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.
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A nurse manager is providing an in-service to a group of newly licensed nurses about the use of personal protective equipment. Which of the following statements by a newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I should wear a gown to remove linens from a client's be '
- B. Sterile gloves are required when administering an IM injection.'
- C. I should wear goggles when irrigating a woun '
- D. I should use both hands to recap a needle.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I should wear goggles when irrigating a wound." This indicates an understanding of the teaching as goggles protect the eyes from splashes and sprays. Wearing goggles during wound irrigation helps prevent potential eye exposure to contaminated fluids, reducing the risk of infection.
Choice A is incorrect because wearing a gown to remove linens is unnecessary for personal protective equipment during this task. Choice B is incorrect as sterile gloves are required for clean procedures like wound care, not for administering IM injections. Choice D is incorrect because using both hands to recap a needle increases the risk of needle-stick injuries.
A nurse is caring for a client who has emphysema. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
- A. Limit fluid intake to 1,000 mL per day.
- B. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min.
- C. Encourage use of incentive spirometry for 5 min every 2 hr.
- D. Teach the client a breathing exercise with a longer inhalation phase.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Teaching the client a breathing exercise with a longer inhalation phase helps improve lung capacity and strengthen respiratory muscles, which are essential for clients with emphysema. This intervention can help the client breathe more effectively and reduce shortness of breath. Option A is incorrect because limiting fluid intake is not a standard intervention for emphysema. Option B is incorrect as administering oxygen is not specific to improving lung function. Option C is incorrect as incentive spirometry is more effective if done for longer durations.
A nurse is caring for a client immediately following a lumbar puncture. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Limit the client's fluid intake.
- B. Measure blood glucose every 2 hr.
- C. Instruct the client to expect tingling in their extremities.
- D. Instruct the client to lie flat.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Instruct the client to lie flat. This is important to prevent post-lumbar puncture headache by promoting the closure of the dural puncture site. Lying flat helps reduce the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and subsequent headache. Limiting fluid intake (A) is not necessary post-lumbar puncture. Monitoring blood glucose (B) is not directly related to lumbar puncture care. Expecting tingling in extremities (C) is not a common post-lumbar puncture symptom.
A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride 10 mEq IV over 1 hr to a client. Available is potassium chloride 10 mEq in 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride. The nurse should set the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Round to the nearest whole number.)
- A. 50 mL/hr
- B. 75 mL/hr
- C. 100 mL/hr
- D. 125 mL/hr
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To determine the infusion rate, we first calculate the total volume of the solution to be infused (100 mL) over the total time (1 hr). Therefore, the infusion pump should be set to deliver 100 mL/hr (Choice C). This ensures the correct administration of potassium chloride 10 mEq IV over 1 hr. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the infusion rate required for the specified dose and time frame.
A nurse is providing instructions about foot care for a client who has peripheral arterial disease. The nurse should identify that which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I apply a lubricating lotion to the cracked areas on the soles of my feet every morning.'
- B. I rest in my recliner with my feet elevated for about an hour every afternoon.'
- C. I use my heating pad on a low setting to keep my feet warm.'
- D. I soak my feet in hot water before trimming my toenails.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because applying a lubricating lotion to the cracked areas on the soles of the feet helps prevent further skin breakdown and infection, which is crucial in peripheral arterial disease. Choice B may improve circulation, but it does not address foot care directly. Choice C can lead to burns or injury due to decreased sensation in peripheral arterial disease. Choice D poses a risk of injury or infection due to the potential for skin damage while soaking the feet. Overall, choice A is the most appropriate for maintaining foot health in peripheral arterial disease.