Nokea
A client who is at 36 weeks gestation is admitted with severe preeclampsia. After a 6-gram loading dose of magnesium sulfate is administered, an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate at a rate of 2 grams/hour is initiated. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Urine output of 20 ml/hour
- B. Blood pressure of 138/88
- C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min
- D. Temperature of 99.8°F
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A urine output of less than 30 ml/hour indicates that the kidneys are being affected by the high level of magnesium sulfate. This decreased urine output can lead to magnesium toxicity and impaired kidney function. Blood pressure of 138/88 is within normal limits for pregnancy and does not indicate an immediate concern related to magnesium sulfate. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min is normal, and a temperature of 99.8°F is slightly elevated but not a priority in the context of severe preeclampsia and magnesium sulfate administration.
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The nurse is assessing a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who is receiving erythropoietin therapy. Which clinical finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Increased fatigue
- B. Elevated blood pressure
- C. Headache
- D. Elevated hemoglobin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Increased fatigue.' In a client with CKD receiving erythropoietin therapy, increased fatigue can be a sign of polycythemia, a condition characterized by an elevated red blood cell count. This can lead to increased blood viscosity and raise the risk of thromboembolic events, necessitating immediate intervention. Elevated blood pressure (choice B) is a common concern in CKD but does not require immediate intervention in this context. Headache (choice C) may be related to elevated blood pressure but is not the most critical finding requiring immediate attention. Elevated hemoglobin (choice D) is an expected outcome of erythropoietin therapy and does not require immediate intervention unless excessively high.
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention for a client receiving enteral feedings via a nasogastric tube?
- A. Auscultate the client's lungs for breath sounds
- B. Check the client's blood glucose level
- C. Monitor the client's bowel sounds
- D. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees is crucial for clients receiving enteral feedings via a nasogastric tube to prevent aspiration. Aspiration can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. Auscultating the client's lungs for breath sounds (choice A) is important but not as urgent as preventing aspiration. Checking the client's blood glucose level (choice B) and monitoring bowel sounds (choice C) are also essential aspects of care for a client receiving enteral feedings, but they do not take precedence over preventing aspiration.
A female client is admitted with end-stage pulmonary disease, is alert, oriented, and complaining of shortness of breath. The client tells the nurse that she wants 'no heroic measures' taken if she stops breathing, and she asks the nurse to document this in her medical record. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Ask the client to discuss 'do not resuscitate' with her healthcare provider
- B. Document the client's wishes in her medical record
- C. Ask the client to sign an advance directive
- D. Place a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order in the client's chart
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to ask the client to discuss 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) wishes with her healthcare provider. This is important to ensure that the client makes informed decisions regarding her care. While documenting the client's wishes in her medical record is essential, it is crucial that the client discusses these wishes with the healthcare provider to understand the implications and have the DNR order legally documented. Asking the client to sign an advance directive is premature without a detailed discussion with the healthcare provider. Placing a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order in the client's chart should only be done after the client has discussed and agreed upon this decision with the healthcare provider.
After receiving lactulose, a client with hepatic encephalopathy has several loose stools. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Send stool specimen to the lab
- B. Measure abdominal girth
- C. Encourage increased fiber in the diet
- D. Monitor mental status
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement after a client with hepatic encephalopathy has loose stools following lactulose administration is to monitor the client's mental status. Lactulose is given to lower serum ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy, and loose stools can be an expected side effect of its use. Monitoring mental status is crucial because changes in mental status, such as confusion or altered level of consciousness, are key indicators of hepatic encephalopathy worsening. Sending a stool specimen to the lab would not be the priority in this situation as loose stools are a known effect of lactulose. Measuring abdominal girth is more relevant for conditions like ascites, not loose stools. Encouraging increased fiber in the diet may be beneficial for constipation but is not the immediate action needed when loose stools occur after lactulose administration.
A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm³
- B. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL
- C. Liver function tests
- D. Platelet count of 150,000/mm³
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Liver function tests. Methotrexate can cause hepatotoxicity, making it essential to closely monitor liver function tests in clients receiving this medication. Monitoring white blood cell count, hemoglobin, or platelet count is not specifically required for methotrexate therapy and would not provide relevant information regarding potential adverse effects of the medication.