A male client with cirrhosis has jaundice and pruritus. He tells the nurse that he has been soaking in hot baths at night with no relief of his discomfort. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Instruct the client to use a moisturizer immediately after the bath
- B. Advise the client to take shorter baths with less water
- C. Suggest taking antihistamines for the pruritus
- D. Encourage the client to use cooler water and apply calamine lotion after soaking
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this situation, the client's pruritus (itching) is likely exacerbated by hot baths, which can worsen the itching sensation. Using cooler water will help soothe the skin and reduce pruritus. Additionally, applying calamine lotion after soaking can provide further relief. Instructing the client to use a moisturizer immediately after the bath (Choice A) may not address the root cause of pruritus aggravated by hot baths. Advising the client to take shorter baths with less water (Choice B) might not be as effective in relieving the itching sensation caused by cirrhosis. Suggesting antihistamines for the pruritus (Choice C) may not directly address the impact of hot baths on the client's discomfort.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client with a urinary tract infection is prescribed trimethoprim. What is the most important teaching point?
- A. Take the medication only when symptoms are severe.
- B. Take the medication until symptoms disappear.
- C. Report any pain or burning with urination.
- D. Take the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Take the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve.' It is crucial for clients to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to ensure that the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. Choice A is incorrect because antibiotics should not be reserved for severe symptoms only; they should be taken as prescribed. Choice B is incorrect as stopping the medication once symptoms disappear may lead to a relapse of the infection. Choice C is important but not the most crucial teaching point when compared to completing the full course of antibiotics.
A client with cirrhosis is receiving lactulose. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Monitor the client's ammonia levels.
- B. Monitor the client's blood glucose level.
- C. Monitor the client's potassium levels.
- D. Monitor the client's level of consciousness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's level of consciousness. Lactulose is used to reduce ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy. Monitoring the level of consciousness helps assess the effectiveness of lactulose therapy in improving the client's condition. Monitoring ammonia levels (choice A) is important, but assessing the client's response to therapy through their level of consciousness is more crucial. Blood glucose levels (choice B) and potassium levels (choice C) are not directly related to lactulose therapy for cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.
A client with hypoglycemia is unresponsive. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer intravenous dextrose.
- B. Check the client's blood glucose level.
- C. Administer glucagon intramuscularly.
- D. Prepare to administer oral glucose.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer glucagon intramuscularly. In an unresponsive hypoglycemic client, administering glucagon intramuscularly is the priority action as it helps raise blood glucose levels quickly. Intravenous dextrose may be challenging to administer in an unresponsive client. Checking the client's blood glucose level is important but not the priority when the client is unresponsive. Preparing to administer oral glucose is not ideal for an unresponsive client as they may not be able to swallow.
Following discharge teaching, a male client with a duodenal ulcer tells the nurse that he will drink plenty of dairy products, such as milk, to help coat and protect his ulcer. What is the best follow-up action by the nurse?
- A. Encourage the client to drink milk
- B. Review with the client the need to avoid foods that are rich in milk and cream
- C. Instruct the client to take antacids instead
- D. Advise the client to monitor their symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client should be advised to avoid foods rich in milk and cream. Although they provide temporary relief, dairy products, especially milk, stimulate gastric acid secretion, which can exacerbate the symptoms of a duodenal ulcer. Encouraging the client to drink milk (Choice A) would be counterproductive and could worsen the condition. Instructing the client to take antacids (Choice C) may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the root cause of the issue. Advising the client to monitor their symptoms (Choice D) is vague and does not provide specific guidance on managing the duodenal ulcer. Therefore, the best action is to review with the client the need to avoid foods rich in milk and cream to ensure proper ulcer management.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The client is prescribed intravenous antibiotics and oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding indicates that the client's condition is improving?
- A. Increased white blood cell count
- B. Crackles heard on lung auscultation
- C. Productive cough with green sputum
- D. Decreased respiratory rate from 24 to 18 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A decrease in respiratory rate indicates that the client's breathing is becoming more stable, which suggests an improvement in their condition. Respiratory rate is a critical indicator of respiratory status and oxygenation. Increased white blood cell count (choice A) suggests ongoing infection, crackles on lung auscultation (choice B) indicate fluid in the lungs, and productive cough with green sputum (choice C) may indicate persistent infection or airway inflammation, which do not necessarily reflect improvement in pneumonia.