A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed anticoagulants. What should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. Monitor for signs of bleeding, such as bruising.
- B. Monitor the client's vital signs every hour.
- C. Monitor for pain in the affected limb.
- D. Assess for signs of pulmonary embolism, such as sudden shortness of breath.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In clients with DVT, assessing for pulmonary embolism is crucial as a clot in the lungs can be life-threatening. Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain are key signs of a pulmonary embolism. While monitoring for signs of bleeding is important due to anticoagulant therapy, the immediate concern is detecting a potential pulmonary embolism. Monitoring vital signs and pain in the affected limb are relevant aspects of care but are not as urgent as assessing for pulmonary embolism in this scenario.
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An 11-year-old client admitted to the mental health unit after threatening self-harm. What is the best activity to establish rapport and promote coping?
- A. Bring the client to the team meeting to discuss the treatment plan.
- B. Play a board game with the client and start discussing stressors.
- C. Explain the purpose of each medication the client is taking.
- D. Ask the client to write feelings in a journal and review together.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Playing a board game with the client is an effective way to establish rapport in a relaxed setting, allowing the client to open up about stressors. This activity promotes coping by creating a safe and engaging environment for the client to express their feelings. Choices A, C, and D may not be suitable initially as they involve more formal or intrusive approaches that may not be suitable for building rapport with a client experiencing emotional distress.
The nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which action is most important for the nurse to take before starting the transfusion?
- A. Administer pre-transfusion medication
- B. Ensure the client has an adequate fluid intake
- C. Monitor the client's vital signs
- D. Verify the blood type with another nurse
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Verifying the blood type with another nurse is critical before starting a blood transfusion to prevent a potentially life-threatening transfusion reaction. This step ensures that the client receives the correct blood product. Administering pre-transfusion medication, ensuring adequate fluid intake, and monitoring vital signs are important steps during the transfusion process, but verifying the blood type is the most crucial step to ensure patient safety.
The nurse is assessing a client with a new diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect?
- A. Decreased heart rate
- B. Increased appetite
- C. Cold intolerance
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In hyperthyroidism, there is an increase in metabolism, leading to symptoms such as increased appetite, weight loss, and heat intolerance. Therefore, the nurse should expect an increased appetite in a client with hyperthyroidism. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because decreased heart rate and cold intolerance are more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, while weight gain is not typically seen in hyperthyroidism.
A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What should the nurse include in the teaching plan about this medication?
- A. Take the medication with a full meal
- B. Take the medication on an empty stomach
- C. Take the medication at bedtime
- D. Take the medication as needed for symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Take the medication on an empty stomach.' Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption and effectiveness. The medication is typically taken in the morning before breakfast. Choice A is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with a full meal can decrease its absorption. Choice C is incorrect because bedtime dosing may lead to insomnia. Choice D is incorrect because levothyroxine is a daily medication for hypothyroidism, not to be taken as needed for symptoms.
A client with hyperthyroidism is experiencing palpitations. What intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Encourage the client to rest and limit activity.
- B. Administer a beta-blocker to reduce heart rate.
- C. Encourage the client to drink cool fluids.
- D. Provide the client with a cool environment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In clients with hyperthyroidism experiencing palpitations, administering a beta-blocker is the appropriate intervention. Beta-blockers help reduce heart rate and control symptoms in hyperthyroidism. Encouraging rest (Choice A) may be helpful but does not directly address the palpitations. Drinking cool fluids (Choice C) and providing a cool environment (Choice D) are more focused on temperature regulation and comfort, which are not the primary interventions for palpitations in hyperthyroidism.