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A female patient with atrial fibrillation has the following lab results: Hemoglobin of 11 g/dl, a platelet count of 150,000, an INR of 2.5, and potassium of 2.7 mEq/L. Which result is critical and should be reported to the physician immediately?
- A. Hemoglobin of 11 g/dl
- B. Platelet count of 150,000
- C. INR of 2.5
- D. Potassium of 2.7 mEq/L
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The critical lab result that should be reported to the physician immediately in this case is the potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L. A potassium imbalance, especially in a patient with a history of dysrhythmia like atrial fibrillation, can be life-threatening and lead to cardiac distress. Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can predispose the patient to dangerous arrhythmias, including worsening atrial fibrillation. Hemoglobin of 11 g/dl, platelet count of 150,000, and an INR of 2.5 are within acceptable ranges and not as immediately concerning as a low potassium level in this clinical context.
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A client is being instructed in the use of an incentive spirometer. Which of the following statements from the nurse indicates correct teaching about using this device?
- A. Lie back in a reclining position while using the spirometer.
- B. Take slow deep breaths to reach your goal.
- C. Set a goal of using the spirometer at least 3 times per day.
- D. Practice coughing after taking 10 breaths.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An incentive spirometer is a device used to improve lung function and reduce the risk of atelectasis. The correct way to use the spirometer is by sitting up and taking slow, deep breaths to achieve the set goal, not by lying back in a reclining position or taking rapid, quick breaths. Setting a goal of using the spirometer multiple times a day is beneficial, but it is not the best indicator of correct teaching. After using the spirometer, the client should practice coughing to help clear any loosened secretions that may have occurred during the breathing exercises.
While caring for the client during the first hour after delivery, the nurse determines that the uterus is boggy and there is vaginal bleeding. What should be the nurse's first action?
- A. Check vital signs.
- B. Massage the fundus.
- C. Offer a bedpan.
- D. Check for perineal lacerations.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's first action should be to massage the fundus until it is firm as uterine atony is the primary cause of bleeding in the first hour after delivery. Massaging the fundus helps to stimulate uterine contractions, which can help control the bleeding. Checking vital signs would be important but addressing the primary cause of bleeding takes precedence. Offering a bedpan is not a priority in this situation as the focus should be on managing the postpartum bleeding. Checking for perineal lacerations is also important but not the initial action needed to address the boggy uterus and vaginal bleeding.
Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient who has been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B?
- A. Advise limiting alcohol intake to 1 drink daily
- B. Schedule for liver cancer screening every 6 months
- C. Initiate administration of the hepatitis C vaccine series
- D. Monitor anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) levels annually
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B are at a higher risk for developing liver cancer. Therefore, it is essential to schedule them for liver cancer screening every 6 to 12 months to detect any potential malignancies at an early stage. Advising patients to limit alcohol intake is crucial as alcohol can exacerbate liver damage; thus, patients with chronic hepatitis B are advised to completely avoid alcohol. Administering the hepatitis C vaccine is irrelevant for a patient diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B since it is a different virus. Monitoring anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) levels annually is not necessary as the presence of anti-HBs indicates a past hepatitis B infection or vaccination, and it does not require regular monitoring.
What should the nurse in the emergency department do first for a new patient who is vomiting blood?
- A. Insert a large-gauge IV catheter.
- B. Draw blood for coagulation studies.
- C. Check blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and respirations.
- D. Place the patient in the supine position.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's initial action should focus on assessing the patient's hemodynamic status by checking vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and respirations. This assessment will help determine the patient's immediate needs and guide further interventions. Drawing blood for coagulation studies and inserting an IV catheter are important steps, but they can follow the initial assessment of vital signs. Placing the patient in the supine position can be risky without first assessing the patient's vital signs, as aspiration is a concern. Therefore, assessing vital signs is the priority to ensure appropriate and timely care for the patient.
A client is scheduled for an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP). In order to prepare the client for this test, the nurse would:
- A. Instruct the client to maintain a regular diet the day prior to the examination.
- B. Restrict the client's fluid intake 4 hours prior to the examination.
- C. Administer a laxative to the client the evening before the examination.
- D. Inform the client that only 1 x-ray of his abdomen is necessary.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct preparation for an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) involves administering a laxative to the client the evening before the examination. This is crucial to ensure adequate bowel preparation, which in turn allows for better visualization of the bladder and ureters during the procedure. An IVP is an x-ray exam that utilizes contrast material to evaluate the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like blood in the urine or pain in the side or lower back. Administering a laxative helps in achieving optimal imaging quality, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning.
Choice A is incorrect because maintaining a regular diet is not the standard preparation for an IVP. Choice B is incorrect as fluid intake is not typically restricted for this procedure. Choice D is incorrect as an IVP involves multiple x-rays to assess the urinary system, not just one of the abdomen.