A client with a history of hypertension is admitted to the hospital for a suspected myocardial infarction. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
- A. Administer oxygen as prescribed
- B. Perform an ECG
- C. Obtain a detailed health history
- D. Monitor vital signs regularly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing action in this scenario is to perform an ECG. An ECG is crucial in confirming myocardial infarction promptly and guiding immediate treatment decisions. Administering oxygen as prescribed is important but not the priority over confirming the diagnosis. Obtaining a detailed health history is relevant but does not take precedence over immediate diagnostic confirmation. While monitoring vital signs regularly is essential, performing an ECG is the priority action in this scenario to guide timely management.
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A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. Which potential side effect should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hyperglycemia
- C. Persistent cough
- D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Persistent cough. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly associated with a persistent dry cough as a side effect. This cough is thought to result from increased bradykinin levels. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Hypokalemia is not a common side effect of lisinopril; in fact, it may lead to hyperkalemia. Hyperglycemia is not a typical side effect of lisinopril use. Tachycardia is also not a common side effect associated with ACE inhibitors like lisinopril.
The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which symptom should the nurse expect to find?
- A. Peripheral edema
- B. Jugular vein distention
- C. Shortness of breath
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Shortness of breath is a characteristic symptom of left-sided heart failure. In this condition, the heart's inability to effectively pump blood forward causes blood to back up into the lungs, leading to fluid accumulation. This fluid accumulation results in pulmonary congestion, manifesting as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Peripheral edema (choice A) is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the extremities. Jugular vein distention (choice B) is a sign of increased central venous pressure and is more indicative of right-sided heart failure. Weight gain (choice D) can be a general symptom of heart failure due to fluid retention, but shortness of breath is specifically related to left-sided heart failure.
The nurse is teaching a client with diabetes about foot care. Which instruction is most important to prevent complications?
- A. Soak feet in warm water daily
- B. Apply moisturizer between the toes
- C. Wear cotton socks
- D. Inspect feet daily for cuts or sores
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Inspect feet daily for cuts or sores. Daily foot inspection is crucial for clients with diabetes to detect early signs of injury or infection. Soaking feet in warm water daily (choice A) can lead to skin maceration, making the skin more susceptible to breakdown. Applying moisturizer between the toes (choice B) can increase moisture and the risk of fungal infections. While wearing cotton socks (choice C) is beneficial for diabetic foot care, it is not as crucial as daily foot inspections to prevent complications.
A new mother is at the clinic with her 4-week-old for a well-baby check-up. The nurse should tell the mother to anticipate that the infant will demonstrate which milestone by 2 months of age?
- A. Turns from side to back and returns
- B. Consistently returns smiles to mother
- C. Finds hands and plays with fingers
- D. Holds head up and supports weight with arms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because social smiling is a developmental milestone typically expected around 2 months of age. At this stage, infants start to engage more with their caregivers and show positive emotional responses. The other choices are incorrect. Choice A describes a motor skill that usually emerges later. Choice C involves more coordination and exploration, which is not typically seen by 2 months. Choice D relates to head control and arm strength, which also develop progressively but may not be fully achieved by 2 months.
An elderly client is concerned about constipation during a flight. What should the nurse recommend?
- A. Use an over-the-counter stool softener when needed
- B. Eat a high protein diet
- C. Increase the fluid intake in the diet
- D. Decrease the fat content in the diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to recommend increasing fluid intake in the diet. Adequate hydration is essential for preventing constipation, especially during travel when mobility may be reduced. Stool softeners are not the first-line recommendation and should only be used when necessary. Eating a high protein diet or decreasing fat content in the diet may not directly address the issue of constipation related to dehydration during a flight.