Nokea
A client with a history of rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed prednisone. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Increased joint pain
- B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours
- C. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl
- D. Fever of 100.4°F
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours is concerning in a client with rheumatoid arthritis on prednisone as it may indicate fluid retention or worsening heart failure. Increased joint pain, blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl, and fever of 100.4°F are important assessments but do not require immediate intervention compared to the potential severity of rapid weight gain.
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In caring for a client receiving the aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin, what diagnostic test should the nurse prioritize monitoring?
- A. Urinalysis
- B. Serum creatinine
- C. Serum osmolarity
- D. Liver enzymes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum creatinine. Aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, are known to cause nephrotoxicity, which can lead to kidney damage. Monitoring serum creatinine levels is crucial in assessing renal function and detecting any potential kidney problems early. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because urinalysis primarily assesses urine composition, serum osmolarity measures the concentration of solutes in the blood, and liver enzymes are not directly impacted by aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin.
A client with urticaria due to environmental allergies is taking diphenhydramine. Which complaint should the nurse identify as a side effect of the OTC medication?
- A. Nausea and indigestion.
- B. Hypersalivation.
- C. Eyelid and facial twitching.
- D. Increased appetite.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nausea and indigestion. Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and indigestion. This medication can have anticholinergic effects, leading to these symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypersalivation, eyelid and facial twitching, and increased appetite are not typically associated with diphenhydramine use.
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.
A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with hyperkalemia. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Peaked T waves on the ECG
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
- D. Muscle weakness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Peaked T waves on the ECG are a critical finding in hyperkalemia as they indicate potential life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent cardiac complications such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Bradycardia, decreased deep tendon reflexes, and muscle weakness are not typically associated with hyperkalemia and do not pose the same level of immediate risk to the client's life.
One day after abdominal surgery, an obese client complains of pain and heaviness in the right calf. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Observe for unilateral swelling
- B. Administer pain medication
- C. Elevate the leg and apply a warm compress
- D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to observe for unilateral swelling. Unilateral swelling could indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious complication that requires immediate assessment. Administering pain medication or applying warm compress may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Notifying the healthcare provider should be done after assessing and identifying the issue of unilateral swelling.