Nokea
A client with adrenal insufficiency has a potassium level of 7.2 mEq/L. Which of the following signs or symptoms might the client exhibit with this result?
- A. Peaked T waves on the ECG
- B. Muscle spasms
- C. Constipation
- D. A prominent U wave on the ECG
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A client with hyperkalemia may exhibit peaked T waves on an electrocardiogram. This manifestation is an early sign of high potassium levels, but diagnosis should not be based on this aspect alone. Untreated, hyperkalemia can lead to progressively worsening cardiac instability. Muscle spasms (Choice B) are more commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Constipation (Choice C) is not a typical sign of hyperkalemia. A prominent U wave on the ECG (Choice D) is associated with hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.
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The nurse is providing home care instructions to a client recovering from an acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI) with recurrent angina. What instruction should the nurse provide to this client?
- A. Avoid sexual intercourse for at least 4 months.
- B. Replace sublingual nitroglycerin tablets yearly.
- C. Participate in an exercise program that includes overhead lifting and reaching.
- D. Recognize the adverse effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), which include tinnitus and hearing loss.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After an acute MI, many clients are instructed to take an aspirin daily. Adverse effects include tinnitus, hearing loss, epigastric distress, gastrointestinal bleeding, and nausea. Sexual intercourse usually can be resumed in 4 to 8 weeks after an acute MI if the primary health care provider agrees and if the client has been able to achieve traditional parameters such as climbing two flights of steps without chest pain or dyspnea. Clients should be advised to purchase a new supply of nitroglycerin tablets every 6 months. Expiration dates on the medication bottle should also be checked. Activities that include lifting and reaching over the head should be avoided because they reduce cardiac output.
A client is being monitored for decreased tissue perfusion and increased risk of skin breakdown. Which measure best improves tissue perfusion in this client?
- A. Massaging the reddened areas
- B. Performing range of motion exercises
- C. Administering antithrombotics as ordered
- D. Feeding the client a high-carbohydrate diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a client at risk of impaired skin integrity due to decreased tissue perfusion, improving mobility is crucial to enhance tissue perfusion and prevent skin breakdown. Range of motion exercises are beneficial to increase circulation and prevent complications. Massaging reddened areas may further damage fragile skin. Administering antithrombotics may be necessary for specific conditions but does not directly address tissue perfusion. Feeding a high-carbohydrate diet does not directly improve tissue perfusion in this context.
The nurse is providing teaching to a client newly diagnosed with hypertension. The nurse knows that the client understands the teaching when the client selects which menu option?
- A. frozen pizza and a spinach salad
- B. baked chicken with fresh green beans
- C. a ham sandwich with peas and carrots
- D. a can of chicken soup and a grilled cheese sandwich
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Baked chicken and fresh green beans are low-sodium, suitable for hypertension. Other options are high in sodium.
A nurse is caring for a 3-day old infant who needs an exchange transfusion. Which of the following statements is appropriate for teaching the child's parents about this procedure?
- A. The registered nurse will be performing the procedure
- B. The procedure takes approximately 1 ? hours.
- C. The nurse will draw out 250cc of blood and then immediately replace it with 250cc
- D. The infant will continue to receive phototherapy during the procedure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: : An exchange transfusion is a method of controlling high bilirubin levels in infants when traditional phototherapy is unsuccessful. During an exchange transfusion, the physician removes 5-10 cc of blood and then replaces it with donor blood. The parents of this infant should know that the procedure is always performed by a physician and will take approximately 1 ½ hours to complete.
Clonazepam has been prescribed for the client, and the nurse teaches the client about the medication. Which statement by the client indicates that further teaching is necessary?
- A. If I experience slurred speech, it will disappear in about 8 weeks.
- B. My drowsiness will decrease over time with continued treatment.
- C. I should take my medicine with food to decrease stomach problems.
- D. I can take my medicine at bedtime if it tends to make me feel drowsy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine. Clients who experience signs/symptoms of toxicity with the administration of clonazepam exhibit slurred speech, sedation, confusion, respiratory depression, hypotension, and eventually coma. Some drowsiness may occur, but it will decrease with continued use. The medication may be taken with food to decrease gastrointestinal irritation. The medication may be taken at bedtime if drowsiness does occur. Slurred speech indicates toxicity and should be reported immediately, not expected to disappear in 8 weeks.