Nokea
A nurse is assessing a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following findings is the priority?
- A. Paradoxical pulse
- B. Dependent edema
- C. Pericardial friction rub
- D. Substernal chest pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Paradoxical pulse. Paradoxical pulse, which is a significant drop in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, indicates cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis. This finding requires immediate attention as it suggests potential compromised cardiac function. Choices B, C, and D are associated with pericarditis but do not indicate the same level of urgency as paradoxical pulse.
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A charge nurse is providing teaching to a newly licensed nurse on how to clean surfaces contaminated with blood. Which of the following agents should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Hydrogen peroxide
- B. Chlorhexidine
- C. Isopropyl alcohol
- D. Chlorine bleach
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Chlorine bleach is the recommended agent for cleaning blood spills due to its effectiveness in killing bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B. Hydrogen peroxide, Chlorhexidine, and Isopropyl alcohol are not as effective as chlorine bleach in disinfecting surfaces contaminated with blood and eliminating bloodborne pathogens, making them incorrect choices.
A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left lower extremity. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Position the client with the affected extremity higher than the heart
- B. Administer acetaminophen for pain
- C. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours
- D. Withhold heparin IV infusion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to withhold heparin IV infusion. The nurse should withhold heparin if there are signs of complications, such as bleeding, or if there are contraindications to continuing anticoagulation therapy. Positioning the client with the affected extremity higher than the heart helps reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Administering acetaminophen for pain management can be appropriate, but it is not the priority in this situation. Massaging the affected extremity can dislodge the clot and lead to serious complications, so it should be avoided.
A client who is having suicidal thoughts tells the nurse, "It just doesn't seem worth it anymore. Why not end my misery?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Why do you think your life is not worth it anymore?
- B. Do you have a plan to end your life?
- C. I need to know what you mean by misery
- D. You can trust me and tell me what you're thinking
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The appropriate response by the nurse is to ask about the client's plan to end their life. This question helps to assess the severity of the client's suicidal ideation and the immediacy of the risk, allowing the nurse to determine the appropriate level of intervention. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the immediate risk assessment needed in this situation.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has mild persistent asthma and has been prescribed montelukast. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. This medication can be used to help manage asthma symptoms during an acute asthma attack
- B. This medication should be taken before exercise and physical activity
- C. This medication should be taken regularly as prescribed without discontinuing abruptly
- D. This medication helps decrease swelling and mucus production
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Montelukast works as a leukotriene receptor antagonist, reducing inflammation and mucus production, which helps prevent asthma attacks but is not used for acute treatment. It is important for the client to understand that montelukast should be taken regularly to manage asthma symptoms and should not be abruptly discontinued. Taking the medication before exercise is not a typical instruction for montelukast.
A charge nurse is evaluating the time management skills of a newly licensed nurse. The charge nurse should intervene when the newly licensed nurse does which of the following?
- A. Re-evaluates priorities halfway through the shift
- B. Delegates changing a sterile dressing to a licensed practical nurse
- C. Groups activities for the same client
- D. Works on several tasks simultaneously
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Working on several tasks simultaneously may lead to errors due to divided attention and lack of focus. It is important for nurses to prioritize tasks and complete them one at a time to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. Choices A, B, and C are appropriate time management strategies. Re-evaluating priorities, delegating tasks appropriately, and grouping activities for the same client can help improve efficiency and quality of care.