A client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which assessment finding is most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL.
- B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg.
- C. Serum albumin level of 3.5 g/dL.
- D. The client's temperature is 100.4°F (38°C).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) (D) is the most concerning finding for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as it may indicate an infection, which poses a significant risk. Monitoring blood glucose level (A), blood pressure (B), and serum albumin (C) are also important, but an elevated temperature suggests a potential serious complication that requires immediate attention.
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The nurse explains to an older adult male the procedure for collecting a 24-hour urine specimen for creatinine clearance. Which action is most important for the nurse to include in their care plan for the shift?
- A. Assess the client for confusion and reteach the procedure
- B. Check the urine for color and texture
- C. Empty the urinal contents into the 24-hour collection container
- D. Discard the contents of the urinal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To ensure accurate creatinine clearance results, it is crucial to collect all urine within the 24-hour period. The process should begin with discarding the first specimen and then collecting all subsequent urine in the designated 24-hour collection container. This ensures that the sample is complete and accurate for the creatinine clearance calculation.
Urinary catheterization is prescribed for a postoperative female client who has been unable to void for 8 hours. The nurse inserts the catheter, but no urine is seen in the tubing. Which action will the nurse take next?
- A. Clamp the catheter and recheck it in 60 minutes.
- B. Pull the catheter back 3 inches and redirect it upward.
- C. Leave the catheter in place and reattempt with another catheter.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider of a possible obstruction.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, if no urine is seen in the tubing after inserting the catheter, it is likely that the catheter is in the vagina rather than the bladder. Leaving the first catheter in place will help locate the meatus more easily when attempting the second catheterization. This approach ensures correct placement of the catheter in the bladder and minimizes the risk of causing unnecessary discomfort or trauma to the patient.
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of right-sided heart failure. What assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Jugular vein distention.
- B. Crackles in the lungs.
- C. Peripheral edema.
- D. Hepatomegaly.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In right-sided heart failure, the heart's inability to effectively pump blood to the lungs leads to fluid backup in the systemic circulation, resulting in peripheral edema (swelling in lower extremities). While jugular vein distention (A) and hepatomegaly (D) can also occur in right-sided heart failure, peripheral edema is a hallmark sign due to fluid retention. Crackles in the lungs (B) are more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the lungs.
The client is 5 feet from the bathroom door when he states, 'I feel faint.' Before the nurse can get the client to a chair, the client starts to fall. What is the priority action for the nurse to take?
- A. Check the client's carotid pulse.
- B. Encourage the client to get to the toilet.
- C. In a loud voice, call for help.
- D. Gently lower the client to the floor.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The priority action for the nurse in this situation is to gently lower the client to the floor. This action helps prevent injury to both the client and the nurse. It is important to ensure a safe environment and protect the client from falling, as well as to maintain the nurse's own safety while providing care.
When assessing a client with wrist restraints, the nurse observes that the fingers on the right hand are blue. What action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Loosen the right wrist restraint.
- B. Apply a pulse oximeter to the right hand.
- C. Compare hand color bilaterally.
- D. Palpate the right radial pulse.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing action is to restore circulation by loosening the restraint (A) because blue fingers (cyanosis) indicate decreased circulation. Comparing hand color bilaterally (C) and palpating the right radial pulse (D) are important assessments to gather more information, but they do not have the priority of addressing the decreased circulation by loosening the restraint. Applying a pulse oximeter (B) is not indicated in this scenario as it measures the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen, which is not relevant when cyanosis is related to mechanical compression from the restraints.