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A client with colon cancer undergoes surgical removal of a segment of colon and creation of a sigmoid colostomy. What assessments by the nurse indicate the client is developing complications within the first 24 hours? Select all that apply.
- A. Coarse breath sounds auscultated bilaterally at the bases.
- B. Dusky appearance of the stoma.
- C. No drainage in the ostomy appliance.
- D. Temperature greater than 101.2°F (38.5°C).
- E. Decreased bowel sounds.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: A dusky stoma (B) indicates poor blood supply, no drainage (C) suggests obstruction or dysfunction, and fever (D) may indicate infection, all of which are complications post-colostomy. Coarse breath sounds (A) and decreased bowel sounds (E) are not necessarily indicative of immediate complications.
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A client is scheduled for a renal ultrasound. The nurse explains that:
- A. Contrast dye is used.
- B. No preparation is needed.
- C. Fasting is required.
- D. A sedative is given.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Renal ultrasound is non-invasive and requires no special preparation.
The nurse reviews laboratory data for a client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and notes an increased viral load (VL). The nurse reviews the client's current medications and should clarify which medication with the primary healthcare provider (PHCP)?
- A. Acetaminophen
- B. Echinacea
- C. Cetirizine
- D. Calcium carbonate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Echinacea, an herbal supplement, may interfere with antiretroviral therapy for HIV, potentially reducing its effectiveness and leading to an increased viral load. Choices A (acetaminophen), C (cetirizine), and D (calcium carbonate) do not have known interactions that significantly impact HIV viral load.
A client informs the nurse that she is using an herbal therapy while receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Determine what substances the client is using and make sure that the physician is aware of all therapies the client is using.
- B. Guide the client in the decision-making process to select either Western or alternative medicine.
- C. Encourage the client to seek alternative modalities that do not require the ingestion of substances.
- D. Recommend that the client stop using the alternative medicines immediately.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Determining the herbal therapies used and informing the physician ensures safety, as some herbs can interact with chemotherapy drugs, affecting efficacy or toxicity.
A client with terminal cancer is transitioning to hospice care. The nurse should prioritize which of the following in the care plan?
- A. Aggressive pain management.
- B. Curative chemotherapy.
- C. Nutritional supplementation.
- D. Physical therapy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aggressive pain management is the priority in hospice care to ensure comfort and quality of life for a client with terminal cancer.
A client is admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis of the right leg. A loading dose of heparin has been given in the emergency room, and I.V. heparin will be continued for the next several days. The nurse should develop a plan of care for this client that will involve:
- A. Administering aspirin as ordered
- B. Encouraging green leafy vegetables in the diet
- C. Monitoring the client's prothrombin time (PT)
- D. Monitoring the client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Heparin therapy for DVT requires monitoring aPTT to ensure therapeutic anticoagulation (1.5–2.5 times baseline). INR is less relevant for heparin but may be monitored if transitioning to warfarin. Aspirin is not typically used, and green leafy vegetables (high in vitamin K) may affect warfarin, not heparin.