A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is admitted with a new onset of confusion. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Obtain a blood glucose level.
- B. Administer an anticoagulant as prescribed.
- C. Perform a neurological assessment.
- D. Administer aspirin as prescribed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Performing a neurological assessment is the priority in this situation as it helps in evaluating the cause of the new onset of confusion in a client with atrial fibrillation. This assessment will provide crucial information about the client's neurological status, which can guide further interventions. Obtaining a blood glucose level (Choice A) is important but should not be the first step when dealing with a new onset of confusion. Administering an anticoagulant (Choice B) or aspirin (Choice D) may be necessary depending on the underlying cause, but assessing the neurological status comes first to determine the appropriate course of action.
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A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing shortness of breath and has a prescription for oxygen therapy. What is the maximum amount of oxygen the nurse should administer without a healthcare provider's order?
- A. 2 liters per minute
- B. 4 liters per minute
- C. 6 liters per minute
- D. 8 liters per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 4 liters per minute. Without a healthcare provider's order, the nurse should administer a maximum of 4 liters per minute of oxygen to prevent carbon dioxide retention in COPD clients. Higher flow rates can lead to oxygen toxicity and worsen the client's condition. Choices A, C, and D exceed the safe limit for oxygen administration without a healthcare provider's order.
Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the dietary modifications required with Cushing syndrome?
- A. I should increase my intake of foods high in calcium.
- B. I should avoid foods with high sodium content.
- C. I need to decrease my intake of vitamin D.
- D. I should consume more potassium-rich foods.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'I should avoid foods with high sodium content.' Clients with Cushing syndrome need to limit their sodium intake to help reduce fluid retention and manage hypertension, which are common complications of the syndrome. Increasing calcium intake (choice A) is not specifically indicated for Cushing syndrome. Decreasing vitamin D intake (choice C) is not a typical dietary modification for this condition. Consuming more potassium-rich foods (choice D) is not a primary focus of dietary modifications for Cushing syndrome.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with pneumonia. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Oxygen saturation of 90%
- B. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute
- C. Use of accessory muscles
- D. Inspiratory crackles
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The use of accessory muscles indicates increased work of breathing and can signal respiratory failure in a client with COPD. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further respiratory compromise. Oxygen saturation of 90% indicates some oxygenation impairment but may not necessitate immediate intervention. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute is slightly elevated but does not indicate immediate respiratory distress. Inspiratory crackles may be present in pneumonia but do not require immediate intervention compared to the increased work of breathing indicated by the use of accessory muscles.
A client with hypertension receives a prescription for enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI). Which instruction should the nurse include in the medication teaching plan?
- A. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods
- B. Report increased bruising or bleeding
- C. Stop medication if a cough develops
- D. Limit intake of leafy green vegetables
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include in the medication teaching plan for a client receiving enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, is to 'Report increased bruising or bleeding.' ACE inhibitors can cause thrombocytopenia, which can lead to an increased risk of bruising and bleeding. Monitoring and reporting these symptoms promptly are essential to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increasing potassium-rich foods, stopping medication if a cough develops, and limiting intake of leafy green vegetables are not directly related to the common side effects or actions of ACE inhibitors.
A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Decreased bowel sounds
- B. Increased heart rate
- C. Decreased urine output
- D. Elevated blood glucose level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Decreased urine output is concerning in a client with acute pancreatitis as it may indicate hypovolemia or renal impairment. In acute pancreatitis, decreased urine output can signify inadequate perfusion to the kidneys, leading to renal failure. While the other options are important to monitor in a client with acute pancreatitis, decreased urine output requires immediate attention to prevent further complications.