Nokea
A client with chronic liver disease is prescribed lactulose. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. Bilirubin level
- B. Serum ammonia level
- C. Serum potassium level
- D. Albumin level
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum ammonia level. Lactulose is used to lower serum ammonia levels in clients with chronic liver disease, particularly in cases of hepatic encephalopathy. Monitoring serum ammonia levels is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose in managing hepatic encephalopathy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to the action or evaluation of lactulose in chronic liver disease.
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While assessing an older client's fall risk, the client reports living at home alone and never falling. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Suggest moving to an assisted living facility
- B. Continue to obtain client data needed to complete the fall risk survey
- C. Reduce the frequency of fall risk assessments for this client
- D. Confirm that the client is safe living alone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to continue obtaining client data to complete the fall risk survey. Even though the client reports never falling, it is essential to assess all fall risk factors comprehensively. Fall risk surveys provide valuable information on mobility, vision, medications, and other factors that can impact safety. Option A is incorrect because suggesting moving to an assisted living facility is premature without completing the fall risk assessment. Option C is incorrect as reducing the frequency of fall risk assessments could overlook potential risk factors. Option D is incorrect as the client's statement alone is not enough to confirm their safety living alone; a thorough assessment is necessary.
A client was just taken off the ventilator after surgery and has a nasogastric tube draining bile-colored liquids. Which nursing measure will provide the most comfort to the client?
- A. Allow the client to melt ice chips in the mouth
- B. Provide mints to freshen the breath
- C. Perform frequent oral care with a tooth sponge
- D. Swab the mouth with glycerin swabs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Performing frequent oral care with a tooth sponge is the most appropriate nursing measure in this scenario. This helps maintain comfort and prevent dryness in clients with nasogastric tubes. Allowing the client to melt ice chips in the mouth may not address oral care needs effectively. Providing mints to freshen the breath is not the priority when the client needs oral care. Swabbing the mouth with glycerin swabs may not be as effective as performing thorough oral care with a tooth sponge.
A client with acute pancreatitis is receiving intravenous fluids and pain medication. What is the priority assessment for this client?
- A. Monitor bowel sounds
- B. Measure urine output
- C. Assess for abdominal tenderness
- D. Monitor blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monitor blood glucose levels. Clients with acute pancreatitis are prone to hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin production. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. While assessing bowel sounds, urine output, and abdominal tenderness are important in the overall care of a client with acute pancreatitis, monitoring blood glucose levels takes priority to address the immediate risk of hyperglycemia.
A client presents with severe dehydration due to prolonged vomiting. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Encourage the client to drink clear fluids.
- B. Assess the client's skin turgor and mucous membranes.
- C. Monitor the client's vital signs frequently.
- D. Administer an antiemetic as prescribed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client's skin turgor and mucous membranes. When a client presents with severe dehydration, assessing skin turgor (elasticity of the skin) and mucous membranes (such as checking for dryness in the mouth) is crucial in determining the extent of dehydration. Encouraging the client to drink clear fluids (Choice A) may be important but assessing dehydration severity takes precedence. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is essential but assessing dehydration status comes first. Administering an antiemetic (Choice D) addresses vomiting but does not directly assess dehydration.
The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following should be the nurse's first priority?
- A. The client will maintain adequate nutrition.
- B. The client will manage side effects of treatment.
- C. The client will recognize signs and symptoms of infection.
- D. The client will experience a reduction in pain.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Recognizing signs and symptoms of infection should be the nurse's first priority when developing a teaching plan for a client receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy often compromises the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. Early identification and prompt treatment of infections are crucial to prevent complications. Options A, B, and D are important aspects of care but recognizing signs of infection takes precedence due to the potential life-threatening consequences in clients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.