Nokea
A client with intestinal obstructions has a nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction and is receiving an IV of lactated Ringer's at 100 ml/H. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Gastric output of 900 mL in the last 24 hours
- B. Serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L or mmol/L (SI)
- C. Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- D. 24-hour intake at the current infusion rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most crucial finding to report to the healthcare provider in this scenario is a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Hypokalemia can lead to serious complications, including cardiac issues. Gastric output, increased BUN, and monitoring the 24-hour intake are essential but do not pose an immediate risk as hypokalemia does in this situation.
You may also like to solve these questions
When preparing the client for a thoracentesis, which action is essential for the nurse to take?
- A. Encourage the client to cough during the procedure
- B. Ask the client to void prior to the procedure
- C. Have the client lie in the prone position
- D. Determine if chest x-rays have been completed
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The essential action for the nurse to take when preparing a client for a thoracentesis is to ask the client to void prior to the procedure. This step is crucial as it helps prevent discomfort and reduces the risk of accidental injury. Encouraging the client to cough during the procedure (Choice A) is inappropriate as it can affect the accuracy of the thoracentesis. Having the client lie in the prone position (Choice C) is incorrect; the procedure is typically performed with the client sitting upright or slightly leaning forward. While determining if chest x-rays have been completed (Choice D) is important, ensuring the client has emptied their bladder is more critical for their comfort and safety during the procedure.
The charge nurse of a cardiac telemetry unit is assigning client care to a registered nurse (RN) and a practical nurse (PN). Which client should be assigned to the RN?
- A. One day after a permanent pacemaker insertion, a client's telemetry monitor shows a pacer rhythm.
- B. Two hours after undergoing cardioversion, a client's telemetry monitor shows a normal sinus rhythm.
- C. A client started on carvedilol the previous day for heart failure has controlled atrial fibrillation.
- D. Four hours after admission, a client with syncope shows complete heart block on the telemetry monitor.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because complete heart block is a critical condition that requires immediate assessment and management by a registered nurse (RN). In complete heart block, there is a significant conduction disturbance that can lead to serious complications. The RN is better equipped to handle such complex and potentially life-threatening situations. Choices A, B, and C involve less critical conditions that can be managed by a practical nurse (PN) under the supervision of the RN. Therefore, assigning the client with complete heart block to the RN ensures prompt and appropriate intervention.
The nurse is assessing a client with pulmonary edema who is reporting two-pillow orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. The nurse identifies rapid shallow respirations and the use of accessory muscles. Which action should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
- A. Administer the prescribed amiodarone (Cordarone) immediately
- B. Institute a daily fluid restriction while the client is in the hospital
- C. Perform a blood draw for serum Troponin, CK, and CK-MB levels
- D. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position to facilitate perfusion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering amiodarone is appropriate if arrhythmias are present in the context of pulmonary edema, as it helps manage irregular heart rhythms. In this case, the client is experiencing symptoms related to respiratory distress, and amiodarone can address potential arrhythmias contributing to the condition. Options B and D are not directly related to managing symptoms of pulmonary edema and do not address the underlying cause of the client's distress. Option C, performing blood tests for cardiac enzymes, is important for assessing possible myocardial damage but does not directly address the immediate respiratory distress associated with pulmonary edema.
A client recovering from abdominal surgery is on a clear liquid diet. The nurse should identify which of the following as the most appropriate food choice for this diet?
- A. Chicken noodle soup
- B. Grape juice
- C. Cream of wheat
- D. Vanilla pudding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Grape juice is the most appropriate choice for a clear liquid diet as it is a transparent fluid that is easily digested. Clear liquid diets aim to provide fluids and electrolytes while being easy on the digestive system. Choices A, C, and D are not suitable for a clear liquid diet as they are not in liquid form or do not meet the criteria of being easily digestible for someone recovering from abdominal surgery. Chicken noodle soup, cream of wheat, and vanilla pudding are not considered clear liquids and may not be well-tolerated by a client who has undergone abdominal surgery.
When planning to contact the healthcare provider about a client's need for a belt restraint, what information is most important to report?
- A. The presence and location of any pressure ulcers.
- B. Measures already taken to maintain client safety.
- C. Any special mattresses on the client's bed.
- D. Current vital signs and oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. When reporting to the healthcare provider about a client's need for a belt restraint, it is crucial to provide information on the measures already taken to maintain client safety. This includes detailing alternative strategies that have been tried before considering restraint use. This information helps the healthcare provider assess the situation comprehensively and explore other safety interventions. Choices A, C, and D, though relevant to the client's care, are not as critical to report when discussing the need for a belt restraint. Pressure ulcers (Choice A) are important but not directly related to the need for a belt restraint. The presence of special mattresses (Choice C) may influence overall care but is not the most pertinent information when considering restraints. Current vital signs and oxygen saturation (Choice D) are essential for the client's overall assessment but do not directly address the need for a belt restraint.