A clinic nurse is assessing a prenatal client who has been diagnosed with heart disease. The nurse carefully assesses the client's vital signs, weight, and fluid and nutritional status to detect for complications caused by which pregnancy-related concern?
- A. Rh incompatibility
- B. Fetal cardiomegaly
- C. The increase in circulating blood volume
- D. Hypertrophy and increased contractility of the heart
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pregnancy taxes the circulating system of every woman because the blood volume increases, which causes the cardiac output to increase. Stroke volume × heart rate = cardiac output (SV × HR = CO). Options 1, 2, and 4 are not directly associated with pregnancy in a client with a cardiac condition.
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The hemoglobin levels of a client in her first trimester of pregnancy are indicative of iron deficiency anemia. Which assessment findings support the diagnosis of this type of anemia? Select all that apply.
- A. Yellowish sclera
- B. Reports of severe fatigue
- C. Pink mucous membranes
- D. Increased vaginal secretions
- E. Reports of frequent headaches
- F. Reports of increased frequency of voiding
Correct Answer: B,E
Rationale: Iron deficiency anemia is described as a hemoglobin blood concentration of less than 10.5 to 11.0 g/dL (105 to 110 mmol/L). Complaints of headaches and severe fatigue are abnormal findings and may reflect complications of this type of anemia caused by the decreased oxygen supply to vital organs. Options 3, 4, and 6 are normal findings in the first trimester of pregnancy. Yellow sclera (whites of the eyes) is associated with jaundice.
The nurse creates a postoperative plan of care for a client scheduled for a hypophysectomy. Which interventions should be included in the plan of care? Select all that apply.
- A. Obtain daily weights.
- B. Monitor intake and output.
- C. Elevate the head of the bed.
- D. Use a soft toothbrush for mouth care.
- E. Encourage coughing and deep breathing.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: A hypophysectomy is done to remove a pituitary tumor. Because temporary diabetes insipidus or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone can develop after this surgery, obtaining daily weights and monitoring intake and output are important interventions. The head of the bed is elevated to assist in preventing increased intracranial pressure. Tooth-brushing, sneezing, coughing, nose blowing, and bending are activities that should be avoided postoperatively in the client who underwent a hypophysectomy because of the risk of increasing intracranial pressure. These activities interfere with the healing of the incision and can disrupt the graft.
While preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) medication, the nurse notes that the medication is incompatible with the IV solution. Which intervention should the nurse implement to assure the client's safety?
- A. Ask the provider to prescribe a compatible IV solution.
- B. Start a new IV catheter for the incompatible medication.
- C. Collaborate with the provider for a new administration route.
- D. Flush tubing before and after administering the medication with normal saline.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When giving a medication intravenously, if the medication is incompatible with the IV solution, the tubing is flushed before and after the medication with infusions of normal saline to prevent in-line precipitation of the incompatible agents. Starting a new IV, changing the solution, or changing the administration route is unnecessary because a simpler, less risky, viable option exists.
The nurse instructs a preoperative client about the proper use of an incentive spirometer. What result should the nurse use to determine that the client is using the incentive spirometer effectively?
- A. Cloudy sputum
- B. Shallow breathing
- C. Unilateral wheezing
- D. Productive coughing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Incentive spirometry helps reduce atelectasis, open airways, stimulate coughing, and help mobilize secretions for expectoration, via vital client participation in recovery. Cloudy sputum, shallow breathing, and wheezing indicate that the incentive spirometry is not effective because they point to infection, counterproductive depth of breathing, and bronchoconstriction, respectively.
The client is prescribed sotalol 80 mg orally twice daily. Which assessment finding indicates that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?
- A. Dry mouth
- B. Palpitations
- C. Diaphoresis
- D. Difficulty swallowing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sotalol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that may be prescribed to treat chronic angina pectoris. Adverse effects include palpitations, bradycardia, an irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, signs of heart failure, and cold hands and feet. Gastrointestinal disturbances, anxiety and nervousness, and unusual tiredness and weakness can also occur. Options 1, 3, and 4 are not adverse effects of this medication.