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. A nurse assesses a client who had an intraosseous catheter placed in the left leg. Which assessment finding is of greatest concern?
- A. The catheter has been in place for 20 hours.
- B. . The client has poor vascular access in the upper extremities.
- C. The catheter is placed in the proximal tibia.
- D. The clients left lower extremity is cool to the touch.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A cool lower extremity can indicate impaired circulation due to the intraosseous catheter placement, leading to compartment syndrome or tissue necrosis. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent serious complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the duration of catheter placement, poor vascular access, and the specific location of the catheter do not directly impact circulation and tissue perfusion as significantly as a cool lower extremity.
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A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an epidural infusion for pain management. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention from the nurse?
- A. Redness at the catheter insertion site
- B. Report of headache and stiff neck
- C. Temperature of 100.1 F (37.8 C)
- D. Pain rating of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Report of headache and stiff neck. This finding indicates a potential complication of epidural anesthesia called a post-dural puncture headache, which can lead to serious consequences like meningitis or subdural hematoma. The nurse should act immediately by notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Redness at the catheter insertion site (A) may indicate local inflammation but doesn't require immediate intervention. Temperature elevation (C) could be a sign of infection but isn't as urgent as a headache and stiff neck. Pain rating of 8 (D) is important but doesn't indicate an immediate threat to the client's health like a post-dural puncture headache.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing moderate metabolic alkalosis. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Monitor daily hemoglobin and hematocrit values.
- B. Administer furosemide (Lasix) intravenously.
- C. Encourage the client to take deep breaths.
- D. Teach the client fall prevention measures.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Teach the client fall prevention measures. In metabolic alkalosis, the client may experience muscle weakness and confusion, increasing the risk of falls. Teaching fall prevention measures is essential to ensure the client's safety. Monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit values (A) is not directly related to managing metabolic alkalosis. Administering furosemide (B) is not appropriate for metabolic alkalosis. Encouraging deep breaths (C) may not address the underlying cause of the alkalosis.
You are called to your patients room by a family member who voices concern about the patients status. On
assessment, you find the patient tachypnic, lethargic, weak, and exhibiting a diminished cognitive ability. You also
find 3+ pitting edema. What electrolyte imbalance is the most plausible cause of this patients signs and symptoms?
- A. Hypocalcemia
- B. Hyponatremia
- C. Hyperchloremia
- D. Hypophosphatemia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyperchloremia. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms point towards fluid overload, which can lead to hyperchloremia due to excessive chloride intake. 3+ pitting edema suggests fluid retention, a common symptom of hyperchloremia. Additionally, tachypnea can occur as a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis seen in hyperchloremia. Lethargy, weakness, and diminished cognitive ability can be attributed to electrolyte imbalances impacting nerve and muscle function.
Choice A: Hypocalcemia is less likely as it typically presents with neuromuscular irritability, not lethargy.
Choice B: Hyponatremia usually presents with neurological symptoms like confusion and seizures, not the symptoms described.
Choice D: Hypophosphatemia typically presents with muscle weakness, not the full constellation of symptoms described.
A nurse is assessing a client with hypokalemia and notes that the client's handgrip strength has diminished since the previous assessment 1 hour ago. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth.
- B. Measure the client's pulse and blood pressure.
- C. Document findings and monitor the client.
- D. Call the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth (Choice A). Diminished handgrip strength in a client with hypokalemia could indicate potential respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory distress or failure. By assessing the client's respiratory status, the nurse can determine if immediate intervention is needed to support breathing.
Choice B is incorrect because measuring the client's pulse and blood pressure may not address the underlying issue of respiratory muscle weakness. Choice C is incorrect as it delays potential life-saving interventions by simply documenting findings. Choice D is incorrect as calling the healthcare provider should come after addressing the client's immediate respiratory needs.
A nurse is caring for clients with electrolyte imbalances on a medical-surgical unit. Which clinical manifestations are correctly paired with the contributing electrolyte imbalance? (Select all that do not apply.)
- A. Hypokalemia Flaccid paralysis with respiratory depression
- B. Hyperphosphatemia Paresthesia with sensations of tingling and numbness
- C. . Hyponatremia Decreased level of consciousness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because hyperphosphatemia can lead to paresthesia with sensations of tingling and numbness due to its effect on nerve function.
A, hypokalemia causes muscle weakness but not flaccid paralysis with respiratory depression.
C, hyponatremia typically presents with symptoms such as confusion and seizures, not decreased level of consciousness.