Nokea
A client with a history of chronic alcohol use is admitted with confusion and an unsteady gait. Which deficiency should the nurse suspect?
- A. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- B. Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- C. Folic acid
- D. Vitamin D
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Thiamine (Vitamin B1). Chronic alcohol use can lead to thiamine deficiency, causing neurological symptoms like confusion and unsteady gait (Wernicke's encephalopathy). Thiamine is crucial for brain function and alcohol interferes with its absorption. Vitamin B12 (choice B) deficiency can also cause neurological symptoms but is less likely in this case. Folic acid (choice C) deficiency can lead to anemia and neural tube defects, not directly related to the symptoms described. Vitamin D (choice D) deficiency typically presents with bone pain and muscle weakness, not confusion and gait issues.
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The healthcare provider is caring for a patient who is taking warfarin (Coumadin). Which laboratory value should the healthcare provider monitor closely?
- A. Platelet count.
- B. Prothrombin time (PT).
- C. Hemoglobin level.
- D. White blood cell count.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prothrombin time (PT). Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting clotting factors. Monitoring PT is essential to ensure the patient's blood is clotting within the desired range to prevent both bleeding and clotting events. Platelet count (A) assesses the quantity of platelets, not the clotting function. Hemoglobin level (C) evaluates red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying capacity. White blood cell count (D) assesses immune function and infection risk, not clotting ability. PT is directly related to warfarin's mechanism of action, making it the most crucial parameter to monitor.
The client has undergone a thyroidectomy, and the nurse is providing care. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Hoarseness and a sore throat.
- B. Difficulty swallowing.
- C. Numbness and tingling around the mouth.
- D. Temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C).
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Numbness and tingling around the mouth. This finding indicates potential hypocalcemia, a common complication post-thyroidectomy due to inadvertent damage to parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia can lead to tetany, seizures, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent serious complications.
Hoarseness and a sore throat (A) are expected post-thyroidectomy due to intubation. Difficulty swallowing (B) can be due to swelling but is not immediately life-threatening. A temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C) (D) is slightly elevated but not a priority in this scenario.
A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed a low-protein diet. Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the diet?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- B. Serum potassium
- C. Serum calcium
- D. Creatinine clearance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). BUN is a waste product that reflects protein intake and kidney function. In chronic kidney disease, high protein intake can increase BUN levels, so monitoring BUN helps assess the effectiveness of the low-protein diet.
Incorrect choices:
B: Serum potassium - This is more related to kidney function but not specifically affected by a low-protein diet.
C: Serum calcium - Calcium levels are not directly affected by protein intake or a low-protein diet in chronic kidney disease.
D: Creatinine clearance - This measures kidney function but is not directly influenced by protein intake.
The nurse is planning care for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which intervention should the nurse include to reduce the risk of bleeding?
- A. Monitor for signs of infection.
- B. Limit the client's dietary protein intake.
- C. Administer vitamin K as prescribed.
- D. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Administer vitamin K as prescribed.
Rationale:
1. Cirrhosis impairs liver function, leading to decreased synthesis of clotting factors, increasing the risk of bleeding.
2. Vitamin K is essential for synthesizing clotting factors; administering it helps improve clotting ability.
3. Monitoring for infection (A) is important but does not directly address the clotting issue.
4. Limiting protein intake (B) is not necessary for bleeding prevention in cirrhosis.
5. Encouraging fluid intake (D) is important for overall health but does not specifically reduce the risk of bleeding.
The mental health nurse observes that a female client with delusional disorder carries some of her belongings with her because she believes that others are trying to steal them. Which nursing action will promote trust?
- A. Explain that distrust is related to feeling anxious.
- B. Initiate short, frequent contacts with the client.
- C. Explain that these beliefs are related to her illness.
- D. Offer to keep the belongings at the nurse's desk.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Initiating short, frequent contacts with the client will promote trust by establishing a consistent and supportive presence.
Step 2: This approach allows the nurse to build rapport and demonstrate genuine concern for the client's well-being.
Step 3: Regular interactions can help the client feel understood and supported, leading to a more trusting relationship.
Step 4: By maintaining frequent contact, the nurse can monitor the client's well-being and provide reassurance as needed.
Step 5: This proactive approach fosters trust and a therapeutic alliance, enhancing the client's overall care experience.