A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic asthma. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which of the following complications?
- A. Pneumothorax.
- B. Hyperglycemia.
- C. Respiratory failure.
- D. Chronic renal failure.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory failure. For a patient with chronic asthma, the priority complication to monitor for is respiratory failure as it can be life-threatening. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can lead to severe bronchoconstriction and impaired gas exchange, potentially resulting in respiratory failure. Monitoring for signs such as increased respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is crucial. Pneumothorax (A) is a possible complication but less common in chronic asthma. Hyperglycemia (B) and chronic renal failure (D) are not directly related to asthma and are not the primary complications to monitor for in this case.
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A man has come in to the clinic because he is afraid he might have skin cancer. During the skin assessment, the nurse notices several areas of pigmentation that look greasy, dark, and "stuck on' on his skin. Which of the following is the best prediction?
- A. He probably has senile lentigines, which do not become cancerous.
- B. He probably has actinic keratoses, precursors to basal cell carcinoma.
- C. He probably has acrochordons, precursors to squamous cell carcinoma.
- D. He probably has seborrheic keratosis, which do not become cancerous.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: He probably has seborrheic keratosis, which do not become cancerous. Seborrheic keratosis typically appear as greasy, dark, and "stuck on" pigmented growths on the skin, commonly seen in older adults. They are benign and do not progress to skin cancer. This conclusion is based on the characteristics of seborrheic keratosis and the fact that they are not associated with malignancy.
Choice A (senile lentigines) is incorrect because although they are also common in older adults, they are flat and dark spots rather than raised growths. Choice B (actinic keratoses) is incorrect as they are precancerous lesions related to sun exposure, leading to a risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, not basal cell carcinoma. Choice C (acrochordons) are skin tags and not precursors to squamous cell carcinoma.
Which of the following is the best indicator of a patient's nutritional status?
- A. Patient's weight
- B. Serum albumin levels
- C. Patient's food preferences
- D. Number of meals consumed per day
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum albumin levels. Serum albumin is a protein produced by the liver and is a key indicator of a patient's nutritional status. Low levels of serum albumin indicate malnutrition or protein deficiency. Monitoring serum albumin levels provides an objective measure of the patient's overall nutritional status.
Choice A (Patient's weight) can be influenced by factors other than nutrition, such as fluid retention or muscle mass. Choice C (Patient's food preferences) does not provide direct information on the patient's actual nutritional intake. Choice D (Number of meals consumed per day) does not account for the quality or quantity of nutrients consumed in those meals.
A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. The nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?
- A. Oxygen saturation levels.
- B. Pain levels.
- C. Bowel sounds.
- D. Level of consciousness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oxygen saturation levels. This assessment is crucial in pneumonia to ensure adequate oxygenation. Low oxygen levels can lead to respiratory distress. Pain levels (B) are important but not a priority over oxygenation. Bowel sounds (C) are not directly related to pneumonia. Level of consciousness (D) is also important but not as critical as ensuring proper oxygen levels for a patient with pneumonia. Oxygen saturation levels should be prioritized to prevent complications and ensure the patient's respiratory status is stable.
A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about insulin administration. Which of the following actions should the nurse emphasize to the patient?
- A. Store insulin at room temperature to prevent crystallization.
- B. Use insulin immediately after drawing it up into the syringe.
- C. Inject insulin into the same spot to avoid tissue damage.
- D. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy. Rotating injection sites helps prevent the development of lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by the loss of fat tissue at the injection site. This is important for maintaining consistent insulin absorption and reducing the risk of injection site complications.
A: Storing insulin at room temperature is generally recommended, but it is not the most critical action for insulin administration.
B: Using insulin immediately after drawing it up is not necessary for all types of insulin and may not be feasible in all situations.
C: Injecting insulin into the same spot can lead to tissue damage and inconsistent insulin absorption, so it should be avoided.
A nurse is teaching a patient about managing chronic pain. Which of the following strategies should the nurse emphasize?
- A. Increasing activity to improve function.
- B. Using medications only when absolutely necessary.
- C. Implementing physical therapy and exercises.
- D. Using complementary therapies such as meditation and relaxation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Implementing physical therapy and exercises. This is crucial for managing chronic pain as it helps improve strength, flexibility, and overall function. Physical therapy can also address underlying issues contributing to pain. Choice A could worsen pain if not done appropriately. Choice B may be necessary but should not be the sole approach. Choice D can be beneficial but may not address the root cause of pain like physical therapy does.