A newborn whose mother is HIV positive is admitted to the nursery from labor and delivery. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Initiate treatment with zidovudine (ZDV) syrup at 2 mg per kg
- B. Bathe the infant with dilute chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or soap
- C. Measure and record the infant's frontal-occipital circumference
- D. Administer vitamin K (AquaMEPHYTON) IM in the vastus lateralis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first action for a newborn potentially exposed to HIV is to bathe the infant with dilute chlorhexidine or soap. This helps reduce the risk of infection. Initiating treatment with zidovudine would be important but not the first priority. Measuring and recording the infant's frontal-occipital circumference and administering vitamin K are important tasks but are not the priority when dealing with potential HIV exposure. Immediate hygiene measures are crucial to minimize the risk of transmission.
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While eating at a restaurant, a gravid woman begins to choke and is unable to speak. What action should the nurse who witnesses the event take?
- A. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation with uterine tilt
- B. The Heimlich maneuver using chest thrusts
- C. The Heimlich maneuver using subdiaphragmatic thrusts
- D. Call 911 immediately then begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a pregnant woman is choking and unable to speak is to perform the Heimlich maneuver using subdiaphragmatic thrusts. This technique is recommended for a pregnant woman to prevent harm to the fetus. Option A, cardiopulmonary resuscitation with uterine tilt, is not indicated for a choking episode. Option B, the Heimlich maneuver using chest thrusts, can potentially harm the gravid uterus. Option D, calling 911 immediately before providing assistance, can lead to a delay in addressing the immediate choking emergency.
A 46-year-old male client who had a myocardial infarction 24 hours ago comes to the nurse's station fully dressed and wanting to go home. He tells the nurse that he is feeling much better at this time. Based on this behavior, which nursing problem should the nurse formulate?
- A. Anxiety related to treatment plan
- B. Deficient knowledge of lifestyle changes
- C. Ineffective coping related to denial
- D. Decisional conflict due to stress
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Ineffective coping related to denial.' The client's behavior of wanting to go home and feeling much better shortly after a myocardial infarction indicates denial of the severity of his condition. This denial can lead to ineffective coping mechanisms, hindering his recovery and treatment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the client's behavior is not primarily driven by anxiety about the treatment plan, deficient knowledge of lifestyle changes, or decisional conflict due to stress, but rather by denial and ineffective coping mechanisms.
What should the nurse monitor for during the IV infusion of vasopressin (Pitressin) in a client with bleeding esophageal varices?
- A. Vasodilatation of the extremities
- B. Chest pain and dysrhythmia
- C. Hypotension and tachycardia
- D. Decreasing GI cramping and nausea
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the IV infusion of vasopressin in a client with bleeding esophageal varices, the nurse should monitor for chest pain and dysrhythmia. Vasopressin is a vasoconstrictor that can cause cardiovascular effects, including chest pain and dysrhythmias. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as vasopressin is not expected to cause vasodilatation of the extremities, hypotension, tachycardia, or improvements in GI symptoms such as cramping and nausea.
An adult male was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer three weeks ago. His wife approaches the nurse and asks how she will know that her husband's death is imminent because their two adult children want to be there when he dies. What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. Explain that the client will start to lose consciousness and his body systems will slow down
- B. Reassure the spouse that the healthcare provider will let her know when to call the children
- C. Offer to discuss the client's health status with each of the adult children
- D. Gather information on how long it will take for the children to arrive
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The best response for the nurse is to explain that the client will start to lose consciousness and his body systems will slow down. Providing information on the signs of impending death helps the family prepare emotionally and allows them to be present at the appropriate time. Choice B is incorrect because it does not empower the family with the knowledge they seek. Choice C is incorrect as discussing the client's health status individually with the adult children may not address the wife's immediate concern. Choice D is incorrect as the priority should be on preparing the family for the signs of imminent death rather than focusing on logistical details.
An older client comes to the clinic with a family member. When the nurse attempts to take the client's health history, the client does not respond to questions clearly. What action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Assess the surroundings for noise and distractions
- B. Provide a printed health history form
- C. Defer the health history until the client is less anxious
- D. Ask the family member to answer the questions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement first is to assess the surroundings for noise and distractions. This step is crucial as environmental factors can affect the client's ability to respond clearly. By minimizing noise and distractions, the nurse can create a more conducive environment for effective communication. Providing a printed form (Choice B) may help but addressing environmental factors should come first. Deferring the health history (Choice C) or asking the family member to answer the questions (Choice D) should not be the initial steps, as they do not directly address the issue of unclear communication with the client.