A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Increased WBC count.
- B. Decreased hemoglobin.
- C. Decreased platelet count.
- D. Positive rheumatoid factor.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Positive rheumatoid factor. A positive rheumatoid factor is a common laboratory finding in clients with rheumatoid arthritis, indicating an autoimmune response. Option A, increased WBC count, is not typically associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Option B, decreased hemoglobin, and option C, decreased platelet count, are not specific laboratory findings for rheumatoid arthritis.
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A client is experiencing an acute exacerbation of Crohn's disease. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to increase dietary fiber.
- B. Maintain the client on a low-residue diet.
- C. Provide the client with frequent high-calorie snacks.
- D. Encourage the client to eat a high-fiber diet.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During an acute exacerbation of Crohn's disease, the nurse should maintain the client on a low-residue diet. This diet helps to minimize bowel irritation by reducing the volume and frequency of stools. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Encouraging the client to increase dietary fiber (Choice A) and eat a high-fiber diet (Choice D) can worsen symptoms and aggravate bowel inflammation in Crohn's disease. Providing the client with frequent high-calorie snacks (Choice C) may not be appropriate during an exacerbation since high-fat foods can be harder to digest and may exacerbate symptoms.
A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Use a 21-gauge needle for injection.
- B. Inject the medication into the client's deltoid muscle.
- C. Administer the medication within 5 cm (2 in) of the umbilicus.
- D. Massage the injection site after administration.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take when preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously is to administer the medication within 5 cm (2 in) of the umbilicus. This practice ensures proper subcutaneous delivery of the medication. Choice A is incorrect because a smaller gauge needle, typically 25-26 gauge, is used for subcutaneous injections. Choice B is incorrect as heparin should not be injected into the deltoid muscle but rather into fatty tissue. Choice D is incorrect as massaging the injection site after administration can lead to tissue irritation or bruising.
A client is receiving discharge instructions following a stroke. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will avoid using aspirin for pain.
- B. I will consume dairy products to increase my calcium intake.
- C. I will drink 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid each day.
- D. I will need to limit my intake of fiber.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Avoiding aspirin is crucial for this client as it can increase the risk of bleeding after a stroke. Choice B about consuming dairy products for calcium intake is not directly related to stroke management. Choice C regarding fluid intake is a good practice for overall health but not specifically related to stroke care. Choice D about limiting fiber intake is not typically a concern after a stroke unless there are specific complications that warrant it.
A charge nurse is teaching a group of nurses about delegation. Which task should the nurse delegate to assistive personnel (AP)?
- A. Teaching a new mother how to breastfeed.
- B. Assisting a client with ambulation post-surgery.
- C. Helping with medication administration.
- D. Delegating IV medication administration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assisting a client with ambulation post-surgery is a task that can be appropriately delegated to assistive personnel (AP) as it falls within their scope of duties. Teaching a new mother how to breastfeed and helping with medication administration involve assessments and critical thinking that are typically within the scope of licensed nursing staff, not AP. Delegating IV medication administration involves a higher level of skill and knowledge that should be performed by licensed nursing staff.
A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing.
- B. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F).
- C. Urine output of 75 mL in the past 4 hours.
- D. WBC count of 15,000/mm³.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. An elevated WBC count can indicate a potential infection, especially in a postoperative client. This finding should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and C are common occurrences in postoperative clients and may not necessarily indicate a severe issue. Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing is a normal finding in the immediate postoperative period. A temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) can be a mild fever, which is common postoperatively due to the body's response to tissue injury. Urine output of 75 mL in the past 4 hours may be within normal limits for a postoperative client, especially if they are still recovering from anesthesia.