A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving morphine through a PCA device. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Teach the client how to self-medicate using the PCA device.
- B. Encourage family members to press the PCA button for the client.
- C. Monitor the client's respiratory status every 4 hr.
- D. Administer an oral opioid for breakthrough pain.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Teach the client how to self-medicate using the PCA device. This is important because it empowers the client to control their pain management while ensuring safety. Teaching the client how to use the PCA device helps promote autonomy and ensures that the client is receiving the appropriate dose of medication as prescribed. Encouraging family members to press the button (B) may lead to inappropriate dosing and compromise the client's safety. Monitoring respiratory status (C) is important but should be done more frequently, such as every hour, as respiratory depression can occur with morphine use. Administering an oral opioid for breakthrough pain (D) may not be necessary if the client is able to self-medicate effectively with the PCA device.
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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 best option because it ensures effective communication between the nurse and the client. By having a professional interpreter present, the nurse can accurately gather information, provide instructions, and address any concerns the client may have. Asking a family member to be present (A) may not guarantee accurate communication. Familiarizing with sign language (C) may not be sufficient for complex medical discussions. Using a board with pictures (D) may not be effective for detailed conversations.
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 cerebral edema by drawing water out of brain tissue. This helps decrease intracranial pressure in clients with head injuries. Propranolol (A) is a beta-blocker used for hypertension, not specifically for intracranial pressure. Dobutamine (B) is a beta-adrenergic agonist used for cardiac support, not for intracranial pressure. Chlorpromazine (D) is an antipsychotic medication and does not address intracranial pressure. In summary, Mannitol is the appropriate choice for managing increased intracranial pressure due to its osmotic diuretic properties.
A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 hours postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent venous thromboembolism?
- A. Encourage the client to perform circumduction of the foot.
- B. Keep the client's knees in a flexed position while they lie in bed.
- C. Massage the client's legs every 4 hours while they are awake.
- D. Limit the client's fluid intake to 2,000 mL daily.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Encourage the client to perform circumduction of the foot.
Rationale:
1. Circumduction of the foot promotes blood flow in the lower extremity, preventing stasis and reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism.
2. This action helps in maintaining muscle tone and preventing blood clots in the postoperative period.
3. Encouraging mobility also prevents complications like deep vein thrombosis.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B. Keeping the client's knees in a flexed position may restrict blood flow and increase the risk of thromboembolism.
C. Massaging the client's legs can dislodge blood clots and lead to embolism.
D. Limiting fluid intake can increase the risk of dehydration and thickening of blood, which can contribute to thrombus formation.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a herniated disc and is scheduled for a peripheral nerve block. The client tells the nurse, 'I am afraid to have this procedure.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. Are you afraid of needles that will be used during the procedure?'
- B. After this procedure, you will feel much better.'
- C. Tell me why you are scared to have this procedure.'
- D. Let's discuss your concerns about this procedure.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: Option D is correct as it acknowledges the client's fear and opens the door for a discussion about their concerns, allowing the nurse to address them. It shows empathy and promotes client-centered care. Option A focuses solely on needles, which may not address the client's overall fear. Option B dismisses the client's feelings without addressing their fear. Option C asks for the reason but may not actively engage in addressing the fear. Overall, option D is the best choice as it demonstrates active listening and a willingness to address the client's specific concerns.
A nurse in the emergency department is managing the care of a client who has an electrical shock injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Obtain an ECG.
- B. Administer an opioid pain medication.
- C. Infuse IV fluids to maintain urine output at 75 mL/hr.
- D. Change dressings over the entrance and exit wounds.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obtain an ECG. The first step in managing a client with an electrical shock injury is to assess for any cardiac complications, as electrical shock can cause arrhythmias. Obtaining an ECG will help the nurse identify any abnormal heart rhythms and determine the need for immediate intervention. Administering opioid pain medication (B) is not a priority as assessing the cardiac status takes precedence. Infusing IV fluids (C) is important but not the first priority. Changing dressings (D) can wait until the client's immediate medical needs are addressed.