A client who is recovering from a spinal cord injury complains of blurred vision and a severe headache. His blood pressure is 210/140. The most appropriate initial action for the nurse to take is to:
- A. check for bladder distention.
- B. place him in the Trendelenburg position.
- C. administer PRN pain medication.
- D. position him on his left side.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Symptoms suggest autonomic dysreflexia, often triggered by bladder distention, requiring immediate assessment and intervention.
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The 65-year-old client is diagnosed with macular degeneration. Which statement by the client indicates the client needs more discharge teaching?
- A. I should use magnification devices as much as possible.
- B. I will look at my Amsler grid at least twice a week.
- C. I need to use low-watt light bulbs in my house.
- D. I am going to contact a low-vision center to evaluate my home.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low-watt bulbs reduce visibility, counterproductive in macular degeneration. Magnification, Amsler grid monitoring (daily preferred), and low-vision centers are appropriate.
During an assessment, the nurse covers the client's right eye and then observes a shift in the client's gaze after the eye is uncovered. Which conclusion should the nurse make about the results of the test?
- A. The client has opacity of the lens.
- B. The client has absence of the blink reflex.
- C. The client has increased intraocular pressure.
- D. The client has weakness in the extraocular muscles.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Covering and then uncovering the client's eye and then observing for a shift in the client's gaze is the cover-uncover test used to detect weakness in the extraocular muscles. Lens opacity is detected by direct observation. Stroking the eyelashes will evoke the blink reflex. The intraocular pressure is measured by tonometry.
An adult man fell off a ladder and hit his head and lost consciousness. After regaining consciousness several minutes later, he was drowsy and had trouble staying awake. He is admitted to the hospital for evaluation. The nursing care plan will most likely include which of the following?
- A. Elevate head of bed 15 to 30 degrees
- B. Encourage fluids to 1000 mL every eight hours
- C. Assist the client to cough and deep breathe every two hours
- D. Perform chest physical therapy every four hours while awake
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed 15 to 30 degrees promotes gravity drainage of fluid and reduces cerebral edema. Coughing, forcing fluids, and chest physical therapy may increase intracranial pressure and are contraindicated.
The client recently diagnosed with glaucoma tells the nurse, 'I'm having difficulty remembering to insert my eye drops. I don't have any pain or vision changes when I forget them.' Which statement is the best response?
- A. You should be diligent in inserting the eye drops; if not, then you will need surgery.
- B. You wouldn't have pain, but untreated glaucoma will eventually lead to vision loss.
- C. Tell me about your day; planning a time with a daily activity often helps as a reminder.
- D. I know this must be hard for you; not everyone is able to remember everything.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This is a broad opening statement and can assist the client to problem-solve an activity that could serve as a reminder to take the eye drops. The other statements are either belittling, partially incorrect, or do not help with adherence.
Which statement by the daughter of an 80-year-old female client who lives alone warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. I put a night-light in my mother’s bedroom.
- B. I got carbon monoxide detectors for my mother’s house.
- C. I changed my mother’s furniture around.
- D. I got my mother large-print books.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Changing furniture increases fall risk in an elderly client with potential sensory deficits, requiring intervention. Night-lights, CO detectors, and large-print books enhance safety.