A nurse is caring for a client with dementia who is at risk of falls. What is the most appropriate intervention?
- A. Use a bed exit alarm to notify staff of attempts to leave the bed
- B. Raise all four side rails for safety
- C. Encourage frequent ambulation with assistance
- D. Use restraints to prevent the client from getting out of bed
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a client with dementia at risk of falls is to use a bed exit alarm to notify staff of attempts to leave the bed. This intervention allows for timely assistance and prevents falls. Raising all four side rails (Choice B) can lead to entrapment or agitate the client. Encouraging frequent ambulation with assistance (Choice C) may not be suitable for a client at high risk of falls. Using restraints (Choice D) should be avoided as they can increase agitation, risk of injury, and have ethical implications.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Numbness of the extremities.
- B. Abdominal cramping.
- C. Bradycardia.
- D. Positive Chvostek's sign.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia, as the sodium imbalance affects muscle function. Numbness of the extremities (Choice A) is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances such as hypocalcemia. Bradycardia (Choice C) is not typically a direct manifestation of hyponatremia. Positive Chvostek's sign (Choice D) is related to hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.
A client with a pressure ulcer is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
- A. Use a phenol solution to clean the wound
- B. Place a warm compress over the wound
- C. Cleanse the wound from the center outwards
- D. Administer antibiotics prophylactically
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cleaning a wound from the center outwards is the most appropriate action as it helps prevent the spread of infection. Choice A is incorrect as phenol solutions can be harmful to the wound and delay healing. Choice B may increase the risk of infection as warmth can promote bacterial growth. Choice D is unnecessary unless there are signs of infection present.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize for a client with dementia who is at risk of falls?
- A. Use restraints to prevent the client from leaving the bed
- B. Use a bed exit alarm system to notify staff when the client attempts to leave the bed
- C. Encourage frequent ambulation with assistance
- D. Raise all four side rails to prevent falls
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Using a bed exit alarm system is a non-restrictive intervention that alerts staff when the client tries to leave the bed, promoting safety and preventing falls. Choice A is incorrect because using restraints can have adverse effects and should be avoided whenever possible. Choice C is not the priority for a client at risk of falls due to dementia as it may increase the risk of falls without proper supervision. Choice D is also not recommended as raising all four side rails can lead to restraint and should be used cautiously, if at all. Therefore, the best option is to use a bed exit alarm system to ensure the client's safety while allowing some freedom of movement.
A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to assess first?
- A. A client who has sinus arrhythmia and is receiving cardiac monitoring.
- B. A client who has diabetes mellitus and a hemoglobin A1C of 6.8%.
- C. A client who has epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities.
- D. A client who has a hip fracture and a new onset of tachypnea.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. New onset of tachypnea indicates a potential respiratory complication that requires immediate attention. Assessing the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea first is crucial to address the respiratory issue and prevent further deterioration. Choices A, B, and C do not present immediate life-threatening complications that require urgent assessment compared to a new onset of tachypnea.
Which assessment finding is expected with myxedema?
- A. Increased pulse rate
- B. Decreased temperature
- C. Fine tremors
- D. Weight loss
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Myxedema is characterized by a decreased metabolic rate, leading to manifestations such as decreased temperature. Therefore, the correct assessment finding expected with myxedema is a decreased temperature. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because myxedema typically presents with a decreased pulse rate, not an increased pulse rate, absence of fine tremors (which are more common in hyperthyroidism), and weight gain rather than weight loss.