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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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A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). Which sign of digoxin toxicity should the nurse teach the client to report?
- A. Increased appetite.
- B. Yellow or blurred vision.
- C. Weight gain.
- D. Nasal congestion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Yellow or blurred vision. Digoxin toxicity can lead to visual disturbances, such as yellow or blurred vision, due to its effects on the optic nerve. The nurse should teach the client to report this symptom immediately as it indicates a serious adverse effect. Increased appetite (A), weight gain (C), and nasal congestion (D) are not specific signs of digoxin toxicity and are more commonly associated with other health conditions or side effects of medications. It is crucial for the nurse to emphasize the importance of monitoring and reporting any visual changes to prevent serious complications from digoxin toxicity.
An 85-year-old male resident of an extended care facility reaches for the hand of an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and tries to kiss her hand several times during his morning care. The UAP reports the incident to the charge nurse. What is the best assessment of the situation?
- A. This behavior can be considered sexual harassment and should be reported to the administration immediately.
- B. The UAP should be reassigned to another group of residents, preferably females only.
- C. The client may be suffering from touch deprivation and needs to know appropriate ways to express his need.
- D. The resident needs to understand the rules regarding unwanted touching of the staff and the consequences.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the behavior exhibited by the resident may stem from touch deprivation rather than being intentional sexual harassment. Here's a step-by-step rationale:
1. Understanding the resident's age and environment (extended care facility) helps in interpreting his behavior.
2. The resident's actions suggest a need for touch, which is common in older adults who may lack physical contact.
3. Educating the resident on appropriate ways to express his need for touch can address the underlying issue.
4. Reassigning the UAP or reporting the incident as sexual harassment (options A and B) may not address the root cause of the behavior and could potentially harm the resident's well-being.
In summary, choice C focuses on addressing the resident's potential touch deprivation in a compassionate and understanding manner, making it the best assessment of the situation.
A client with Addison's disease is being treated with fludrocortisone (Florinef). Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hyperkalemia.
- B. Hyponatremia.
- C. Hypernatremia.
- D. Hypocalcemia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypernatremia. Fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid that promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to an increase in sodium levels. Addison's disease involves low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, so fludrocortisone is used to replace aldosterone. Monitoring for hypernatremia is crucial to prevent complications like hypertension and fluid retention. Hyperkalemia (A) is not expected due to the drug's potassium-excreting effect. Hyponatremia (B) is unlikely as the drug promotes sodium retention. Hypocalcemia (D) is not directly related to fludrocortisone therapy.
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.
A client with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor). Which outcome indicates that the medication is effective?
- A. Increased blood pressure.
- B. Lowered cholesterol levels.
- C. Decreased heart rate.
- D. Improved liver function.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lowered cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of further cardiovascular events in patients with a history of MI. Lowering cholesterol helps prevent plaque buildup in arteries, reducing the likelihood of another MI. Increased blood pressure (A) and decreased heart rate (C) are not direct indicators of atorvastatin's effectiveness. Improved liver function (D) may be a consideration due to potential side effects, but the primary goal of atorvastatin is to lower cholesterol levels to prevent cardiovascular events.