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A client with acute pancreatitis is prescribed nothing by mouth (NPO). What should the nurse prioritize in this client's care?
- A. Administer oral pain medication.
- B. Monitor the client's intake and output.
- C. Monitor the client for signs of infection.
- D. Insert a nasogastric tube for decompression.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the client's intake and output. When a client with acute pancreatitis is prescribed nothing by mouth (NPO), the nurse should prioritize monitoring the client's intake and output. This is crucial for assessing the client's fluid balance and ensuring that they are not becoming dehydrated or developing complications related to fluid status. Option A is incorrect because oral pain medication should not be administered to a client who is NPO. Option C is not the priority at this time, although monitoring for infection is important in the overall care of the client. Option D is not the initial priority unless there are specific indications for decompression, which would be determined by the healthcare provider.
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Which of these clients, all in the terminal stage of cancer, is least appropriate to suggest the use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with a pump?
- A. A young adult with a history of Down syndrome
- B. A teenager who reads at a 4th-grade level
- C. An elderly client with numerous arthritic nodules on the hands
- D. A preschooler with intermittent alertness episodes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A preschooler with intermittent alertness episodes is not a suitable candidate for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) due to their inability to effectively manage the system. In the context of terminal cancer, it is crucial for the patient to be able to utilize the PCA system appropriately to manage pain effectively. Preschoolers may not have the cognitive ability or understanding to operate a PCA pump compared to the other clients. Choices A, B, and C present clients with conditions that do not inherently impede their ability to use a PCA pump effectively.
A client with a urinary tract infection is prescribed ciprofloxacin. What is the most important teaching the nurse should provide?
- A. Take the medication with milk to prevent stomach upset.
- B. Increase fluid intake to 2-3 liters per day.
- C. Avoid taking the medication with dairy products.
- D. Continue taking the medication even if symptoms improve.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ciprofloxacin can cause crystalluria, so increasing fluid intake to 2-3 liters per day helps flush out the medication and prevent crystal formation in the kidneys. This also ensures adequate hydration, which supports the body's ability to fight the infection. Choice A is incorrect because ciprofloxacin should not be taken with dairy products as they can interfere with the absorption of the medication. Choice D is incorrect because although it's important to complete the full course of antibiotics, it's equally crucial to report any improvement in symptoms to the healthcare provider.
An elderly client reports new-onset confusion, nausea, dysuria, and urgency. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Initiate intravenous fluids
- B. Obtain a clean-catch midstream urine specimen
- C. Administer antibiotics
- D. Start a Foley catheter to obtain a sterile sample
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take in this scenario is to obtain a clean-catch midstream urine specimen. The client's symptoms of confusion, nausea, dysuria, and urgency are suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI). To confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative organism, a urine specimen should be collected before initiating any treatment. Initiating intravenous fluids (Choice A) may be necessary later based on the client's condition but is not the initial priority. Administering antibiotics (Choice C) should be done after confirming the diagnosis through urine culture. Starting a Foley catheter (Choice D) to obtain a sterile sample is more invasive and should not be the first step in the assessment and management of a suspected UTI.
The nurse is developing an educational program for older clients discharged with new antihypertensive medications. The nurse should ensure that the education materials include which characteristics?
- A. Uses pictures to help illustrate complex ideas
- B. Contains a list with definitions of unfamiliar terms
- C. Uses common words with few syllables
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' When developing educational materials for older clients with new antihypertensive medications, it is essential to include characteristics such as using pictures to illustrate complex ideas, providing a list with definitions of unfamiliar terms, and using common words with few syllables. These features help enhance understanding and medication adherence, especially for older adults who may have challenges with health literacy. Choices A, B, and C collectively address the need for simplicity, visual support, and clarification of terms in educational materials, making them crucial for effective patient education.
To auscultate for a carotid bruit, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?
- A. Base of the neck on the right side
- B. Above the clavicle
- C. Over the sternum
- D. Over the trachea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To auscultate for a carotid bruit, the nurse should place the stethoscope at the base of the neck, near the carotid artery. A carotid bruit is an abnormal sound that indicates turbulent blood flow in the carotid artery, potentially due to arterial narrowing or atherosclerosis. Placing the stethoscope above the clavicle, over the sternum, or over the trachea would not provide the nurse with the optimal location to assess for carotid artery abnormalities.