A client with a history of stroke is receiving warfarin. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
- A. Check the client's blood pressure.
- B. Assess for signs of bleeding.
- C. Assess the client's neurological status.
- D. Monitor the client's intake and output.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess for signs of bleeding. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding in patients. Monitoring for signs of bleeding such as easy bruising, petechiae, blood in urine or stool, or unusual bleeding from gums is crucial. Checking the client's blood pressure (choice A) is important but not the priority in this situation. Assessing the client's neurological status (choice C) is essential in stroke patients but is not the priority related to warfarin therapy. Monitoring intake and output (choice D) is important for overall assessment but is not the priority when a client is on warfarin, as assessing for bleeding takes precedence.
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A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed warfarin. What teaching should the nurse provide?
- A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K, such as spinach.
- B. Report any signs of bleeding, such as bruising or nosebleeds.
- C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
- D. Monitor for changes in blood pressure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct teaching for a client prescribed warfarin is to report any signs of bleeding, such as unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or blood in the urine or stool. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding, so it is crucial for the client to promptly report any bleeding-related symptoms for evaluation by a healthcare provider. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in vitamin K, such as spinach, is more relevant for clients taking warfarin to maintain consistent vitamin K intake. Warfarin should be taken with food to avoid gastrointestinal upset, so taking it on an empty stomach is not recommended. Monitoring for changes in blood pressure is not directly related to warfarin therapy; instead, the focus should be on monitoring for signs of bleeding.
A client with Crohn's disease reports diarrhea. What intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Instruct the client to drink clear fluids and avoid solid foods.
- B. Administer antidiarrheal medication as prescribed.
- C. Encourage a high-fiber diet and regular physical activity.
- D. Restrict fluid intake and monitor electrolytes.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with Crohn's disease reporting diarrhea is to encourage a high-fiber diet and regular physical activity. A high-fiber diet helps manage diarrhea in Crohn's disease by adding bulk to the stool and promoting more regular bowel movements. Instructing the client to drink clear fluids and avoid solid foods (Choice A) may not be appropriate as it can further exacerbate diarrhea. Administering antidiarrheal medication (Choice B) without addressing the underlying cause may not be the best initial approach. Encouraging a high-fiber diet and physical activity (Choice C) is beneficial for managing symptoms. Restricting fluid intake and monitoring electrolytes (Choice D) is not recommended as it can lead to dehydration, which is a concern in clients with diarrhea.
A child is brought to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Assess the child's level of consciousness.
- B. Prepare to administer activated charcoal.
- C. Notify the poison control center.
- D. Obtain an order for serum acetaminophen levels.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Obtaining serum acetaminophen levels is critical in determining the level of toxicity and guiding treatment. It helps to assess the risk of hepatotoxicity and determine the need for antidotal therapy with N-acetylcysteine. Assessing the child's level of consciousness (Choice A) is important but obtaining serum acetaminophen levels takes precedence as it directly guides the specific treatment required. Activated charcoal (Choice B) is not routinely used in acetaminophen poisoning. While notifying the poison control center (Choice C) is important, obtaining serum acetaminophen levels should be the immediate action to assess the child's condition and guide treatment.
The nurse is instructing a 65-year-old female client diagnosed with osteoporosis. The most important instruction regarding exercise would be to
- A. Exercise doing weight-bearing activities
- B. Exercise to reduce weight
- C. Avoid exercise activities that increase the risk of fracture
- D. Exercise to strengthen muscles and thereby protect bones
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Weight-bearing exercises are crucial in managing osteoporosis as they help strengthen bones. Choice A is the correct answer because weight-bearing activities, such as walking, dancing, or weight training, help stimulate bone formation and strengthen bones, which is essential in managing osteoporosis. Choice B is incorrect as the primary focus should be on the type of exercise rather than weight reduction. Choice C is incorrect because avoiding exercise altogether can lead to further bone density loss, and it is important to engage in safe weight-bearing activities. Choice D is incorrect as the primary goal of exercise in osteoporosis is to improve bone density through weight-bearing activities.
The nurse is caring for a client with a traumatic brain injury who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which assessment finding indicates that the client may be experiencing increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
- A. Client becomes increasingly lethargic
- B. Client's respiratory rate is 16 breaths per minute
- C. Client responds to verbal stimuli
- D. Client's pupils are equal and reactive
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased lethargy is a sign of worsening intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening in clients with brain injuries. As ICP rises, it can lead to decreased level of consciousness, such as lethargy or even coma. Choices B, C, and D are not indicative of increased ICP. A normal respiratory rate, response to verbal stimuli, and equal reactive pupils do not specifically point towards increased intracranial pressure.