A client with type 1 diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Administer a 50% dextrose bolus intravenously.
- B. Administer glucagon intramuscularly.
- C. Provide oral glucose gel.
- D. Recheck the blood glucose level in 15 minutes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a 50% dextrose bolus intravenously. In unconscious clients with hypoglycemia, IV dextrose rapidly raises the blood glucose level. Glucagon would be a slower option and is typically used if IV access is unavailable. Oral glucose gel is not appropriate for an unconscious client as it requires swallowing and may cause aspiration. Rechecking the blood glucose level in 15 minutes delays immediate treatment and could lead to further deterioration.
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The client with infective endocarditis must be assessed frequently by the home health nurse. Which finding suggests that antibiotic therapy is not effective and must be reported by the nurse immediately to the healthcare provider?
- A. Nausea and vomiting
- B. Fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.5 degrees Celsius)
- C. Diffuse macular rash
- D. Muscle tenderness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit indicates that the infection is not under control despite antibiotic therapy. Fever is a common sign of ongoing infection or inadequate response to treatment. Nausea and vomiting, diffuse macular rash, and muscle tenderness are not typically indicative of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in treating infective endocarditis.
A client with a venous leg ulcer is receiving compression therapy. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Decreased pain and increased redness around the ulcer.
- B. Increased serous drainage from the ulcer site.
- C. Cool extremities and weak peripheral pulses.
- D. Pitting edema around the ulcer site.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cool extremities and weak peripheral pulses indicate compromised circulation, possibly due to inadequate arterial blood supply. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications such as tissue damage or non-healing ulcers. Option A, decreased pain and increased redness, can be a sign of improving wound condition. Option B, increased serous drainage, may indicate a normal part of the healing process. Option D, pitting edema, is common in venous leg ulcers and may not require immediate intervention unless severe and accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
After repositioning an immobile client, the nurse observes an area of hyperemia. What action should the nurse take to assess for blanching?
- A. Document the presence in the client's record.
- B. Apply light pressure over the area.
- C. Apply heat to the area and reassess in 30 minutes.
- D. Apply cold compresses to reduce the redness.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take to assess for blanching in an area of hyperemia is to apply light pressure over the area. Blanching is the temporary whitening of the skin when pressure is applied and then released, indicating that the blood flow is returning to the area. Applying light pressure helps in determining if the hyperemic area blanches, ensuring that blood flow is adequate. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because documenting findings, applying heat, or using cold compresses are not appropriate actions for assessing blanching in an area of hyperemia.
A client's chest tube insertion site has crepitus (crackling sensation) upon palpation. What is the nurse's next step?
- A. Apply a pressure dressing to the chest tube site.
- B. Administer an oral antihistamine.
- C. Assess the client for allergies to cleaning agents.
- D. Measure the area of swelling and crackling.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct next step for the nurse is to measure the area of crepitus. Crepitus indicates subcutaneous emphysema, which is a serious condition requiring monitoring. Applying a pressure dressing (Choice A) could worsen the condition by trapping air under the skin. Administering an oral antihistamine (Choice B) is not indicated for crepitus. Assessing for allergies to cleaning agents (Choice C) is not the priority when dealing with crepitus and subcutaneous emphysema.
A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed a low-sodium diet. What is the nurse's priority teaching?
- A. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables.
- B. Restrict fluid intake to 1500 mL per day.
- C. Limit sodium intake to 2 grams per day.
- D. Increase potassium intake to prevent hypokalemia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Limit sodium intake to 2 grams per day.' For a client with chronic kidney disease, limiting sodium intake is crucial because it helps prevent fluid retention and reduces the workload on the kidneys. Choice A, 'Choose fresh fruits and vegetables,' is generally a healthy dietary recommendation but not the priority when focusing on a low-sodium diet. Choice B, 'Restrict fluid intake to 1500 mL per day,' is important but secondary to limiting sodium intake. Choice D, 'Increase potassium intake to prevent hypokalemia,' is not the priority teaching for a client with chronic kidney disease on a low-sodium diet.