When obtaining a client's vital signs, the nurse assesses a blood pressure of 134/88 mm Hg. What is the nurse's best intervention?
- A. Call the healthcare provider and report the finding.
- B. Reassess the client's blood pressure at the next follow-up appointment.
- C. Administer an additional antihypertensive medication to the client.
- D. Teach the client lifestyle modifications to decrease blood pressure.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to teach the client lifestyle modifications to decrease blood pressure. A blood pressure reading of 134/88 mm Hg falls within the prehypertension range. The initial approach to managing prehypertension involves lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, exercise, and stress reduction techniques. Calling the healthcare provider without attempting non-pharmacological interventions first is premature. Reassessing blood pressure at the next follow-up appointment may delay necessary interventions. Administering additional antihypertensive medication is not indicated at this stage as lifestyle modifications are the first line of treatment for prehypertension.
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A client is receiving an IV infusion of an antibiotic. The client calls the nurse feeling uneasy due to congestion. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Elevate the head of the client's bed to 45 degrees
- B. Have another nurse call the Rapid Response Team
- C. Prepare to administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- D. Slow the rate of the IV infusion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this situation, the client's symptoms of congestion and feeling uneasy may indicate an anaphylactic reaction, which can be life-threatening. The most appropriate action is to call the Rapid Response Team to provide immediate assistance and interventions. Elevating the head of the bed, administering diphenhydramine, or slowing the IV infusion rate are not the priority actions in the case of a potential severe allergic reaction. These interventions may delay necessary emergency care and potentially worsen the client's condition.
A client is hospitalized with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which clinical manifestation alerts the nurse to the possibility of a complication from the UTI?
- A. Burning on urination
- B. Cloudy, dark urine
- C. Fever and chills
- D. Hematuria
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fever and chills are systemic symptoms that may indicate a more severe infection or a complication of a urinary tract infection (UTI). While burning on urination and cloudy, dark urine are common symptoms of UTI, fever and chills suggest a more serious condition requiring immediate attention. Hematuria, which is blood in the urine, is also a concerning symptom but is more indicative of inflammation or infection rather than a complication.
The nurse is assessing a client with a history of heart failure who is receiving a unit of packed red blood cells. The client's respiratory rate is 33 breaths/min and blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg. Which action does the nurse take first?
- A. Administer prescribed diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- B. Continue to monitor the client's vital signs.
- C. Stop the infusion of packed red blood cells.
- D. Slow the infusion rate of the transfusion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the client is showing signs of a potential transfusion reaction, indicated by an increased respiratory rate. The nurse's initial action should be to slow down the infusion rate of the packed red blood cells to prevent further complications. Administering diphenhydramine or stopping the infusion should not be the first actions taken, as the priority is to ensure the client's safety and prevent adverse reactions. Continuing to monitor vital signs without taking immediate action to address the increased respiratory rate would delay appropriate intervention.
The nurse teaches a client who is newly diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Which instruction does the nurse include to minimize complications of this disease?
- A. "Rest is the best medicine at this time. Do not start an exercise program."?
- B. "You are a man; therefore, there is nothing you can do to minimize your risks."?
- C. "You should talk to your provider about medications to help you quit smoking."?
- D. "Decreasing the carbohydrates in your diet will help you lose weight."?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to talk to their provider about medications to help quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, and quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Choice A is incorrect because exercise is beneficial for managing coronary artery disease, but should be started gradually and under guidance. Choice B is incorrect and inappropriate as it undermines the client's ability to take control of their health. Choice D is incorrect because while a balanced diet is important, specifically targeting carbohydrates alone may not be the most effective or healthy approach for managing coronary artery disease.
What intervention is most important to teach the client about identifying the onset of dehydration?
- A. Measuring abdominal girth
- B. Converting ounces to milliliters
- C. Obtaining and charting daily weight
- D. Selecting food items with high water content
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Obtaining and charting daily weight. Monitoring daily weight is crucial in identifying the onset of dehydration as weight loss can be an early sign. Measuring abdominal girth (choice A) is not the most reliable method for detecting dehydration. Converting ounces to milliliters (choice B) and selecting food items with high water content (choice D) may be important for overall hydration but are not the most critical interventions for identifying the onset of dehydration.