Vital signs
Temperature 99.2 F (37.3 C)
Blood pressure 134/89 mm Hg
Heart rate 98/min
Respirations 19/min
Oz saturation (SpO) 99%
Sedation Awake, alert
A client reports 7 of 10 on the pain scale at 2300 and asks if it is too soon to receive 'another pain pill.' The nurse reviews the medication administration record. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Administer the hydrocodone/acetaminophen as prescribed
- B. Call the health care provider to request a prescription for a different analgesic
- C. Decrease the dose of hydrocodone/acetaminophen from 2 tablets to 1
- D. Prepare to administer naloxone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pain rated 7/10 warrants administration of the prescribed analgesic if within the dosing interval. No indications suggest overdose (naloxone) or need for a different medication. Reducing the dose may inadequately manage pain.
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The nurse is caring for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who is reporting abdominal pain and weakness. The client has a fruity odor to the breath and rapid, deep respirations. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
- A. Instruct the client to breathe into a paper bag
- B. Check the client's capillary blood glucose level.
- C. Place the client on a continuous cardiac monitor.
- D. Prepare the client for an IV infusion of regular insulin.
- E. Gather supplies for an IV bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: Symptoms suggest diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Checking glucose confirms hyperglycemia, cardiac monitoring detects arrhythmias from electrolyte imbalances, IV insulin corrects hyperglycemia, and saline bolus addresses dehydration. Breathing into a paper bag is for hyperventilation from anxiety, not DKA.
The nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching for a client who has a low health literacy level. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
- A. Provide as much detail as possible.
- B. Utilize the teach-back method.
- C. Repeat important information.
- D. Use visual aids.
- E. Speak loudly.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Teach-back confirms understanding, repeating key points reinforces learning, and visual aids simplify concepts. Excessive detail overwhelms low-literacy clients, and loud speech is unnecessary unless hearing-impaired.
The nurse is caring for a client with Cushing's syndrome. The nurse should carefully assess the client for signs of:
- A. Hypoglycemia
- B. Infection
- C. Hypovolemia
- D. Hyperinsulinemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cushing's syndrome causes immunosuppression, increasing infection risk . Hypoglycemia , hypovolemia , and hyperinsulinemia are not primary concerns.
The nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for cefuroxime 30 mg/kg/day PO in 2 divided doses. The client weighs 35 lb (15.9 kg). The nurse has cefuroxime 250 mg/5 mL available. How many mL should the nurse administer to the client with each dose? Record your answer using 1 decimal place.
Correct Answer: 2.9
Rationale: Total daily dose: 30 mg/kg × 15.9 kg = 477 mg/day. Divided into 2 doses: 477 ÷ 2 = 238.5 mg/dose. Using 250 mg/5 mL: (238.5 mg ÷ 250 mg) × 5 mL = 4.77 mL. Per 2 doses: 4.77 ÷ 2 = 2.385, rounded to 2.9 mL per dose.
The unit secretary notifies the nurse that 4 clients called the nurses' station reporting pain. Which client should the nurse assess first?
- A. Client who had a foot amputation today reporting left shoulder pain radiating down the arm
- B. Client who has acute pancreatitis reporting severe, continuous, penetrating abdominal pain
- C. Client who has multiple myeloma reporting deep pelvic pain after walking down the hall
- D. Client who has sickle cell disease reporting severe pain in the arms and upper back
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Shoulder pain radiating down the arm post-amputation suggests a possible cardiac event (e.g., angina), a life-threatening condition requiring immediate assessment. Other pains, while severe, are more likely related to known conditions.
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