Nokea
A client with Addison's disease has been receiving glucocorticoid therapy. Which finding indicates a need for dosage adjustment?
- A. Dryness of the skin and mucus membranes
- B. Dizziness when rising to a standing position
- C. A weight gain of six pounds in the past week
- D. Difficulty in remaining asleep
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rapid weight gain (6 pounds in a week) suggests fluid retention, a sign of glucocorticoid excess, requiring dosage adjustment. Dizziness may indicate underdosing, and the other symptoms are less specific.
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The nurse is caring for a client with a history of a tracheoesophageal fistula. The nurse should:
- A. Position the client flat in bed
- B. Suction the tracheostomy frequently
- C. Provide small, frequent feedings
- D. Restrict all oral intake
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A tracheoesophageal fistula risks aspiration, requiring restricted oral intake until surgically repaired. Positioning, suctioning, and feedings are secondary or contraindicated.
A client with a history of colorectal cancer is admitted with complaints of abdominal pain. The nurse should give priority to:
- A. Monitoring for obstruction
- B. Administering pain medication
- C. Monitoring blood pressure
- D. Administering chemotherapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Abdominal pain in colorectal cancer may indicate obstruction, a serious complication requiring immediate monitoring.
In planning daily care for a client with multiple sclerosis, the nurse would take into consideration that multiple sclerosis:
- A. Becomes progressively debilitating without remission
- B. Has unpredictable remissions and exacerbations
- C. Is rapidly fatal
- D. Responds quickly to antimicrobial therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple sclerosis eventually becomes debilitating, but it is characterized by remission of symptoms. Remissions and exacerbations are unpredictable with multiple sclerosis. The client experiences progressive dysfunction after each exacerbation episode. Multiple sclerosis is usually slowly progressive. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. Antimicrobial therapy has no effect on its course.
The nurse is caring for a child in a plaster-of-Paris hip spica cast. To facilitate drying, the nurse should:
- A. Use a small hand-held hair dryer set on medium heat.
- B. Place a small heater near the child's bed.
- C. Turn the child at least every two hours.
- D. Allow one side to dry before changing positions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Turning the child every two hours ensures even drying of the cast and prevents pressure sores, promoting proper cast setting.
A client has renal failure. Today's lab values indicate he has an elevated serum potassium. What additional priority information does the nurse need to obtain?
- A. Evaluation of his level of consciousness
- B. Evaluation of an electrocardiogram
- C. Measurement of his urine output for the past 8 hours
- D. Serum potassium lab values for the last several days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The level of consciousness is not affected by elevated potassium levels. An electrocardiogram (EKG) can tell the nurse whether this client is experiencing any cardiac dysfunction or arrhythmias related to the elevated potassium level. Measurement of the urine output is not a priority nursing action at this time. The client's serum potassium values for the past several days may provide information about his renal function, but they are not a priority at this time.