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A nurse is caring for a client who had a surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm 3 days ago. The clients vital signs are: temperature 38.3° C (100.9° F), heart rate 80/min, respirations 16/min, and blood pressure 128/76 mm Hg. Which of the following actions is the nurses priority?
- A. Administer an antipyretic for the fever.
- B. Encourage the client to ambulate.
- C. Assess the surgical incision for signs of infection.
- D. Increase IV fluid administration.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assess the surgical incision for signs of infection. This is the priority because the client has a fever (indicating possible infection) post-surgery, putting them at risk for complications. Assessing the surgical incision allows for early detection of infection, prompt treatment, and prevention of further complications. Administering an antipyretic (choice A) only addresses the symptom but not the underlying cause. Encouraging ambulation (choice B) and increasing IV fluids (choice D) are important but assessing for infection takes precedence due to the potential severity of an infected surgical site.
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A nurse is preparing to administer propranolol to several clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse clarify the prescription with the provider before administration?
- A. A client who has a history of asthma
- B. A client who has hypertension
- C. A client who has a history of migraines
- D. A client who has stable angina
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A client who has a history of asthma. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can potentially exacerbate bronchospasm in patients with asthma due to its mechanism of action. Therefore, the nurse should clarify the prescription with the provider before administering it to a client with asthma to avoid potential adverse effects. Choices B, C, and D are not contraindications for propranolol use, so there is no need to clarify the prescription for clients with hypertension, migraines, or stable angina.
A nurse is reviewing the health histories of a group of clients. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that a client is at an increased risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Diabetes mellitus
- C. Asthma
- D. Hyperthyroidism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Diabetes mellitus. Diabetes can lead to increased risk for UTIs due to elevated blood sugar levels creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow in the urinary tract. High blood sugar weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight infections. Hypertension (A) is a condition related to high blood pressure, not directly associated with UTIs. Asthma (C) and hyperthyroidism (D) are not directly linked to an increased risk for UTIs.
A nurse is assessing a client who is undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. Which of the following findings is an indication to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the therapy?
- A. Skin changes
- B. Hypertension
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Increased white blood cell count
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Skin changes. This is because skin changes, such as redness, irritation, or peeling, are common adverse effects of radiation therapy. The skin over the treated area may become sensitive and may develop a sunburn-like appearance. This indicates that the radiation is affecting the skin cells. Hypertension (B), diarrhea (C), and increased white blood cell count (D) are not typically associated with adverse effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer. Hypertension may be related to stress or other factors, diarrhea could be due to other causes, and an increased white blood cell count is not a typical adverse effect of radiation therapy.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has tuberculosis. Which of the following precautions should the nurse implement for this client?
- A. Standard precautions
- B. Airborne precautions
- C. Contact precautions
- D. Droplet precautions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Airborne precautions. Tuberculosis is spread through the air via droplet nuclei. Implementing airborne precautions involves placing the client in a negative pressure room, using an N95 respirator, and ensuring proper ventilation. Standard precautions (A) are used for all clients. Contact precautions (C) are used for clients with infections that can be spread by direct or indirect contact. Droplet precautions (D) are used for infections spread through larger respiratory droplets. In this case, airborne precautions are specifically needed due to the mode of transmission of tuberculosis.
A nurse is caring for a client who has acute kidney injury and a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which of the following ECG changes should the nurse expect?
- A. Flattened T waves
- B. Peaked T waves
- C. Prolonged PR interval
- D. ST segment depression
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Peaked T waves. In hyperkalemia (high potassium level), the myocardium becomes more excitable, leading to changes in the ECG. Peaked T waves are a classic sign of hyperkalemia, indicating early stages of cardiac involvement. Flattened T waves (choice A) are associated with hypokalemia. Prolonged PR interval (choice C) and ST segment depression (choice D) are not typically seen in hyperkalemia.