A nurse is admitting a client who reports tightness in their chest that radiates to left arm. Which of the following findings require immediate follow-up?
- A. Temperature 37.1° C (98.8° F)
- B. Heart rate 110/min and irregular
- C. Respiratory rate 24/min
- D. Blood pressure 164/80 mm Hg
- E. Oxygen saturation 93% on room air
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Heart rate 110/min and irregular. This finding suggests cardiac distress or arrhythmia, which could indicate a heart attack. Immediate follow-up is necessary to assess the client's cardiac status and intervene promptly.
Incorrect choices:
A: Temperature within normal range.
C: Respiratory rate within normal range.
D: Blood pressure slightly elevated but not an immediate concern.
E: Oxygen saturation slightly low but not critically low.
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A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has acute gout. The nurse should expect an increase in which of the following laboratory results?
- A. Intrinsic factor
- B. Uric acid
- C. Chloride level
- D. Creatinine kinase
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Uric acid. In acute gout, there is an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. As a result, the uric acid levels in the blood increase. Monitoring uric acid levels helps in diagnosing and managing gout.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Intrinsic factor - Intrinsic factor is related to vitamin B12 absorption, not gout.
C: Chloride level - Chloride level is not directly impacted by acute gout.
D: Creatinine kinase - Creatinine kinase is an enzyme related to muscle breakdown, not specifically affected by gout.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line in her left forearm. The client is receiving an antibiotic via intermittent IV bolus every 12 hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take in managing the client's PICC line?
- A. Access the catheter using a non-coring needle.
- B. Change the transparent membrane dressing daily.
- C. Maintain a continuous IV infusion through the PICC line.
- D. Flush the catheter with a 0.9% sodium chloride solution after each use.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct Answer: D - Flush the catheter with a 0.9% sodium chloride solution after each use.
Rationale: Flushing the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride solution after each use helps prevent clot formation, maintains patency, and ensures proper functioning of the PICC line. This action also helps prevent infection and occlusions.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Accessing the catheter using a non-coring needle is not necessary for routine care of a PICC line.
B: Changing the transparent membrane dressing daily may increase the risk of infection and disrupt the integrity of the dressing.
C: Maintaining a continuous IV infusion through the PICC line is not indicated for a client receiving intermittent IV bolus antibiotics.
E, F, G: No additional choices provided.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a 0.9% sodium chloride via IV infusion. The client has become dyspneic with a blood pressure of 140/100 mm Hg, a fluid intake of 960 mL, and an output of 300 mL in the past 12 hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Lower the head of the bed to semi-Fowler's.
- B. Administer prescribed corticosteroids.
- C. Slow infusion rate and contact the provider.
- D. Change infusion to lactated Ringer's and maintain rate.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Slow infusion rate and contact the provider.
Rationale: The client is showing signs of fluid volume overload with dyspnea, elevated blood pressure, and a significant fluid intake-output discrepancy. Slowing the infusion rate will help reduce fluid intake and potentially prevent worsening of the overload. Contacting the provider is crucial for further assessment and possible adjustment of the treatment plan.
Summary:
A: Lowering the head of the bed may help with respiratory distress but does not address the underlying issue of fluid overload.
B: Administering corticosteroids is not indicated for fluid overload and may worsen the situation.
D: Changing to lactated Ringer's does not address the immediate need to slow down the infusion rate and seek provider guidance.
A nurse is assessing a client who has increased intracranial pressure. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the first sign of deteriorating neurological status?
- A. Altered level of consciousness
- B. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
- C. Decorticate posturing
- D. Pupillary dilation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Altered level of consciousness. This is the first sign of deteriorating neurological status in a client with increased intracranial pressure. Changes in consciousness indicate impairment in brain function, signaling potential brain injury or worsening condition. Altered level of consciousness can progress rapidly if not addressed promptly.
Choice B, Cheyne-Stokes respirations, is associated with abnormal breathing patterns and typically occurs in conditions like heart failure or brain injury, but it is not the first sign of neurological deterioration.
Choice C, Decorticate posturing, is a sign of brain injury but typically occurs after alterations in consciousness.
Choice D, pupillary dilation, can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, but it usually occurs after alterations in consciousness.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has dementia and a history of wandering. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to implement?
- A. Move client to a double room.
- B. Use chemical restraints at bedtime.
- C. Use a bed alarm.
- D. Encourage participation in activities that provide excessive stimulation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use a bed alarm. This is the most appropriate action to help prevent the client from wandering and ensure their safety. A bed alarm will alert the nurse when the client tries to get out of bed, allowing for timely intervention. Moving the client to a double room (A) may not necessarily prevent wandering. Using chemical restraints (B) is not recommended due to ethical concerns and potential adverse effects. Encouraging excessive stimulation (D) may increase agitation and wandering behavior.