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A client with a history of heart failure presents with increased shortness of breath and swelling in the legs. What is the most important assessment for the LPN/LVN to perform?
- A. Monitor the client's oxygen saturation level.
- B. Assess the client's apical pulse.
- C. Check for jugular vein distention.
- D. Measure the client's urine output.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Checking for jugular vein distention is crucial in assessing fluid overload in clients with heart failure. Jugular vein distention indicates increased central venous pressure, which can be a sign of worsening heart failure. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice A) is important but may not provide immediate information on fluid status. Assessing the apical pulse (Choice B) is relevant for monitoring heart rate but may not directly indicate fluid overload. Measuring urine output (Choice D) is essential for assessing renal function and fluid balance but does not provide immediate information on fluid overload in this scenario.
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The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has been diagnosed with a stroke. Which intervention will the nurse add to the care plan?
- A. Encourage the patient to perform as many self-care activities as possible.
- B. Provide assistance with a bed bath to promote patient comfort.
- C. Coordinate with physical therapy for gait training.
- D. Instruct the patient to remain on bed rest to prevent fatigue.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to perform as many self-care activities as possible. For a patient who has had a stroke, promoting independence and engaging in self-care activities help maintain mobility and foster a sense of autonomy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because providing assistance with a bed bath, coordinating with physical therapy for gait training, or advising bed rest without indications may not be the best interventions for promoting optimal recovery and independence in a stroke patient.
A client with a left leg cast is being taught how to use crutches. Which of the following statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the teaching?
- A. When descending stairs, I will first shift my weight to my right (unaffected) leg.
- B. I will use crutches to support my weight on my left leg.
- C. When ascending stairs, I will lead with my left leg.
- D. I will keep my crutches under my arms for support.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Shifting weight to the unaffected leg when descending stairs is crucial for maintaining balance and safety. This technique helps prevent falls and distributes weight appropriately. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because using crutches to support the weight on the injured leg, leading with the injured leg when ascending stairs, and keeping crutches under the arms are all potentially unsafe practices that could lead to further injury or accidents.
The client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is receiving discharge teaching. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will weigh myself every day at the same time.
- B. I will call my doctor if my legs swell more.
- C. I will take my water pill only when I feel short of breath.
- D. I will limit the amount of salt in my diet.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Taking water pills (diuretics) only when feeling short of breath is incorrect. Diuretics should be taken regularly as prescribed to help manage fluid retention in chronic heart failure. This statement indicates a need for further teaching as the client needs to understand the importance of consistent medication adherence. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate good understanding of self-care management in heart failure, including daily weight monitoring, prompt reporting of worsening symptoms to the healthcare provider, and dietary sodium restriction, respectively.
A client with heart failure and a new prescription for hydrochlorothiazide is receiving discharge teaching about safety considerations from a nurse. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. "I will take a hot bath before going to bed."
- B. "I will take my new medication in the evening."
- C. "I will leave a light on in my bathroom at night."
- D. "I will weigh myself once weekly."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Leaving a light on in the bathroom at night is important for an older adult with heart failure who is taking hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that can cause nocturia. This safety measure helps prevent falls during nighttime bathroom visits. Option A is incorrect because taking a hot bath before bed can increase the risk of falls due to potential dizziness. Option B does not directly relate to safety considerations but rather the timing of medication administration. Option D, weighing oneself once weekly, is important for monitoring fluid retention but does not address safety concerns related to nocturia and falls.
The patient diagnosed with diabetes is reporting severe foot pain due to corns and has been using oval corn pads to self-treat the corns. Which information will the nurse share with the patient?
- A. Corn pads are an adequate treatment and should be continued.
- B. The patient should avoid soaking the feet before using a pumice stone.
- C. The current self-treatment is likely impeding circulation to the toes.
- D. Tighter shoes would help compress the corns and make them smaller.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should inform the patient that using oval corn pads can increase pressure on the toes and impede circulation, which may exacerbate foot problems in patients with diabetes. It is important to avoid practices that restrict blood flow to the feet, as poor circulation can lead to serious complications. Soaking the feet and using a pumice stone can be beneficial for corns, but in this case, the current self-treatment with corn pads is not recommended. Tighter shoes would further increase pressure on the corns and should be avoided. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize the importance of proper foot care and recommend alternative treatments to promote foot health and prevent complications.