Nokea
A client with liver cirrhosis is at risk for developing hepatic encephalopathy. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Kussmaul respirations
- B. Asterixis (flapping tremor)
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Asterixis, also known as a flapping tremor, is a common sign of hepatic encephalopathy, indicating neurological dysfunction due to liver failure. Kussmaul respirations (option A) are associated with metabolic acidosis, which is not a typical manifestation of hepatic encephalopathy. Bradycardia (option C) and hypertension (option D) are not typically associated with hepatic encephalopathy; in fact, hepatic encephalopathy is more commonly associated with alterations in mental status, neuromuscular abnormalities, and changes in behavior.
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What could suddenly occur in a child with acute epiglottitis?
- A. Increased carbon dioxide levels
- B. Airway obstruction
- C. Inability to swallow
- D. Bronchial collapse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In acute epiglottitis, the infected epiglottis becomes inflamed and can lead to sudden airway obstruction, which is a life-threatening emergency. This can cause difficulty breathing and necessitates immediate intervention to secure the airway. Increased carbon dioxide levels may occur due to inadequate ventilation resulting from airway obstruction, but the primary concern is the obstruction itself, not the carbon dioxide levels. Inability to swallow may be present due to pain and swelling in the throat but is not the immediate life-threatening complication associated with acute epiglottitis. Bronchial collapse is not a typical consequence of acute epiglottitis.
What is a priority action for the nurse when caring for a client with suspected meningitis?
- A. Isolate the client in a private room
- B. Administer intravenous antibiotics
- C. Obtain a throat culture
- D. Perform a chest x-ray
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering intravenous antibiotics is the priority when caring for a client with suspected meningitis. The prompt administration of antibiotics is crucial to treat bacterial meningitis and prevent potential complications. Isolating the client in a private room may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection, but antibiotic administration takes precedence. Obtaining a throat culture and performing a chest x-ray are important diagnostic measures, but they do not address the immediate need for antibiotic therapy in suspected bacterial meningitis.
A new mother asks the clinic nurse if she must continue giving her baby nystatin for thrush since the white lesions on his tongue have disappeared. What response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. No. When the lesions have disappeared, you may stop the nystatin.
- B. Yes. You should continue it for the full 7 days.
- C. No. Thrush is a self-limiting disorder, and nystatin is given for complete treatment.
- D. Yes. The medication should be refilled for a second week of therapy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because nystatin should be given for the full 7 days even if the lesions are no longer present. Continuing the treatment for the prescribed duration ensures complete eradication of the fungal infection. Choice A is incorrect as stopping the medication prematurely may lead to the reoccurrence of thrush. Choice C is inaccurate as nystatin is not just for comfort but for effective treatment. Choice D is incorrect as refilling the medication for a second week without medical advice may lead to unnecessary prolonged use and potential side effects.
The settings on a client's synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) are respiratory rate 12 breaths/minute, tidal volume at 600 mL, FiO2 35%, and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) 5 cm H2O. Which assessment finding necessitates immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Bilateral crackles in the lung bases.
- B. Low-pressure indicator alarm.
- C. Oxygen saturation of 91%.
- D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/minute.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A low-pressure alarm may indicate a disconnection or leak in the system, which needs immediate intervention. Bilateral crackles in the lung bases may indicate fluid overload but do not require immediate intervention in this case. An oxygen saturation of 91% is concerning but not as urgent as a potential equipment issue. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths/minute is higher than the set rate but may not necessitate immediate intervention unless accompanied by other distress symptoms.
A young female client with 7 children is having frequent morning headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. Her BP is 168/104. The client reports that her husband recently lost his job and she is not sleeping well. After administering a STAT dose of an antihypertensive IV med, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Measure urine output hourly to assess for renal perfusion
- B. Request a prescription for pain medication
- C. Use an automated BP machine to monitor for hypotension
- D. Provide a quiet environment with low lighting
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Using an automated BP machine is crucial to continuously monitor for hypotension after administering an antihypertensive medication. This is essential to prevent a rapid drop in blood pressure that could lead to complications. Measuring urine output hourly to assess for renal perfusion is important but not the most immediate concern in this situation. Requesting pain medication is not relevant to the primary issue of managing blood pressure. Providing a quiet environment with low lighting may be beneficial for the client's overall well-being but is not as critical as monitoring for potential hypotension.