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A client with chronic liver disease develops jaundice. What is the most important assessment the nurse should perform?
- A. Assess the client's skin for lesions or sores.
- B. Monitor the client's liver function tests.
- C. Assess for changes in mental status and behavior.
- D. Monitor the client's urine output closely.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a client with chronic liver disease developing jaundice, the most important assessment the nurse should perform is to monitor the client's urine output closely. Jaundice can indicate worsening liver function, so monitoring urine output helps assess kidney function and fluid balance, which are critical in chronic liver disease. Assessing the client's skin for lesions or sores (Choice A) may be relevant for dermatological conditions but is not the priority in this case. Monitoring liver function tests (Choice B) is important but may not provide immediate information on the client's current status. Assessing for changes in mental status and behavior (Choice C) is important for detecting hepatic encephalopathy but does not directly address the immediate concern of fluid balance and kidney function in the presence of jaundice.
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The nurse is performing a functional assessment for a client requiring nursing home care. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Question the client about the frequency of falls.
- B. Request the client to lie still during the assessment.
- C. Ask how often episodes of sundowning are experienced.
- D. Assist the client with values clarification about end-of-life care.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Question the client about the frequency of falls. In the elderly population, falls are a significant risk factor that can impact their functional abilities and safety. By assessing the frequency of falls, the nurse can identify potential risks and implement interventions to prevent future falls. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the primary focus of a functional assessment for nursing home care, which is to evaluate the client's functional status and identify areas that may require assistance or intervention.
A client with a prescription for DNR begins to manifest signs of impending death. After notifying the family of the client's status, what priority action should the nurse implement?
- A. Inform the healthcare provider
- B. Determine the client's need for pain medication
- C. Begin comfort measures
- D. Ensure all life-saving equipment is removed
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct priority action for the nurse to implement in this scenario is to determine the client's need for pain medication. Ensuring that the client is comfortable and free from pain is crucial in end-of-life care, especially for a client with a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. This action prioritizes the client's comfort and dignity in their final moments. While informing the healthcare provider and beginning comfort measures are important aspects of care, pain management takes precedence as the immediate priority. Removing life-saving equipment is not appropriate at this stage as it goes against the client's wishes stated in the DNR order.
A client with tuberculosis (TB) is being discharged on isoniazid and rifampin. What instruction should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Complete the full course of antibiotics.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider if you experience tingling in your fingers.
- C. Use a disposable mask when in contact with others.
- D. Monitor liver function tests monthly.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to use a disposable mask when in contact with others. TB is highly contagious, and wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of the disease to others. Choice A is important but not the priority as using a mask directly impacts public health. Choice B is related to a potential side effect of isoniazid, peripheral neuropathy, but immediate healthcare provider notification is not required. Choice D is relevant due to the potential hepatotoxicity of isoniazid and rifampin, but it is not the priority instruction in this scenario.
During the admission assessment of a 3-year-old with bacterial meningitis and hydrocephalus, which assessment finding is evidence of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
- A. Low blood pressure
- B. Increased respiratory rate
- C. Normal pupil reaction
- D. Sluggish and unequal pupillary responses
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sluggish and unequal pupillary responses are indicative of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a child with bacterial meningitis and hydrocephalus. This finding suggests that the optic nerve is being compressed due to increased ICP, causing a delay in pupillary reactions. Such a delay is a critical sign of worsening ICP and necessitates immediate intervention. Low blood pressure and increased respiratory rate can occur in various conditions but are less specific to increased ICP than sluggish and unequal pupillary responses, which directly reflect neurological compromise.
After an older client receives treatment for drug toxicity, the healthcare provider prescribes a 24-hour creatinine clearance test. Before starting the urine collection, the nurse noted that the client's serum creatinine was 0.3 mg/dL. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Check the client's urine output hourly
- B. Instruct the client to increase fluid intake
- C. Notify the healthcare provider of the results
- D. Start the 24-hour urine collection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A serum creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL is abnormally low, indicating potential issues with the interpretation of the creatinine clearance test. It is crucial for the nurse to notify the healthcare provider of this result before proceeding with the 24-hour urine collection. Checking urine output, instructing the client to increase fluid intake, or starting the urine collection without consulting the healthcare provider could lead to incorrect test results and misinterpretation of the client's renal function.