Nokea
A female client taking prednisone reports feeling tired after stopping the corticosteroid abruptly. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Auscultate breath sounds.
- B. Measure vital signs.
- C. Palpate the abdomen.
- D. Observe the skin for bruising.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to palpate the abdomen. When a client abruptly stops taking prednisone, there is a risk of adrenal insufficiency, which can present with symptoms like fatigue. Palpating the abdomen is crucial to assess for signs of adrenal crisis, such as abdominal pain, which can indicate severe adrenal insufficiency. Auscultating breath sounds (Choice A) and observing the skin for bruising (Choice D) are not the priority interventions in this situation. While measuring vital signs (Choice B) is important, palpating the abdomen takes precedence in this case to assess for potential adrenal insufficiency.
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Which information is a priority for the RN to reinforce to an older client after intravenous pyelography?
- A. Eat a light diet for the remainder of the day
- B. Rest for the next 24 hours as the preparation and the test are tiring
- C. Drink at least 1 8-ounce glass of fluid every waking hour for the next 2 days
- D. Measure the urine output for the next day and promptly notify the healthcare provider if it decreases
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After intravenous pyelography, it is crucial for the client to measure urine output in the next day to monitor for any potential complications, such as kidney issues. Promptly notifying the healthcare provider in case of decreased urine output is essential for timely intervention. While rest and hydration are important post-procedure, monitoring urine output takes precedence due to its direct correlation with potential complications.
An unresponsive male victim of a diving accident is brought to the emergency department where immediate surgery is required to save his life. No family members are available. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Ask the friend to sign an informed consent.
- B. Notify the unit manager that a court order is needed.
- C. Continue providing life support until a guardian is found.
- D. Proceed with surgery preparation without consent.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In emergency situations where immediate surgery is required to save a patient's life and no family members are available, consent can be waived to proceed with necessary interventions. The priority in this scenario is to proceed with surgery preparation without waiting for consent, as any delay could jeopardize the patient's life. Asking the friend to sign informed consent or notifying the unit manager for a court order would cause unnecessary delays, which are not advisable in this critical situation. Continuing life support until a guardian is found is not the most appropriate action when immediate surgical intervention is necessary.
Which dietary instruction is most important for a client with renal disease?
- A. Avoid all protein-rich foods.
- B. Limit fluid intake to 1500 ml/day.
- C. Increase potassium intake to prevent weakness.
- D. Eat small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important dietary instruction for a client with renal disease is to limit fluid intake to 1500 ml/day. This is essential to prevent fluid overload, manage electrolyte balance, and reduce strain on the kidneys. Choice A is incorrect because while protein restriction may be necessary in some cases, avoiding all protein-rich foods is not recommended as some protein intake is essential for overall health. Choice C is incorrect because increasing potassium intake is generally not advised for clients with renal disease, as they often need to limit potassium intake. Choice D is also incorrect because while consuming small, frequent meals may be helpful, emphasizing a diet high in carbohydrates is not typically the primary focus for clients with renal disease.
A client with Alzheimer's disease is becoming increasingly confused. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Reorient the client to time and place.
- B. Monitor the client's vital signs.
- C. Provide the client with calming activities to reduce confusion.
- D. Consult with the healthcare provider about adjusting the client's medication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a client with Alzheimer's disease is becoming increasingly confused is to monitor the client's vital signs (Choice B). Increased confusion in Alzheimer's disease patients may indicate underlying issues like infection, dehydration, or medication side effects. Monitoring vital signs is crucial in identifying any potential causes of the confusion. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority in this situation. Reorienting the client to time and place (Choice A) can be helpful but is not the first priority. Providing calming activities (Choice C) and consulting with the healthcare provider about medication adjustments (Choice D) may be necessary but should come after assessing the client's vital signs to rule out immediate physical causes of confusion.
The nurse has given discharge instructions to parents of a child on phenytoin (Dilantin). Which of the following statements suggests that the teaching was effective?
- A. We will call the health care provider if the child develops acne.
- B. Our child should brush and floss carefully after every meal.
- C. We will skip the next dose if vomiting or fever occur.
- D. When our child is seizure-free for 6 months, we can stop the medication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, so good oral hygiene is important to prevent complications.