A client requests the creation of a living will. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Schedule a meeting between the hospital ethics committee and the client
- B. Evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures
- C. Determine the client's preferences about post-mortem care
- D. Request a conference with the client's family
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client requests the creation of a living will is to evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures. This step is crucial to ensure that the client is well-informed about their options before making decisions regarding their future care. Scheduling a meeting with the hospital ethics committee (choice A) may not be necessary at this stage and could overwhelm the client. Determining the client's preferences about post-mortem care (choice C) is not directly related to creating a living will. Requesting a conference with the client's family (choice D) may be important later but is not the initial step in this situation.
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A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client who has angina. What risk factor should the nurse identify?
- A. Hyperlipidemia.
- B. COPD.
- C. Seizure disorder.
- D. Hyponatremia.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia, characterized by high levels of lipids in the blood, is a well-established risk factor for the development of angina. Elevated lipid levels can lead to atherosclerosis, which narrows the arteries supplying the heart muscle with oxygenated blood, increasing the risk of angina. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because COPD, seizure disorder, and hyponatremia are not directly associated with an increased risk of angina.
A client is being discharged with a new prescription for metoprolol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Do not discontinue this medication suddenly.
- B. Take this medication in the evening to decrease the risk of falls.
- C. Monitor your heart rate before taking this medication.
- D. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed metoprolol is to monitor their heart rate before taking the medication. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate), so it is essential for clients to check their heart rate before each dose. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping metoprolol can lead to adverse effects, so it should not be discontinued suddenly. Choice B is incorrect because there is no specific recommendation to take metoprolol at night to reduce falls. Choice D is incorrect because grapefruit juice can interact with metoprolol, affecting its absorption, and should be avoided.
A client with COPD is receiving discharge teaching. Which statement indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will avoid breathing deeply while using my incentive spirometer.
- B. I will limit my fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
- C. I will exercise in an area that is humid.
- D. I will use pursed-lip breathing techniques.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Using pursed-lip breathing techniques is beneficial for clients with COPD as it helps control shortness of breath by keeping airways open longer. Option A is incorrect as deep breathing while using an incentive spirometer is essential to prevent complications such as atelectasis. Option B is incorrect because limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day is not a standard recommendation for clients with COPD. Option C is incorrect as exercising in a humid area can exacerbate breathing difficulties for clients with COPD.
A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?
- A. Ammonia 75 mcg/dL
- B. Sodium 142 mEq/L
- C. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
- D. Bilirubin 2.5 mg/dL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An elevated bilirubin level in clients with cirrhosis indicates worsening liver function and potential complications. It is crucial to report this finding promptly as it may require immediate medical intervention. Elevated ammonia levels (choice A) are also concerning in cirrhosis, indicating hepatic encephalopathy, but bilirubin levels are more specific to liver function in this context. Choices B and C are within normal ranges and are not typically of immediate concern in cirrhosis.
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Heart rate of 60/min
- B. Respiratory rate of 16/min
- C. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
- D. Weight gain of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) in 24 hours
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A weight gain of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) in 24 hours can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure in clients taking digoxin. This rapid weight gain could be due to fluid accumulation, a common sign of heart failure exacerbation. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial for prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges and not directly indicative of worsening heart failure in this context, making them less urgent to report compared to the significant weight gain.