A healthcare professional is measuring vital signs for a client and notices an irregularity in the pulse. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?
- A. Count the apical pulse rate for 1 full minute, and describe the rhythm in the chart.
- B. Recheck the pulse at the same site after 5 minutes.
- C. Measure the client's blood pressure.
- D. Record the irregularity and continue with other vital signs.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When an irregular pulse is detected, it is essential to count the apical pulse rate for a full minute to accurately determine the rhythm. This ensures a comprehensive assessment and helps in identifying any potential issues or abnormalities. Rechecking the pulse at the same site after 5 minutes (Choice B) may not provide an immediate understanding of the irregularity. Measuring the client's blood pressure (Choice C) is important but not directly related to addressing the irregular pulse. Recording the irregularity and continuing with other vital signs (Choice D) may overlook a potentially serious cardiac issue that requires immediate attention.
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A healthcare professional is preparing to administer 750 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride IV to infuse over 7 hours. The healthcare professional should set the pump to deliver how many mL/hr?
- A. 107 mL/hr
- B. 75 mL/hr
- C. 90 mL/hr
- D. 60 mL/hr
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To calculate the mL/hr rate for the infusion, divide the total volume (750 mL) by the total time (7 hours). 750 mL · 7 hours = 107 mL/hr. This means that the pump should be set to deliver approximately 107 mL/hr. Choice B (75 mL/hr) is incorrect because it does not reflect the correct calculation. Choice C (90 mL/hr) is incorrect as it does not align with the accurate calculation. Choice D (60 mL/hr) is incorrect as it does not match the correct mL/hr rate obtained through the calculation.
The nurse observes an UAP positioning a newly admitted client who has a seizure disorder. The client is supine, and the UAP is placing soft pillows along the side rails. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Instruct the UAP to obtain soft blankets to secure to the side rails instead of pillows
- B. Ensure that the UAP has placed pillows effectively to protect the client
- C. Ask the UAP to use some pillows to prop the client in a side-lying position
- D. Assume responsibility for placing the pillows while the UAP completes another task
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Using soft blankets to secure to the side rails provides better protection during a seizure as they are more secure and less likely to shift compared to pillows. This action helps prevent injury to the client by minimizing the risk of falling or hitting the side rails during a seizure. Choices B and C do not address the issue of using more secure materials. Choice D is inappropriate as it is important for the nurse to ensure the safety and well-being of the client by using the most appropriate protective measures.
A client with amphetamine toxicity and sensory overload is being cared for by a nurse. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Immediately conduct a thorough assessment.
- B. Encourage visitors to distract the client.
- C. Provide a private room and limit stimulation.
- D. Speak softly to the client.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a client with amphetamine toxicity and sensory overload is to provide a private room and limit stimulation. This approach helps reduce external stimuli, which can exacerbate sensory overload, and creates a calming environment for the client. Encouraging visitors to distract the client may worsen sensory overload by adding more stimulation. Speaking softly, rather than at a higher volume, is more suitable to help maintain a calm environment. Therefore, the correct choice is to provide a private room and limit stimulation (option C) in this scenario.
After abdominal surgery, a client has not urinated since the urinary catheter was removed 8 hours ago. What action should the LPN take first?
- A. Perform a bladder scan to assess for urinary retention.
- B. Encourage the client to drink fluids.
- C. Insert a straight catheter to drain the bladder.
- D. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Performing a bladder scan is the initial step to assess for urinary retention in a postoperative client. This non-invasive technique helps determine the volume of urine in the bladder, guiding further interventions. Encouraging the client to drink fluids (Choice B) may be beneficial but is not the priority when assessing for urinary retention. Inserting a straight catheter (Choice C) should not be the initial action without first assessing for retention. Administering a diuretic (Choice D) should not be done without confirming the need through assessment.
A client with iron-deficiency anemia asks a nurse why the Z-track method is necessary for administering iron dextran. Which response should the nurse provide?
- A. It decreases the risk of injecting medication into a blood vessel.
- B. It delays medication absorption.
- C. It minimizes tissue irritation.
- D. It accelerates medication excretion.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Z-track method is used to minimize tissue irritation by sealing the medication in the muscle. This technique helps prevent leakage of the medication into subcutaneous tissue, reducing the risk of irritation and staining at the injection site. Option A about decreasing the risk of injecting medication into a blood vessel is not correct as the primary purpose of the Z-track method is to prevent tissue irritation. Option B stating it delays medication absorption is incorrect as the Z-track method does not affect the rate of medication absorption. Option D mentioning it accelerates medication excretion is incorrect as the Z-track method does not impact medication excretion but rather focuses on minimizing tissue irritation.