A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse the need for immediate intervention?
- A. Axillary temperature 37.2°C (99°F)
- B. Apical pulse 100/min
- C. Respiratory rate 30/min
- D. Blood pressure 140/84 mm Hg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse should prioritize airway and breathing in a client with a traumatic brain injury. An increased respiratory rate may indicate CO2 retention, which could lead to increased intracranial pressure. Choice A, axillary temperature 37.2°C (99°F), is within normal range and does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Choice B, apical pulse 100/min, is slightly elevated but not as critical as respiratory distress in this scenario. Choice D, blood pressure 140/84 mm Hg, is also within normal limits and does not require immediate intervention compared to the respiratory rate.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as a positive Kernig's sign?
- A. After stroking the lateral area of the foot, the client's toes contract and draw together
- B. After hip flexion, the client is unable to extend their leg completely without pain
- C. The client's voluntary movement is not coordinated
- D. The client reports pain and stiffness when flexing their neck
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A positive Kernig's sign is identified when a client is unable to extend their leg completely without pain after hip flexion. This finding suggests meningeal irritation. Choices A, C, and D do not describe Kernig's sign. Choice A describes a normal plantar reflex, Choice C refers to coordination deficits, and Choice D indicates neck pain and stiffness, which are not related to Kernig's sign.
A nurse is teaching a client who has type 1 DM about hypoglycemia. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. Exercise reduces the risk for hypoglycemia.
- B. I can skip my insulin when I don't eat.
- C. I can drink 4 oz of soda if my blood sugar is low.
- D. Diabetic pills don't cause hypoglycemia; only insulin does.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client can correct any development of hypoglycemia with a quick intake of glucose. The client should have 15 g carbohydrates on hand to treat hypoglycemic episodes, like 4 oz of regular soda.
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 20 mg PO twice daily. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include during discharge teaching?
- A. Monitor for increased blood pressure
- B. Increase intake of high-potassium foods
- C. Expect an increase in swelling in the hands and feet
- D. Take the second dose at bedtime
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to increase their intake of high-potassium foods. Furosemide can lead to hypokalemia, a condition of low potassium levels in the blood. Increasing the consumption of high-potassium foods helps prevent this adverse effect. Monitoring for increased blood pressure (choice A) is not directly related to furosemide use. Expecting an increase in swelling (choice C) is incorrect as furosemide is a diuretic that helps reduce swelling. Taking the second dose at bedtime (choice D) is not necessary unless prescribed by the healthcare provider.
A nurse in a rural community center is providing education to a group of clients about first aid interventions for snake bites. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Apply an ice pack directly to the affected area
- B. Immobilize the affected extremity with a splint
- C. Place a tourniquet above and below the affected area
- D. Elevate the affected extremity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to immobilize the affected extremity with a splint. This helps to slow the spread of venom by limiting movement. Applying an ice pack directly to the affected area (Choice A) is not recommended for snake bites as it could exacerbate tissue damage. Placing a tourniquet above and below the affected area (Choice C) is also not advised as it can lead to further complications. Elevating the affected extremity (Choice D) is not recommended for snake bites; keeping it below the level of the heart is more appropriate to reduce venom spread.
A nurse at a provider's office is interviewing a client who has multiple sclerosis and has been taking dantrolene for several months. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the medication is effective?
- A. I don't have muscle spasms as frequently.
- B. I haven't gotten any colds, even though it is flu season.
- C. I feel like my nerve pain has improved.
- D. It is easier to urinate now.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I don't have muscle spasms as frequently.' Dantrolene is a medication that relaxes skeletal muscles and is commonly prescribed to treat muscle spasms in clients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, a reduction in muscle spasms frequency would be an indication of the medication's effectiveness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because dantrolene is not indicated for preventing colds, improving nerve pain, or easing urination. The focus should be on the medication's intended purpose, which is to address muscle spasms in clients with multiple sclerosis.