A client with a history of chronic kidney disease is admitted with complaints of edema. The nurse should expect the client to have:
- A. Hypernatremia
- B. Hyponatremia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chronic kidney disease impairs potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia, which can cause cardiac complications.
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A client has renal failure. Today's lab values indicate he has an elevated serum potassium. What additional priority information does the nurse need to obtain?
- A. Evaluation of his level of consciousness
- B. Evaluation of an electrocardiogram
- C. Measurement of his urine output for the past 8 hours
- D. Serum potassium lab values for the last several days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The level of consciousness is not affected by elevated potassium levels. An electrocardiogram (EKG) can tell the nurse whether this client is experiencing any cardiac dysfunction or arrhythmias related to the elevated potassium level. Measurement of the urine output is not a priority nursing action at this time. The client's serum potassium values for the past several days may provide information about his renal function, but they are not a priority at this time.
A female client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has presented in the emergency department with cough productive of yellow sputum and increasing shortness of breath. On room air, her blood gases are as follows: pH 7.30 mm Hg, PCO2 60 mm Hg, PO2 55 mm Hg, HCO3 32 mEq/L. These arterial blood gases reflect:
- A. Compensated respiratory acidosis
- B. Normal blood gases
- C. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
- D. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Low pH, high PCO2, and normal HCO3 indicate uncompensated respiratory acidosis, reflecting acute exacerbation of COPD.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of a tracheoesophageal fistula. The nurse should:
- A. Position the client flat in bed
- B. Suction the tracheostomy frequently
- C. Provide small, frequent feedings
- D. Restrict all oral intake
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A tracheoesophageal fistula risks aspiration, requiring restricted oral intake until surgically repaired. Positioning, suctioning, and feedings are secondary or contraindicated.
The nurse notes variable decelerations on the fetal monitor strip. The most appropriate initial action would be to:
- A. Notify her doctor
- B. Start an IV
- C. Reposition the client
- D. Readjust the monitor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Variable decelerations are often caused by umbilical cord compression. Repositioning the client (e.g. to the left side) can relieve pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation. Notifying the doctor or starting an IV are secondary if repositioning resolves the issue.
A client with angina is being discharged with a prescription for Transderm Nitro (nitroglycerin) patches. The nurse should tell the client to:
- A. Shave the area before applying the patch
- B. Remove the old patch and clean the skin with alcohol
- C. Cover the patch with plastic wrap and tape it in place
- D. Avoid cutting the patch because it will alter the dose
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cutting a nitroglycerin patch can alter the dose by disrupting the drug delivery system, so clients should be instructed to avoid this.
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