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A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following an endoscopy with moderate (conscious) sedation. Which of the following assessment findings is the nurse's priority?
- A. Gag reflex
- B. Warmth of extremities
- C. Temperature
- D. Level of pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gag reflex. The priority assessment for a client post-endoscopy with sedation is to ensure their airway is intact. The presence of a gag reflex indicates the airway protection mechanism is functional, reducing the risk of aspiration. Monitoring warmth of extremities, temperature, and pain level are important but secondary assessments compared to airway patency. Ensuring the client's safety and preventing respiratory compromise take precedence in this situation.
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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings of a client who has a new diagnosis of Graves' disease. The nurse should anticipate which of the following laboratory values to be elevated?
- A. Trisodothyronine 3
- B. Phosphorus
- C. Calcium
- D. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trisodothyronine 3. In Graves' disease, there is excessive production of thyroid hormones, including triiodothyronine (T3). Elevated T3 levels are common in hyperthyroidism, which is a hallmark of Graves' disease. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone and is responsible for regulating metabolism. Phosphorus, calcium, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are typically not elevated in Graves' disease. Phosphorus and calcium are more related to bone health and are usually within normal limits unless complications arise. Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are usually suppressed in hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Administer antihypertensive medications.
- B. Maintain the client on NPO status.
- C. Place the client in a supine position.
- D. Monitor the client for hypercalcemia.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain the client on NPO status. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreas is inflamed, and digestion should be minimized to reduce pancreatic enzyme secretion. Keeping the client on NPO status allows the pancreas to rest and reduces stimulation of enzyme production. Administering antihypertensive medications (A) is not directly related to pancreatitis care. Placing the client in a supine position (C) may not be comfortable and can exacerbate pain. Monitoring for hypercalcemia (D) is important in chronic pancreatitis but not typically a priority in acute cases.
A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the femur. Which of the following assessments should be the nurse's priority?
- A. Neurovascular assessment
- B. Braden scale
- C. Pain assessment
- D. Morse Fall Risk scale
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neurovascular assessment. This is the priority because the client is postoperative following ORIF of the femur, which puts them at risk for impaired circulation and nerve damage. The nurse needs to assess for signs of compromised blood flow or nerve function, such as changes in sensation, color, temperature, or pulse in the affected limb. If left unaddressed, neurovascular complications can lead to serious consequences like compartment syndrome or permanent damage. The other options are not the priority in this situation: B (Braden scale) assesses risk for pressure ulcers, C (Pain assessment) is important but not the priority over neurovascular status, and D (Morse Fall Risk scale) assesses fall risk which is important but not the priority immediately post-ORIF.
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.
A nurse on an intensive care unit is planning care for a client who has increased intracranial pressure following a head injury. Which of the following IV medications should the nurse plan to administer?
- A. Propranolol
- B. Dobutamine
- C. Mannitol
- D. Chlorpromazine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mannitol. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that helps reduce intracranial pressure by drawing fluid out of brain tissues. It is commonly used in the management of increased intracranial pressure in clients with head injuries. Propranolol (A) is a beta-blocker used for hypertension and anxiety, not for reducing intracranial pressure. Dobutamine (B) is a beta-1 agonist used for cardiac support, not for managing intracranial pressure. Chlorpromazine (D) is an antipsychotic medication and is not indicated for reducing intracranial pressure.