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A client who underwent surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is 1 day postoperative. The nurse performs an abdominal assessment and notes the absence of bowel sounds. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Start the client on sips of water.
- B. Remove the nasogastric (NG) tube.
- C. Call the primary health care provider immediately.
- D. Document the finding and continue to assess for bowel sounds.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bowel sounds may be absent for 3 to 4 postoperative days because of bowel manipulation during surgery. The nurse should document the finding and continue to monitor the client. The NG tube should stay in place if present, and the client is kept NPO until after the onset of bowel sounds. Additionally, the nurse does not remove the tube without a prescription to do so. There is no need to call the primary health care provider immediately at this time.
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An adolescent is hospitalized with a diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). The nurse anticipates that which medication will be prescribed?
- A. Ganciclovir
- B. Amantadine
- C. Doxycycline
- D. Amphotericin B
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nursing care of an adolescent with RMSF includes the administration of doxycycline. An alternative medication is chloramphenicol. Ganciclovir is used to treat cytomegalovirus. Amantadine is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Amphotericin B is used for fungal infections.
A client has been prescribed procainamide. The nurse implements which intervention before administering the medication to minimize the client's risk for injury?
- A. Obtaining a chest x-ray
- B. Assessing blood pressure and pulse
- C. Obtaining a complete blood cell count and liver function studies
- D. Scheduling a drug level to be drawn 1 hour after the dose is administered
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Procainamide is an antidysrhythmic medication. Before the medication is administered, the client's blood pressure and pulse are checked. This medication can cause toxic effects, and serum blood levels would be checked before administering the medication (therapeutic serum level is 4 to 10 mcg/mL [17.00 to 42.50 mcmol/L]). A chest x-ray and obtaining a complete blood cell count and liver function studies are unnecessary.
The nurse evaluates the patency of a peripheral intravenous (IV) site and suspects an infiltration. Which action should the nurse take to determine if the IV has infiltrated?
- A. Strip the tubing and assess for a blood return.
- B. Check the regional tissue for redness and warmth.
- C. Increase the infusion rate and observe for swelling.
- D. Gently palpate regional tissue for edema and coolness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When assessing an IV for clinical indicators of infiltration, it is important to assess the site for edema and coolness, signifying leakage of the IV fluid into the surrounding tissues. Stripping the tubing will not cause a blood return but will force IV fluid into the surrounding tissues, which can increase the risk of tissue damage. Redness and warmth are more likely to indicate infection or phlebitis.
The nurse is developing a care plan for an older client being admitted to a long-term care facility. Which information should the nurse use to plan interventions for this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Older clients tend to be incontinent.
- B. Older clients are at risk for dehydration.
- C. Depression is a normal part of the aging process.
- D. Age-related skin changes require special monitoring.
- E. Older clients are at risk for complications of immobility.
- F. Confusion and cognitive changes are common findings in the older population.
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: Older clients are at risk for dehydration and complications related to immobility. Another normal physiological change that occurs during the aging process is loss of skin integrity. Incontinence, depression, confusion, and cognitive changes are not normal parts of the aging process.
The nurse is applying electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes to a diaphoretic client. Which intervention should the nurse take to keep the electrodes securely in place?
- A. Secure the electrodes with adhesive tape.
- B. Place clear, transparent dressings over the electrodes.
- C. Apply lanolin to the skin before applying the electrodes.
- D. Cleanse the skin with alcohol before applying the electrodes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol defats the skin and helps the electrodes adhere to the skin. Placing adhesive tape or a clear dressing over the electrodes will not help the adhesive gel of the actual electrode make better contact with the diaphoretic skin. Lanolin or any other lotion makes the skin slippery and prevents good initial adherence.