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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The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for a liver transplant client. Which instruction is most important to include in this plan?
- A. Ensure daily follow-up with the healthcare provider
- B. Take immunosuppressant medications as prescribed
- C. Avoid crowds for the first two months after surgery
- D. Return to work in three months
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most critical instruction to include in the discharge teaching plan for a liver transplant client is to take immunosuppressant medications as prescribed. This is vital to prevent organ rejection and ensure the success of the transplant. While ensuring daily follow-up with the healthcare provider is important for monitoring progress, avoiding crowds for the first two months after surgery helps reduce the risk of infections but is not as crucial as medication adherence. Returning to work in three months is a consideration but not the most important aspect immediately post-transplant.
The nurse is caring for a group of clients with the help of a PN. Which nursing actions should the nurse assign to the PN?
- A. All of the above
- B. Administer a dose of insulin per sliding scale for a client with Type 2 DM
- C. Obtain postoperative vital signs for a client one day following unilateral knee arthroplasty
- D. Perform daily surgical dressing change for a client who had an abdominal hysterectomy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: All of these tasks fall within the PN's scope of practice, which includes performing surgical dressing changes, taking postoperative vital signs, and administering insulin under supervision. The RN can delegate these tasks to the PN safely. Choice A is the correct answer because all the tasks mentioned are appropriate for delegation to a PN. Choice B should not be assigned to a PN as only RNs should administer insulin. Choice C is suitable for delegation to a PN as obtaining vital signs falls within their scope of practice. Choice D is also appropriate for delegation to a PN as performing surgical dressing changes is within their scope of practice.
The nurse is caring for a client with fluid overload. The most reliable indicator of fluid volume status is
- A. Body weight
- B. Intake and output
- C. Daily weight
- D. Skin turgor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Daily weight is the most reliable indicator of fluid volume status as it reflects changes in body fluid balance accurately. Body weight alone can fluctuate due to various factors, including food intake and bowel movements, which may not accurately represent fluid status. Intake and output provide information on fluid balance over time but may not reflect immediate changes. Skin turgor is a physical assessment finding that indicates hydration status, not overall fluid volume status.
A client in the third trimester of pregnancy reports that she feels some 'lumpy places' in her breasts and that her nipples sometimes leak a yellowish fluid. She has an appointment with her healthcare provider in two weeks. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Instruct the client to immediately see her provider for an evaluation
- B. Assess the fluid for signs of infection
- C. Explain that this normal secretion can be assessed at the next visit
- D. Recommend breast ultrasound to rule out abnormalities
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The yellowish fluid is likely colostrum, a normal finding in late pregnancy as the breasts prepare for lactation. It is common for women in the third trimester to experience 'lumpy places' in the breasts due to increased milk duct development. In this situation, the nurse should educate the client that these findings are normal physiological changes associated with pregnancy. Since the client has an upcoming appointment with her healthcare provider in two weeks, it is appropriate to reassure her that this can be further assessed during that visit. Instructing the client to immediately see her provider (Choice A) is unnecessary as this is a common finding in late pregnancy. Assessing the fluid for signs of infection (Choice B) is not warranted as colostrum leakage is a normal occurrence. Recommending a breast ultrasound (Choice D) is premature without further assessment by the healthcare provider.
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.