A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic kidney disease. The nurse should identify which of the following laboratory values as an indication for hemodialysis?
- A. Glomerular filtration rate of 14 mL/min
- B. BUN 16 mg/dL
- C. Serum magnesium 1.8 mg/dL
- D. Serum phosphorus 4.0 mg/dL
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 14 mL/min is significantly low, indicating poor kidney function and the need for hemodialysis to remove waste products effectively. BUN, serum magnesium, and serum phosphorus levels are important in assessing kidney function and electrolyte balance but are not direct indicators for the initiation of hemodialysis. BUN (blood urea nitrogen) reflects the kidney's ability to filter waste products, serum magnesium levels are important for muscle and nerve function, and serum phosphorus levels are vital for bone health.
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A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving radiation therapy. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Mouth sores
- C. Hyperpigmentation
- D. Increased saliva production
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mouth sores. Mouth sores are a common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the treatment is focused on the head or neck area. Weight gain is not typically associated with radiation therapy; instead, clients may experience weight loss due to side effects like nausea and loss of appetite. Hyperpigmentation is not a common finding related to radiation therapy. Increased saliva production is not a typical side effect of radiation therapy; instead, clients may experience dry mouth.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing dysphagia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Administer thickened liquids.
- B. Provide small bites of food.
- C. Encourage the client to eat quickly to avoid fatigue.
- D. Have the client lie supine after meals.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with dysphagia is to administer thickened liquids. Thickened liquids help prevent aspiration, which is a common risk for clients with swallowing difficulties. Providing small bites of food (choice B) can help, but the priority is to modify the liquid consistency. Encouraging the client to eat quickly (choice C) is not recommended as it may increase the risk of aspiration and fatigue. Having the client lie supine after meals (choice D) can actually increase the risk of aspiration, especially in clients with dysphagia.
A client is being discharged with a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take this medication with meals to avoid stomach upset.
- B. Take this medication at the same time every day.
- C. Notify your provider if you experience chest pain or palpitations.
- D. Take this medication with antacids to reduce indigestion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Take this medication at the same time every day.' It is crucial to take levothyroxine at the same time each day to maintain consistent thyroid hormone levels. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, usually in the morning. Choice C is important but not specific to the administration of levothyroxine. Choice D is incorrect as antacids can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine.
A patient refused a newly opened fentanyl patch. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Ask another nurse to witness the disposal of the new patch
- B. Dispose of the patch in a sharps container
- C. Send the patch back to the pharmacy
- D. Document the refusal and remove the patch
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a patient refuses a newly opened fentanyl patch, the nurse should ask another nurse to witness the disposal of the new patch. This action ensures accountability, proper protocol, and prevents any potential diversion or misuse of the medication. Disposing of the patch in a sharps container (Choice B) is not sufficient as it does not address the need for witness accountability. Sending the patch back to the pharmacy (Choice C) may not be appropriate without proper documentation and witness. Simply documenting the refusal and removing the patch (Choice D) may lack the necessary verification of proper disposal.
What is the appropriate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a suspected stroke?
- A. Administer thrombolytics
- B. Perform a neurological assessment
- C. Perform a CT scan
- D. Administer oxygen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Performing a neurological assessment is the appropriate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a suspected stroke. This assessment helps determine the severity of the stroke, identify potential deficits, and guide further interventions. Administering thrombolytics (Choice A) should only be done after a CT scan to confirm the type of stroke and rule out hemorrhagic stroke. Performing a CT scan (Choice C) is important but is typically done after stabilizing the patient. Administering oxygen (Choice D) is essential to maintain adequate oxygenation, but performing a neurological assessment takes precedence in the immediate management of a suspected stroke.