Nokea
A client with chronic kidney disease is receiving epoetin alfa. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the treatment?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- B. Serum creatinine
- C. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
- D. Serum potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hemoglobin and hematocrit. Epoetin alfa is a medication that stimulates red blood cell production, so monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is essential to assess its effectiveness. These values reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and can indicate if the treatment is improving anemia related to chronic kidney disease. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine are indicators of kidney function, while serum potassium levels are monitored due to electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in kidney disease, but they do not directly reflect the effectiveness of epoetin alfa.
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A male client with muscular dystrophy fell in his home and is admitted with a right hip fracture. His right foot is cool, with palpable pedal pulses. Lungs are coarse with diminished bibasilar breath sounds. Vital signs are temperature 101 degrees F, heart rate 128 beats/minute, respirations 28 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 122/82. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement first?
- A. Obtain oxygen saturation level.
- B. Encourage incentive spirometry.
- C. Assess lower extremity circulation
- D. Administer PRN oral antipyretic.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering an antipyretic is the most important intervention. The client presents with an elevated temperature, tachycardia, and tachypnea, indicating a fever. Lowering the temperature with an antipyretic is crucial to prevent complications like dehydration, altered mental status, and increased oxygen demand. While assessing lower extremity circulation and oxygen saturation are important, addressing the elevated temperature takes priority in this scenario. Incentive spirometry may be beneficial but is not the priority compared to managing the fever.
The parents of a child suffering from depression ask the nurse what causes depression in children. Which answer is an appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. The causes of major depression are unknown.
- B. Major affective disorders in parents increase depression in children.
- C. Boys are more likely than girls to be depressed.
- D. The prevalence rate is higher in prepubescent children.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because while the exact causes of depression in children are not fully understood, research indicates that children are more likely to experience depression if their parents have a major affective disorder. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests that the causes of major depression are entirely unknown, which is not accurate. Choice C is incorrect as there is no conclusive evidence that boys are more likely than girls to be depressed. Choice D is incorrect as the prevalence rate of depression is not necessarily higher in prepubescent children specifically.
In a disaster area, a nurse assesses an adult male with partial-thickness burns on his lower legs, approximately 10% of his lower body. Which color of triage tag should the nurse place on this client?
- A. Yellow.
- B. Black.
- C. Red.
- D. Green.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A yellow triage tag should be placed on the client with partial-thickness burns covering 10% of his lower body. Yellow tags indicate delayed treatment, suitable for serious injuries that are not immediately life-threatening. Black tags are used for deceased individuals, red tags for immediate treatment of life-threatening injuries, and green tags for minor injuries.
When caring for a 7-week-old infant with hypothyroidism, the nurse explains that the prevention of what complication is dependent on the administration of oral thyroid replacement therapy and is critical for the child?
- A. Excessive growth
- B. Cognitive impairment
- C. Damage to the nervous system
- D. Damage to the urinary system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cognitive impairment. The treatment of choice for congenital and acquired hypothyroidism is oral thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Prompt treatment is especially critical in the infant with congenital hypothyroidism to avoid permanent cognitive impairment. Excessive growth (Choice A) is not a common complication of hypothyroidism in infants. Damage to the nervous system (Choice C) and damage to the urinary system (Choice D) are not typically associated with untreated hypothyroidism in infants.
A client with fluid volume excess has gained 6.6 pounds. The nurse recognizes that this is equivalent to what volume of fluid?
- A. Two liters.
- B. Three liters.
- C. Four liters.
- D. Five liters.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A weight gain of 6.6 pounds is approximately equivalent to 3 liters of fluid. It is important to remember that 1 liter of fluid is equal to 1 kg, which is approximately 2.2 pounds. Therefore, when the client gains 6.6 pounds, it translates to 3 liters of fluid. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the conversion rate of 1 liter of fluid to 2.2 pounds.