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A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with hyperkalemia. Which clinical finding is most concerning?
- A. Peaked T waves on the ECG
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Muscle weakness
- D. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Peaked T waves on the ECG are the most concerning finding in a client with hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can lead to serious cardiac complications, including arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Peaked T waves are a classic ECG finding associated with hyperkalemia and indicate the need for immediate intervention. Bradycardia, muscle weakness, and decreased deep tendon reflexes can also be seen in hyperkalemia, but the presence of peaked T waves signifies a higher risk of cardiac events, making it the most concerning finding in this scenario.
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The nurse is caring for a client with a history of atrial fibrillation who is receiving warfarin (Coumadin). Which laboratory value should be closely monitored?
- A. Serum potassium level
- B. Prothrombin time (PT)
- C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
- D. Serum sodium level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, International Normalized Ratio (INR). The INR should be closely monitored in a client receiving warfarin (Coumadin) to assess the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulation therapy. Monitoring the INR helps ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range for anticoagulation to prevent complications such as bleeding or clotting. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While monitoring electrolyte levels like serum potassium and sodium is important in overall client care, they are not specific to monitoring the effects of warfarin therapy. Prothrombin time (PT) is a component of INR and helps in monitoring warfarin therapy, but INR gives a standardized result that is independent of the laboratory method used, making it the preferred choice for monitoring warfarin therapy.
The client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which laboratory value is most concerning?
- A. Serum potassium of 6.0 mEq/L
- B. Serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL
- C. Serum calcium of 8.0 mg/dL
- D. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L is most concerning in a client with ESRD scheduled for hemodialysis as it indicates hyperkalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac complications such as arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Immediate intervention is required to lower potassium levels.
Choice B, serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL, is elevated but expected in ESRD due to impaired kidney function. Choice C, serum calcium of 8.0 mg/dL, is within the normal range and not typically a priority in this situation. Choice D, hemoglobin of 10 g/dL, is slightly low but not an immediate concern for a client scheduled for hemodialysis unless significantly lower and causing severe symptoms.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with an exacerbation. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer oxygen therapy as prescribed.
- B. Elevate the head of the bed.
- C. Obtain a sputum culture.
- D. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen therapy as prescribed. In COPD exacerbation, the priority is to improve oxygenation. Administering oxygen therapy helps ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues. Elevating the head of the bed can improve ventilation but is not the first intervention needed in this situation. Obtaining a sputum culture and administering antibiotics are important in COPD exacerbation but come after ensuring proper oxygenation.
A female client with breast cancer who completed her first chemotherapy treatment today at an outpatient center is preparing for discharge. Which behavior indicates that the client understands her care needs?
- A. Rented movies and borrowed books to use while passing time at home
- B. Made an appointment with the oncologist for follow-up treatment
- C. Expressed concern about hair loss and fatigue
- D. Asked for dietary recommendations to manage nausea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer. Renting movies and borrowing books to use at home indicate that the client understands the need for rest and self-care after chemotherapy. This behavior demonstrates the client's intention to engage in activities that promote relaxation and recovery. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because making an appointment for follow-up treatment, expressing concern about side effects like hair loss and fatigue, and asking for dietary recommendations are important but do not directly reflect the client's understanding of her immediate care needs post-chemotherapy.
A client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice and ascites. Which clinical finding is most concerning?
- A. Increased abdominal girth
- B. Confusion and altered mental status
- C. Yellowing of the skin
- D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Confusion and altered mental status are concerning in a client with cirrhosis as they may indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication that requires immediate intervention. Increased abdominal girth can be seen in ascites, yellowing of the skin is due to jaundice, and peripheral edema is associated with fluid retention in cirrhosis, but confusion and altered mental status are more closely linked to hepatic encephalopathy, which can progress rapidly and needs urgent attention.