A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure. The client reports increasing shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness. Which of the following findings in the assessment should the nurse identify as most concerning?
- A. Weak pulses with +2 dependent edema in lower extremities.
- B. Slightly labored respirations at rest.
- C. Wheezes and crackles in the chest.
- D. Reports productive cough during the overnight hours.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Wheezes and crackles in the chest. This finding is most concerning in a client with heart failure as it indicates potential fluid overload in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and worsening respiratory status. Wheezes suggest bronchoconstriction, while crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the alveoli, both of which can exacerbate shortness of breath. Weak pulses with dependent edema (choice A) are expected in heart failure but do not directly point to acute decompensation. Slightly labored respirations at rest (choice B) may be common in heart failure but do not indicate immediate deterioration. Reports of a productive cough (choice D) can be a sign of fluid retention but are less urgent compared to wheezes and crackles.
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A nurse is planning to insert a peripheral IV catheter for an older adult client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
- A. Insert the catheter at a 45-degree angle.
- B. Place the client's arm in a dependent position.
- C. Shave excess hair from the insertion site.
- D. Initiate IV therapy in the veins of the hand.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Insert the catheter at a 45-degree angle. When inserting a peripheral IV catheter for an older adult client, the nurse should aim to insert the catheter at a 45-degree angle to reduce the risk of complications such as infiltration. Inserting at this angle helps to ensure proper placement in the vein and reduces the likelihood of the catheter slipping out or causing discomfort to the client. Placing the client's arm in a dependent position (B) is not necessary and could potentially cause unnecessary discomfort. Shaving excess hair from the insertion site (C) is not recommended as it can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection. Initiating IV therapy in the veins of the hand (D) may not be the best choice for an older adult client due to potential fragility of hand veins and difficulty with vein accessibility.
A nurse in a provider's clinic is caring for a client who has diarrhea. The nurse is providing teaching for the client. Select the 4 instructions the nurse should include in the teaching.
- A. Increase intake of high-calcium foods.
- B. Eat probiotic foods, such as yogurt.
- C. Avoid alcohol while experiencing diarrhea.
- D. Eat raw vegetables.
- E. Eat three large meals a day.
- F. Avoid caffeine while experiencing diarrhea.
- G. Drink lots of fluids several times a day.
Correct Answer: B, C, F, G
Rationale: The correct instructions for the nurse to include are B, C, F, and G.
B: Probiotic foods like yogurt can help restore gut health.
C: Alcohol can worsen diarrhea, so it's important to avoid it.
F: Caffeine can be irritating to the digestive system, so avoiding it is beneficial.
G: Drinking lots of fluids helps prevent dehydration from diarrhea.
These instructions are essential for managing diarrhea effectively.
Incorrect options:
A: High-calcium foods may not be well-tolerated during diarrhea.
D: Raw vegetables can be difficult to digest during diarrhea.
E: Eating three large meals can be too much for a digestive system experiencing diarrhea.
A nurse is caring for a child who has a prescription for a blood transfusion. The child's parents have refused the treatment due to their religious beliefs. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Examine personal values about the issue.
- B. Tell the parents that this is a necessary procedure.
- C. Inform the parents that the staff does not require their consent.
- D. Contact a spiritual support person to explain the importance of the procedure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Examine personal values about the issue. The nurse should first reflect on their own values to ensure they can provide care without bias. This allows the nurse to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Choice B is incorrect because it disregards the parents' beliefs. Choice C is incorrect as parental consent is typically required for medical procedures involving minors. Choice D may not be effective as it may come across as disrespectful to the parents' beliefs.
A nurse in a provider's office is assessing the deep tendon reflexes of a client. Which of the following images should the nurse identify as indicating the correct technique for eliciting the client's patellar reflex?
- A. Image A: Client sitting with legs dangling over the edge of the table and the examiner tapping below the patella with a reflex hammer.
- B. Image B: Client lying down with legs extended and the examiner tapping above the patella with a reflex hammer.
- C. Image C: Client sitting with legs crossed while the examiner taps the patella with a reflex hammer.
- D. Image D: Client standing with knees slightly bent while the examiner taps the patella with a reflex hammer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the image depicts the correct technique for eliciting the patellar reflex. When assessing the patellar reflex, the client should be sitting with their legs dangling over the edge of the table, and the examiner should tap below the patella with a reflex hammer. This position allows for optimal relaxation of the quadriceps muscle and easy access to the patellar tendon, resulting in a more accurate reflex response.
Choice B is incorrect because tapping above the patella can lead to an inaccurate response as it does not target the patellar tendon directly. Choices C and D are incorrect as they involve incorrect client positions that do not facilitate the proper assessment of the patellar reflex.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and refuses to use an incentive spirometer following major abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
- A. Request that a respiratory therapist discuss the technique for incentive spirometry with the client.
- B. Determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer.
- C. Document the client's refusal to participate in health restorative activities.
- D. Administer a pain medication to the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer. The nurse's priority is to assess why the client is refusing the treatment to address the underlying issue. By understanding the client's reasoning, the nurse can provide appropriate interventions and education to encourage compliance, ensuring optimal recovery. Requesting a respiratory therapist (A) may be helpful but does not address the client's refusal directly. Documenting the refusal (C) is important but does not actively address the issue. Administering pain medication (D) may provide temporary relief but doesn't address the root cause of refusal.