Nokea
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with pneumonia. Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?
- A. Arterial blood gas (ABG) values
- B. Serum potassium level
- C. Serum sodium level
- D. Blood glucose level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Arterial blood gas (ABG) values. In a client with COPD and pneumonia, ABG values are crucial as they provide essential information about the client's respiratory status, including oxygenation and acid-base balance. Immediate intervention may be required to optimize respiratory function based on ABG results. Serum potassium, sodium, and blood glucose levels are important parameters to monitor in various conditions but are not as directly related to the respiratory status in a client with COPD and pneumonia. Therefore, they do not require immediate intervention compared to ABG values.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which laboratory value is most concerning?
- A. INR of 3.0
- B. Prothrombin time (PT) of 15 seconds
- C. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dl
- D. White blood cell count
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An INR of 3.0 is most concerning in a client prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) as it indicates a high risk of bleeding, requiring immediate intervention. A high INR value suggests that the blood is taking longer to clot, putting the patient at an increased risk of hemorrhage. Prothrombin time (PT) measures how long it takes for blood to clot, but the specific value of 15 seconds is within the normal range. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dl indicates mild anemia and does not directly relate to the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin therapy. White blood cell count assesses immune function and infection risk, but it is not directly related to the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
When administering ceftriaxone sodium (Rocephin) intravenously to a client, which assessment finding requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Stridor
- B. Nausea
- C. Headache
- D. Pruritus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stridor. Stridor is a high-pitched, noisy breathing sound that indicates a potential airway obstruction, which can be caused by an allergic reaction. This finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse to ensure the client's airway is patent and to prevent respiratory distress. Nausea, headache, and pruritus are potential side effects of ceftriaxone sodium but do not pose immediate life-threatening risks compared to airway obstruction indicated by stridor.
A newly graduated female staff nurse approaches the nurse manager and requests reassignment to another client because a male client is asking her for a date and making suggestive comments. Which response is best for the nurse manager to provide?
- A. I have to call the supervisor to get someone else to transfer to this unit to care for him.
- B. I know you are a good nurse and can handle this client in a professional manner.
- C. I'll talk to the client about his sexual harassment and insist that he stop immediately.
- D. I'll change your assignment, but let's talk about how a nurse should respond to this kind of client.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best response for the nurse manager is option D. Changing the assignment while providing guidance on professional boundaries and how to handle such situations is essential. Option A is not appropriate as it does not address the issue of the client's behavior. Option B, although supportive, does not offer a solution to the problem at hand. Option C is not the best approach as directly confronting the client about sexual harassment may escalate the situation further.
Following a lumbar puncture, a client voices several complaints. What complaint indicates to the nurse that the client is experiencing a complication?
- A. I am having pain in my lower back when I move my legs
- B. My throat hurts when I swallow
- C. I feel sick to my stomach and am going to throw up
- D. I have a headache that gets worse when I sit up
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A post-lumbar puncture headache, ranging from mild to severe, may occur as a result of leakage of cerebrospinal fluid at the puncture site. This complication is usually managed by bed rest, analgesics, and hydration. Choices A, B, and C do not directly indicate complications associated with a lumbar puncture. Pain in the lower back when moving legs, a sore throat when swallowing, and nausea with a feeling of vomiting are not typical complications of lumbar puncture.
The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Hoarse voice
- B. Slight difficulty swallowing
- C. Positive Chvostek's sign
- D. Pain at the incision site
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia, a common complication following thyroidectomy due to inadvertent parathyroid gland injury. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent severe hypocalcemia symptoms like tetany, seizures, and laryngospasm. Hoarse voice and slight difficulty swallowing are expected post-thyroidectomy and do not require immediate intervention. Pain at the incision site is common postoperatively and can be managed with appropriate pain relief measures.