A client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which laboratory value should be closely monitored before the procedure?
- A. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dl
- B. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
- C. Serum calcium of 8.0 mg/dl
- D. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dl
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is concerning in a client with ESRD scheduled for hemodialysis as it indicates hyperkalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac complications. Hyperkalemia can be exacerbated during hemodialysis, making it crucial to closely monitor serum potassium levels before the procedure. Monitoring serum creatinine, serum calcium, or hemoglobin levels is important in managing ESRD but is not the immediate focus before hemodialysis. Therefore, option B is the correct choice.
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A male client is admitted with a bowel obstruction and intractable vomiting for the last several hours despite the use of antiemetics. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Infuse 0.9% sodium chloride 500 ml bolus
- B. Administer an antiemetic intravenously
- C. Insert a nasogastric tube
- D. Prepare the client for surgery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct first intervention for a male client with a bowel obstruction and intractable vomiting is to infuse 0.9% sodium chloride 500 ml bolus. This intervention is crucial to address the risk of hypovolemia due to excessive vomiting. Administering intravenous fluids will help prevent dehydration, maintain blood pressure, and stabilize the client's condition. Choice B, administering an antiemetic intravenously, may not be effective as the client has already been unresponsive to antiemetics orally. Choice C, inserting a nasogastric tube, may be necessary but is not the priority in this situation. Choice D, preparing the client for surgery, should only be considered after stabilizing the client's fluid and electrolyte balance.
An elderly female client with osteoarthritis reports increasing pain and stiffness in her right knee and asks how to reduce these symptoms. In responding to the client, the nurse recognizes what pathology as the cause of her symptoms?
- A. Destruction of joint cartilage.
- B. Inflammation of synovial membrane.
- C. Formation of bone spurs.
- D. Reduction of joint space.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Osteoarthritis typically involves the destruction of joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness. This destruction of joint cartilage results in bone rubbing against bone, causing pain and reduced mobility. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Inflammation of the synovial membrane (choice B) is more commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Formation of bone spurs (choice C) and reduction of joint space (choice D) are manifestations that can occur as a result of osteoarthritis but are not the primary pathology responsible for the symptoms of pain and stiffness.
A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with a blood pressure of 200/110 mmHg. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer an antihypertensive medication as prescribed.
- B. Monitor the client's urine output.
- C. Administer oxygen therapy as prescribed.
- D. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample. In a client with severe hypertension, it is essential to assess for metabolic or respiratory acidosis which can be done through an ABG sample. Administering antihypertensive medication without assessing the acid-base status of the client can lead to potential complications. Monitoring urine output and administering oxygen therapy are important interventions but are not the priority in this situation where the focus should be on assessing acidosis.
A client with a head injury is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which finding indicates to the nurse that the client may be experiencing increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
- A. Widening pulse pressure
- B. Sudden drop in heart rate
- C. A decrease in urine output
- D. Elevated blood pressure and widening pulse pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), the body's compensatory mechanisms lead to an elevation in blood pressure and a widening pulse pressure. This occurs due to the body's attempt to maintain cerebral perfusion. Therefore, elevated blood pressure and widening pulse pressure are classic signs of increased ICP and necessitate immediate attention. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a widening pulse pressure, sudden drop in heart rate, or decreased urine output are not specific indicators of increased ICP.
A client with newly diagnosed hypertension is being taught about lifestyle modifications by a nurse. Which client statement indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. 'I will reduce my salt intake to help manage my blood pressure.'
- B. 'I will start exercising regularly to help control my blood pressure.'
- C. 'I will avoid drinking alcohol to help manage my blood pressure.'
- D. 'I will limit my caffeine intake to help control my blood pressure.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Limiting caffeine intake is a positive lifestyle modification for managing hypertension. The statement indicates that the client understands the importance of reducing caffeine intake. Choices A, B, and C all reflect appropriate lifestyle modifications for managing hypertension, indicating good understanding by the client.
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