A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed a low-protein diet. Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the diet?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- B. Serum potassium
- C. Serum calcium
- D. Creatinine clearance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). BUN is a waste product that reflects protein intake and kidney function. In chronic kidney disease, high protein intake can increase BUN levels, so monitoring BUN helps assess the effectiveness of the low-protein diet.
Incorrect choices:
B: Serum potassium - This is more related to kidney function but not specifically affected by a low-protein diet.
C: Serum calcium - Calcium levels are not directly affected by protein intake or a low-protein diet in chronic kidney disease.
D: Creatinine clearance - This measures kidney function but is not directly influenced by protein intake.
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The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. Which laboratory result indicates that the client is at risk for infection?
- A. Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL.
- B. Platelet count of 150,000/mm3.
- C. White blood cell count of 2,000/mm3.
- D. Serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: White blood cell count of 2,000/mm3. A low white blood cell count indicates leukopenia, which increases the risk of infection in clients receiving chemotherapy. Hemoglobin level (choice A) and platelet count (choice B) are not directly related to infection risk. Serum creatinine level (choice D) is related to kidney function, not infection risk. In summary, a low white blood cell count is the most critical indicator for infection risk in clients undergoing chemotherapy.
A client with cirrhosis of the liver is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help relieve the client's symptoms?
- A. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- B. Apply lotion to the skin.
- C. Encourage a high-protein diet.
- D. Provide a warm bath.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply lotion to the skin. Pruritus in cirrhosis is often due to dry skin. Applying lotion helps hydrate the skin, reducing itching. Acetaminophen (A) can worsen liver damage. High-protein diet (C) is not directly related to pruritus relief. Warm bath (D) may further dry the skin.
The healthcare provider is assessing a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which clinical manifestation should the healthcare provider expect to find?
- A. Hyperpigmentation of the skin.
- B. Hypotension.
- C. Moon face and buffalo hump.
- D. Weight loss.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Moon face and buffalo hump. In Cushing's syndrome, excessive cortisol production leads to characteristic symptoms like moon face (round, puffy face) and buffalo hump (fat accumulation at the back of the neck). This is due to redistribution of fat in the body. Hyperpigmentation (choice A) is seen in Addison's disease, not Cushing's. Hypotension (choice B) is unlikely due to the cortisol-induced sodium retention. Weight loss (choice D) is less common in Cushing's due to the metabolic changes causing weight gain.
The nurse is planning care for a 16-year-old with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The nurse includes activities to strengthen and mobilize the joints and surrounding muscles. Which physical therapy regimen should the nurse encourage the adolescent to implement?
- A. Exercise in a swimming pool.
- B. Splint affected joints during activity.
- C. Perform passive range of motion exercises twice daily.
- D. Begin a training program of lifting weights and running.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Exercise in a swimming pool. This option is ideal for a 16-year-old with JRA because it provides a low-impact environment that helps strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility without putting excessive stress on the joints. Swimming also helps reduce pain and stiffness associated with JRA.
Choice B (Splint affected joints during activity) is incorrect because splinting may restrict movement and hinder muscle strengthening. Choice C (Perform passive range of motion exercises twice daily) is not as effective as active exercises in improving muscle strength and joint mobility. Choice D (Begin a training program of lifting weights and running) can be too high-impact and may exacerbate joint inflammation and pain in individuals with JRA.
A client who has been receiving treatment for depression with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) reports experiencing decreased libido. What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. Decreased libido is a common side effect of SSRIs and may improve over time.
- B. I will notify your healthcare provider to discuss possible medication changes.
- C. You should take your medication with food to reduce side effects.
- D. Increase your daily exercise to help manage this side effect.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is B: I will notify your healthcare provider to discuss possible medication changes. This is the best choice because decreased libido is a common side effect of SSRIs that can significantly impact the client's quality of life. Consulting the healthcare provider is crucial to explore alternative treatment options or adjustments to improve the client's symptoms. Choices A, C, and D do not address the underlying issue of decreased libido and are unlikely to provide effective solutions. Choice A only acknowledges the side effect without offering a proactive solution. Choice C is unrelated to the sexual side effect and may not address the client's concerns. Choice D suggests a general lifestyle change that may not directly address the medication side effect. Consulting the healthcare provider for medication adjustments is the most appropriate action to address this specific side effect.