A nurse is caring for a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
- A. Pedal edema
- B. Enlarged liver
- C. Dyspnea
- D. Neck vein distention
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dyspnea. Left-sided heart failure typically results in pulmonary congestion, leading to symptoms like dyspnea due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Pedal edema (A) is more common in right-sided heart failure. Enlarged liver (B) is a sign of right-sided heart failure as well. Neck vein distention (D) is indicative of right-sided heart failure due to increased right atrial pressure. The focus in left-sided heart failure is on pulmonary symptoms, making dyspnea the most relevant manifestation.
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A nurse is planning care for a client who has *Clostridium difficile* gastroenteritis. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?
- A. Place the client in a protective environment
- B. Clean surfaces with chlorhexidine
- C. Obtain a stool specimen with gloves
- D. Wash hands with alcohol-based hand rub
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Obtain a stool specimen with gloves.
Rationale:
1. Clostridium difficile is transmitted through contact with feces, so obtaining a stool specimen with gloves is essential to prevent the spread of infection.
2. Using gloves during specimen collection reduces the risk of contaminating hands and surfaces.
3. It is important to identify the specific pathogen causing the gastroenteritis to determine the appropriate treatment.
Summary of incorrect choices:
A: Placing the client in a protective environment is not necessary for Clostridium difficile gastroenteritis.
B: Cleaning surfaces with chlorhexidine is important for infection control but not the most appropriate action in this scenario.
D: Washing hands with alcohol-based hand rub is important for general infection control but not specific to obtaining a stool specimen.
Overall, choice C is the most relevant and appropriate nursing action in this situation.
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: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dyspnea. In left-sided heart failure, the heart is unable to pump efficiently, leading to a decrease in cardiac output. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary congestion), indicating decreased cardiac output. Weight gain (A) and distended abdomen (B) are more indicative of right-sided heart failure. Confusion (C) can be a sign of decreased cerebral perfusion, but dyspnea is a more direct indicator of decreased cardiac output in left-sided heart failure.
A client who is deaf and communicates using sign language is being admitted by a nurse who does not know sign language. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Ask a family member to be present during the admission.
- B. Request an interpreter during the initial assessment.
- C. Familiarize themselves with commonly used sign language.
- D. Obtain a board that uses colored pictures as communication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Request an interpreter during the initial assessment. This is the most appropriate action as it ensures effective communication between the nurse and the client who uses sign language. It upholds the client's right to clear and accurate information regarding their care. Asking a family member (choice A) may not guarantee accurate communication and could breach confidentiality. Familiarizing oneself with sign language (choice C) takes time and may not be sufficient for complex medical discussions. Using a board with pictures (choice D) may not provide the client with the level of detail needed for comprehensive care. Overall, requesting an interpreter is the best choice for ensuring effective communication and respecting the client's rights.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a cervical spine injury and has a halo traction device in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
- A. Apply medicated powder under the vest to reduce itching
- B. Move the client up and down in bed by holding onto the halo traction device
- C. Ensure that there is space for one finger to fit between the vest and the client's skin
- D. Loosen or tighten the screws on the device as needed for the client's comfort
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ensure that there is space for one finger to fit between the vest and the client's skin. This is crucial to prevent pressure ulcers and skin breakdown. Tight fitting of the vest can lead to skin irritation and compromised circulation. A: Applying medicated powder can cause skin irritation and infection. B: Moving the client by holding onto the halo device can cause injury and dislodgement. D: Loosening or tightening screws without proper training can lead to complications.
A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery with an external fixator to the left tibia. Which of the following assessment findings requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. The client's capillary refill in the left toe is 6 seconds.
- B. The client has 100 mL blood in the closed-suction drain.
- C. The client has an oral temperature of 38.3°C (100.9°F).
- D. The client reports a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 at the operative site.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a capillary refill of 6 seconds in the left toe indicates poor circulation, which could lead to ischemia or necrosis in the extremity. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further complications.
Choice B is not as urgent as it involves monitoring and managing drainage, which can be addressed after the circulation concern is addressed.
Choice C, an elevated temperature, may indicate infection but is not as immediately life-threatening as poor circulation.
Choice D, pain at the operative site, is important but does not require immediate intervention as it can be managed with pain medication.