physician
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sharp midchest pain in a client with a thoracic aneurysm suggests possible dissection or rupture, a life-threatening emergency. Assessing vital signs (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia) first provides critical data to guide action. Fluid bolus, neurologic assessment, or contacting the physician follow based on findings.
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A client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has fine crackles at lung bases and the respirations are shallow at a rate of 28 breaths/minute. The client is restless and anxious. In addition to monitoring the arterial blood gas results, the nurse should do which of the following? Select all that apply.
- A. Monitor serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels.
- B. Administer a sedative.
- C. A. Administer humidified oxygen.
- D. Auscultate the lungs.
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Administering humidified oxygen (C) improves oxygenation in ARDS. Auscultating lungs (D) monitors crackles and ventilation. Creatinine/BUN monitoring is unrelated to acute respiratory status. Sedatives may depress respiration.
A 29-year-old woman is concerned about her personal risk factors for malignant melanoma. She is upset because her 49-year-old sister was recently diagnosed with the disease. After gathering information about the client's history of sun exposure, the nurse's best response would be to explain that:
- A. Some melanomas have a familial component and she should seek medical advice.
- B. Her personal risk is low because most melanomas occur at age 60 or later.
- C. Her personal risk is low because melanoma does not have a familial component.
- D. She should not worry because she did not experience severe sunburn as a child.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Melanoma can have a familial component, and a family history increases personal risk. Seeking medical advice for screening and risk assessment is appropriate, especially given her sister's diagnosis.
A nurse assesses a 40-year-old female client with vasospastic disorder (Raynaud's phenomenon) involving her right hand. The nurse notes the information in the progress notes, as shown below. From these findings, the nurse should formulate which priority nursing diagnosis?
- A. Acute pain related to hyperemic stage
- B. Disturbed sensory perception (tactile) related to vasospastic process
- C. Ineffective tissue perfusion (peripheral) related to vasospastic process
- D. Risk for impaired skin integrity related to vasospastic process
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ineffective tissue perfusion (peripheral) is the priority nursing diagnosis in Raynaud's phenomenon, as vasospasm reduces blood flow to the extremities, causing ischemia. This underlies symptoms like numbness or pallor. Pain, sensory changes, or skin integrity risks are secondary to perfusion deficits.
During rescue breathing in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the victim will exhale by:
- A. Normal relaxation of the chest.
- B. Gentle pressure of the rescuer's hand on the upper chest.
- C. The pressure of cardiac compressions.
- D. Turning the head to the side.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Exhalation during CPR occurs naturally due to chest relaxation after the rescuer delivers a breath, allowing air to exit the lungs.
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus has diabetic ketoacidosis. Which of the following findings has the greatest effect on fluid loss?
- A. Hypotension.
- B. Decreased serum potassium level.
- C. Rapid, deep respirations.
- D. Warm, dry skin.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rapid, deep respirations (Kussmaul respirations) in diabetic ketoacidosis are a compensatory mechanism for acidosis, leading to significant fluid loss through hyperventilation.
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