A client underwent a total laryngectomy. Which of the following is the priority observation in the client's care?
- A. Patency of the intravenous line
- B. Level of pain
- C. Integrity of the dressing
- D. Need for suctioning
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Need for suctioning. After a laryngectomy, maintaining a clear airway is crucial to prevent aspiration and ensure proper oxygenation. Suctioning helps remove secretions and maintain airway patency. Monitoring for signs of respiratory distress is essential.
A: Patency of the intravenous line is important but not the priority over airway management.
B: Level of pain is important but not as critical as ensuring a clear airway.
C: Integrity of the dressing is important for wound healing but does not directly impact airway patency.
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What is the priority intervention for a patient admitted to your unit diagnosed with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
- A. Develop a method of communication.
- B. Provide six small meals high in protein and assist with feeding.
- C. Do not involve the patient in decisions about his healthcare because he is not in the mental state to respond.
- D. Provide six normal meals high in protein and assist with feeding.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Communication becomes critical as ALS progresses and affects motor functions.
Which of the following charts does the nurse use to check color vision?
- A. Ishihara polychromatic plates
- B. Rosenbaum Pocket Vision Screener
- C. Snellen eye chart
- D. Jaeger chart
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Ishihara polychromatic plates are specifically designed to test for color blindness by using patterns of colored dots.
Following treatment with fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor for depression, Mary hardly sleeps, is hyperactive, easily distracted, and appears elated. You would expect her physician to
- A. Continue the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
- B. Start a mood stabilizer.
- C. Switch to a tricyclic antidepressant.
- D. Add a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mood stabilizers are used to treat symptoms of mania or hypomania associated with bipolar disorder.
Which statement by a patient with diabetes indicates an understanding of the medication insulin glargine injection (Lantus)?
- A. Lantus causes weight loss.
- B. Lantus is used only at night.
- C. The duration of Lantus is six hours.
- D. There is no peak time for Lantus.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lantus is a long-acting insulin with no distinct peak action.
A client in an emergency department has a sucking chest wound resulting from a gunshot. The client has a blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg, a weak pulse rate of 118/min, and a respiratory rate of 40/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Raise the foot of the bed to a 90° angle
- B. Remove the dressing to inspect the wound
- C. Prepare to insert a central line
- D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer oxygen via nasal cannula. In a client with a sucking chest wound, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation due to potential respiratory compromise. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula will help improve oxygenation and support the client's respiratory function. This action takes precedence over other interventions as hypoxia can lead to further deterioration.
A: Raising the foot of the bed to a 90° angle is not indicated in this situation as it does not address the immediate need for oxygenation.
B: Removing the dressing to inspect the wound can worsen the condition by disrupting any seals in place to prevent air from entering the chest cavity.
C: Preparing to insert a central line is not the priority in this situation as the client's respiratory status needs to be stabilized first.
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