A male client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia is withdrawn, isolates himself in the day room, and answers questions with one or two-word responses. This morning, the practical nurse observes that he is diaphoretic and is pacing in the hall. Which intervention is most important for the PN to implement?
- A. Persuade the client to lie down
- B. Provide a drink high in electrolytes
- C. Observe the client during the shift
- D. Measure appropriate vital signs
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Measuring vital signs is crucial in this situation as it helps to determine if the client is experiencing a physical health issue or if the symptoms are related to a mental health crisis, such as anxiety or agitation. The presence of diaphoresis and pacing may indicate physiological changes requiring immediate attention. Providing a drink high in electrolytes or persuading the client to lie down may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Simply observing the client during the shift without taking necessary actions to assess his physiological status may delay appropriate intervention.
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A Native American client is admitted with a diagnosis of psychosis not otherwise specified. The client's family seems to regard the client's hallucinations as normal. What assessment can be made?
- A. The client's family regards the hallucinations from a cultural context
- B. The client will benefit from a talking circle
- C. The client will need a medicine man
- D. The client will need a single room
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is correct because the family may interpret the client's hallucinations through their cultural lens, potentially viewing them as normal or spiritually significant. Understanding and acknowledging the cultural context is essential for providing culturally sensitive care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while talking circles and seeking guidance from a medicine man may be culturally relevant interventions in some contexts, the priority in this situation is to recognize and respect the family's perspective on the client's hallucinations.
What is the primary function of surfactant in the lungs?
- A. Reduce surface tension
- B. Enhance oxygen absorption
- C. Facilitate carbon dioxide release
- D. Increase lung volume
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The primary function of surfactant in the lungs is to reduce surface tension in the alveoli. This reduction in surface tension prevents lung collapse and allows for easier breathing. It is particularly crucial in premature infants to help with lung expansion. Choice B is incorrect because surfactant primarily affects surface tension, not oxygen absorption. Choice C is incorrect because surfactant's main role is not in facilitating carbon dioxide release. Choice D is incorrect because surfactant does not directly increase lung volume; its main role is in reducing surface tension.
Which action should the PN implement when using standard precautions to provide client care?
- A. Apply sterile gloves to obtain a finger stick blood sample
- B. Wear clean exam gloves to perform perineal catheter care
- C. Replace the needle cap after giving an intramuscular injection
- D. Wear a paper gown to prevent transmission of droplet pathogens
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. When using standard precautions, healthcare providers should wear clean exam gloves to perform perineal catheter care. This approach helps prevent the transmission of pathogens and ensures the safety of both the client and the healthcare provider. Choice A is incorrect because applying sterile gloves for a finger stick blood sample is unnecessary when non-sterile gloves would suffice. Choice C is incorrect because replacing the needle cap after giving an intramuscular injection is not directly related to standard precautions. Choice D is incorrect because wearing a paper gown is not a standard precaution for preventing the transmission of droplet pathogens.
During a routine prenatal visit at the antepartal clinic, a multipara at 35-weeks gestation presents with 2+ edema of the ankles and feet. Which additional information should the PN report to the RN?
- A. Due date
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Gravida and parity
- D. Fundal height
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood pressure is the most critical information to report to the RN in this scenario. The presence of edema, along with high blood pressure, can be indicative of preeclampsia, a severe condition in pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure is essential for assessing the patient's condition and taking appropriate actions if necessary. Choices A, C, and D are not as urgent in this situation. The due date, gravida, and parity are important for overall assessment but do not address the immediate concern of potential preeclampsia. Fundal height is used to assess fetal growth and position but is not the priority when edema and high blood pressure are present.
The home health PN suspects elder abuse after observing fresh lacerations on the arms and legs of an older adult male client who lives with his daughter. Which action is most important for the PN to take?
- A. Document the lacerations in the client's record
- B. Report findings to the supervisor for referral to adult protective services
- C. Ask the daughter who has been taking care of the client on a daily basis
- D. Apply dry dressings after cleansing the wounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important action for the PN to take in this situation is to report the findings to the supervisor for referral to adult protective services. Suspected elder abuse must be reported promptly to ensure the safety and protection of the client. Documenting the lacerations in the client's record is important but not as critical as reporting the suspected abuse. Asking the daughter who is the potential abuser may not yield accurate information and could compromise the safety of the client. Applying dressings to the wounds is a lower priority compared to addressing the suspected elder abuse.