A nurse is assessing a patient with chronic kidney disease. The nurse should prioritize which of the following lab values?
- A. Serum creatinine levels.
- B. Hemoglobin levels.
- C. White blood cell count.
- D. Platelet count.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum creatinine levels. In patients with chronic kidney disease, monitoring serum creatinine levels is crucial because it reflects kidney function. An increase in creatinine levels indicates worsening kidney function. Hemoglobin levels (B) are important in assessing anemia, common in CKD, but not the priority. White blood cell count (C) and platelet count (D) may indicate infection or bleeding, respectively, but are not specific to kidney function in this context.
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A patient tells the nurse that he is allergic to penicillin. Which of the following would be the nurse's best response to this information?
- A. "Are you allergic to any other drugs?"
- B. "How often have you received penicillin?"
- C. "I'll record your allergy information on your chart, so you won't receive any."
- D. "Please describe what happens to you when you take penicillin."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Please describe what happens to you when you take penicillin." This response allows the nurse to gather detailed information about the patient's allergic reaction to penicillin, which is crucial for assessing the severity of the allergy and determining appropriate treatment options. By understanding the specific symptoms experienced by the patient, the nurse can help prevent potential adverse reactions in the future.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because:
A: This question does not address the immediate concern of the patient's penicillin allergy and does not help in understanding the nature of the allergic reaction.
B: The frequency of penicillin usage is not as relevant as understanding the nature and severity of the allergic reaction.
C: While recording allergy information is important, it does not address the need for understanding the patient's specific allergic response to penicillin.
Which of the following positions is most appropriate for performing an abdominal examination on an obese patient?
- A. Head elevated to 45 degrees
- B. Have the patient lie flat
- C. Place the patient in the supine position
- D. Position the patient on their side
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Place the patient in the supine position. This position allows optimal access to the abdomen for examination due to gravitational forces aiding in organ palpation. Having the patient lie flat (choice B) may not provide adequate access. Positioning the patient on their side (choice D) may limit visibility and palpation. Elevating the head to 45 degrees (choice A) is unnecessary for an abdominal examination on an obese patient.
A nurse is providing education to a patient with hypertension. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
- A. I will limit my sodium intake.
- B. I will monitor my blood pressure regularly.
- C. I can stop taking my medication once my blood pressure is normal.
- D. I will exercise regularly to improve my health.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. This statement indicates a misunderstanding because stopping medication once blood pressure is normal can lead to a relapse of hypertension. Step 1: Medication management is crucial for long-term control of hypertension. Step 2: Stopping medication abruptly can cause blood pressure to rise again. Step 3: Regular monitoring, limiting sodium intake, and exercising are all important aspects of hypertension management. Summary: Choices A, B, and D demonstrate good understanding of hypertension management, while choice C shows a need for further education on the importance of continued medication use.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a history of myocardial infarction. The nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?
- A. Blood pressure and heart rate.
- B. Temperature and respiratory rate.
- C. Bowel sounds and abdominal girth.
- D. Urine output and skin integrity.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure and heart rate. This is crucial in assessing the cardiac function of a patient with a history of myocardial infarction. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate helps in evaluating cardiovascular status and detecting any potential complications. Abnormal values in these parameters can indicate inadequate perfusion to the heart or other organs, which can be life-threatening.
Other choices are incorrect because:
B: Temperature and respiratory rate are important assessments but not the priority for a patient with a history of myocardial infarction.
C: Bowel sounds and abdominal girth are more relevant for gastrointestinal issues and not a priority in this scenario.
D: Urine output and skin integrity are important assessments for overall health but do not directly relate to the cardiovascular status in a patient with a history of myocardial infarction.
A 19-year-old woman comes to the clinic at the insistence of her brother. She is wearing black combat boots and a black lace nightgown over her other clothes. Her hair is dyed pink with black streaks. She has several piercings in her nares and ears and is wearing an earring on her eyebrow and heavy black makeup. The nurse concludes that:
- A. She probably does not have any problems at all.
- B. She is just trying to shock people, and her appearance should be ignored.
- C. She has manic syndrome because of her abnormal way of dressing and grooming.
- D. More information should be gathered to decide whether her way of dressing is appropriate.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because more information should be gathered to assess the situation appropriately. The woman's appearance may suggest alternative lifestyles or personal expression rather than mental health issues. It is essential to avoid assumptions based solely on appearance and gather a comprehensive history to understand her choices. Options A and B are dismissive and judgmental, failing to consider the complexity of human behavior. Option C is incorrect as the presented information does not provide enough evidence to diagnose manic syndrome. In summary, option D is the most logical and ethical approach to understanding the woman's situation without making unfounded assumptions.