A client is brought into the emergency department after sustaining a possible closed head injury. Which assessment will the nurse perform first?
- A. Level of consciousness
- B. Pulse and blood pressure
- C. Respiratory rate and depth
- D. Ability to move extremities
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first action of the nurse is to ensure that the client has an adequate airway and respiratory status. In rapid sequence, the client's circulatory status is evaluated (option 2), followed by evaluation of the status of the cardiovascular and neurological systems.
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A client is admitted after attempting suicide by ingesting a prescribed antipsychotic medication. What is the most important piece of information the nurse should obtain initially?
- A. Where and when the medication was ingested
- B. The name and amount of ingested medication
- C. If the client continues to have suicidal ideations
- D. If there is a history of previous suicidal attempts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In an emergency, lifesaving facts are obtained first. The name of and the amount of medication ingested is of utmost importance in treating this potentially life-threatening situation. The remaining data can be assessed once the client's physical condition is stabilized.
The nurse is caring for a 33-week pregnant client who has experienced a premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). Which interventions should the nurse expect to be part of the plan of care? Select all that apply.
- A. Perform frequent biophysical profiles.
- B. Monitor for elevated serum creatinine.
- C. Monitor for manifestations of infection.
- D. Teach the client how to count fetal movements.
- E. Use strict sterile technique for vaginal examinations.
- F. Inform the client about the need for tocolytic therapy.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) increases the risk of infection, preterm labor, and fetal compromise. Frequent biophysical profiles assess fetal well-being. Monitoring for manifestations of infection is critical due to the risk of chorioamnionitis. Teaching the client to count fetal movements helps monitor fetal activity and detect potential distress. Strict sterile technique for vaginal examinations minimizes infection risk. Monitoring serum creatinine is not directly related to PROM management. Tocolytic therapy may be considered but is not universally required unless preterm labor is confirmed.
The nurse is counseling the family of a terminally ill client about palliative care. The nurse identifies which goals as being those of palliative care? Select all that apply.
- A. The delay of the impending death
- B. Offering a caring support system
- C. Providing measure focused on pain management
- D. Introduction of interventions that enhance the quality of life
- E. Expanding the focus of care to both the client and the family
- F. Addressing the expressed spiritual needs of the client and the family
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E,F
Rationale: Palliative care is a philosophy of total care. Palliative care goals include the following: offering a support system to help the client live as actively as possible until death; providing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms; enhancing the quality of life; offering a support system to help families cope during the client's illness and their own bereavement; affirming life and regarding dying as a normal process, neither hastening nor postponing death; and integrating psychological and spiritual aspects of client care.
The nurse sends a sputum specimen to the laboratory for culture from a client with suspected active tuberculosis (TB). The results report that Mycobacterium tuberculosis is cultured. How should the nurse correctly analyze these results?
- A. The results are positive for active tuberculosis.
- B. The results indicate a less virulent strain of tuberculosis.
- C. The results are inconclusive until a repeat sputum specimen is sent.
- D. The results are unreliable unless the client has also had a positive tuberculin skin test (TST).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum or other body secretions or tissue confirms the diagnosis of active tuberculosis.
An adolescent is admitted to the orthopedic nursing unit after spinal rod insertion for the treatment of scoliosis. Which assessments are most important in the immediate postoperative period when considering the client's neurovascular status? Select all that apply.
- A. Pain level
- B. Urinary output
- C. Ability to move all extremities
- D. Capillary refill in all extremities
- E. Ability to flex and extend the feet
- F. Ability to detect sensations in all extremities
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F
Rationale: When the spinal column is manipulated during surgery, altered neurovascular status is a possible complication; therefore, neurovascular checks, including circulation, sensation, and motion, should be done at least every 2 hours. Level of pain and urinary output are important postoperative assessments, but neurovascular status is more important.