A nurse is caring for a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a decrease in cardiac output?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Distended abdomen
- C. Confusion
- D. Dyspnea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Confusion. In left-sided heart failure, decreased cardiac output can lead to decreased perfusion to the brain, resulting in confusion. Weight gain (A) is more indicative of fluid retention, distended abdomen (B) is a sign of ascites or abdominal organ enlargement, and dyspnea (D) is a common symptom of heart failure but not a direct indicator of decreased cardiac output.
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A nurse is planning care for a client who has developed nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following dietary recommendations should the nurse include?
- A. Increase phosphorus intake.
- B. Decrease carbohydrate intake.
- C. Decrease protein intake.
- D. Increase potassium intake.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decrease protein intake. In nephrotic syndrome, there is increased protein loss in the urine, leading to hypoalbuminemia and edema. Decreasing protein intake helps reduce the workload on the kidneys and minimizes protein loss in the urine, supporting management of the condition. Increasing phosphorus intake (choice A) is not recommended as it can worsen kidney function. Decreasing carbohydrate intake (choice B) and increasing potassium intake (choice D) are not directly related to managing nephrotic syndrome.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is considering a total hip arthroplasty. The client asks the nurse, 'What happens if I need a blood transfusion during my surgery?' Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. You will need to choose a family member to donate blood, instead of a friend.'
- B. This surgery has minimal blood loss, so you will not require a transfusion.'
- C. You can donate your own blood a few weeks prior to this surgery.'
- D. Using screened donor blood during a transfusion makes it unlikely that you would have an infusion reaction.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "You can donate your own blood a few weeks prior to this surgery." This is the best option because it addresses the client's concern about needing a blood transfusion during surgery by suggesting an effective proactive measure. Donating your own blood before surgery, known as autologous donation, ensures that you have your own blood available if needed, reducing the risk of transfusion reactions and complications. It allows for a personalized and safe option in case of blood loss during the procedure.
As for the other options:
A: This statement does not provide relevant information about blood transfusions.
B: This statement is inaccurate as total hip arthroplasty can result in significant blood loss requiring a transfusion.
D: While using screened donor blood reduces the risk of infusion reactions, it does not address the client's specific concern about needing a transfusion during surgery.
Therefore, option C is the most appropriate response as it directly addresses the client's query and offers a practical solution.
A nurse is assessing a preoperative client for allergies. Which of the following client statements would the nurse identify as a risk for an allergy to latex?
- A. I break out in a rash when I eat strawberries.'
- B. I often have diarrhea after eating scrambled eggs.'
- C. I have trouble breathing if I eat acidic foods.'
- D. I sometimes start to wheeze when I eat peanuts.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because wheezing after consuming peanuts indicates a potential allergic reaction, which could also extend to latex due to cross-reactivity. Peanuts and latex share similar proteins, leading to potential allergic responses. Choices A, B, and C do not indicate a direct correlation to latex allergy and are unrelated symptoms.
A nurse is continuing to care for a client who is postoperative following surgical removal of an abdominal abscess. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Obtain vital signs every 30 minutes.
- B. Elevate the client in a semi-Fowler's position.
- C. Apply oxygen.
- D. Monitor the client's level of consciousness.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Elevate the client in a semi-Fowler's position. Elevating the client in a semi-Fowler's position helps promote optimal lung expansion and ventilation, reducing the risk of postoperative complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia. This position also aids in preventing aspiration and promotes comfort.
Choice A: Obtaining vital signs every 30 minutes is important postoperatively, but it is not the most immediate action needed in this case.
Choice C: Applying oxygen may be necessary depending on the client's oxygen saturation levels, but it is not the most essential action to take at this point.
Choice D: Monitoring the client's level of consciousness is important, but it is not as critical as positioning the client correctly to prevent respiratory complications.
A nurse is preparing to administer fresh frozen plasma to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Administer the transfusion through a 25-gauge saline lock.
- B. Hold the transfusion if the client is actively bleeding.
- C. Administer the plasma immediately after thawing.
- D. Transfuse the plasma over 4 hr.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer the plasma immediately after thawing. Fresh frozen plasma should be administered promptly after thawing to ensure optimal effectiveness and prevent clotting. Delaying administration can lead to decreased clotting factor activity. Choice A is incorrect as a larger gauge needle is typically used for plasma transfusions. Choice B is incorrect because fresh frozen plasma is often indicated for bleeding disorders, so holding the transfusion would be counterproductive. Choice D is incorrect as fresh frozen plasma is usually infused rapidly, not over 4 hours.