Nokea
A client is receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for treatment of bronchial cancer. Addressing which of the following should take priority in planning care?
- A. Esophagitis
- B. Leukopenia
- C. Fatigue
- D. Skin irritation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Leukopenia. Clients develop leukopenia due to the depressant effect of radiation therapy on bone marrow function. Infection is the most frequent cause of morbidity and death in clients with cancer.
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The nurse is administering diltiazem (Cardizem) to a client. Prior to administration, it is important for the nurse to assess which parameter?
- A. Temperature
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Vision
- D. Bowel sounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood pressure. Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium channel blocker that causes systemic vasodilation resulting in decreased blood pressure.
An adult client had an abdominal hysterectomy this morning. Meperidine HCl (Demerol) 75 mg IM q3-4h PRN for pain is ordered. At 9:00 P.M., she complains of lower abdominal pain. She was last medicated at 5:45 P.M. What is the most appropriate initial action for the nurse to take?
- A. Offer her a bed pan and a back rub
- B. Reposition her
- C. Administer meperidine HCl 75 mg IM
- D. Encourage her to perform relaxation and breathing exercises
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The last dose was over 3 hours ago, within the PRN order. Administering meperidine is appropriate for pain relief.
The nurse is administering a topical ointment to the client's rash on the right leg. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Don nonsterile gloves.
- B. Cleanse the client's right leg.
- C. Check the client's armband.
- D. Wash the hands for 15 seconds.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hand washing is the first step to prevent infection, per aseptic technique. Gloves, cleansing, or armband checks follow.
The elderly client is admitted to the emergency department from a long-term care facility. The client has multiple ecchymotic areas on the body. The client is receiving digoxin, a cardiac glycoside; Lasix, a loop diuretic; Coumadin, an anticoagulant; and Xanax, an antianxiety medication. Which order should the nurse request from the health-care provider?
- A. A STAT serum potassium level.
- B. An order to admit to the hospital for observation.
- C. An order to administer Valium intravenous push.
- D. A STAT international normalized ratio (INR).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ecchymosis with Coumadin suggests bleeding risk; STAT INR assesses anticoagulation status, guiding reversal if needed. Potassium, admission, or Valium are less urgent.
A woman with a 28 week pregnancy is on the way to the emergency department by ambulance with a tentative diagnosis of abruptio placenta. Which should the nurse do first when the woman arrives?
- A. administer oxygen by mask at 100%
- B. start a second IV with an 18 gauge cannula
- C. check fetal heart rate every 15 minutes
- D. insert urethral catheter with hourly urine outputs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: administer oxygen by mask at 100%. Administering oxygen in this situation would increase the circulating oxygen in the mother's circulation to the fetus's circulation. This action will minimize complications.