A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of hypertension and heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of worsening heart failure?
- A. Increased urine output and weight loss.
- B. Swelling in the legs and shortness of breath.
- C. Decreased blood pressure and dizziness.
- D. Fatigue and constipation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Swelling in the legs and shortness of breath. In heart failure, fluid can build up in the body causing swelling, particularly in the legs. Shortness of breath is a common symptom due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Increased urine output and weight loss (A) are not indicative of worsening heart failure as they suggest fluid loss. Decreased blood pressure and dizziness (C) can be seen in other conditions like dehydration. Fatigue and constipation (D) are not specific signs of heart failure worsening.
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Which of the following statements represents subjective data about the patient's skin?
- A. Skin dry in appearance
- B. No obvious lesions
- C. Denies colour change
- D. Lesion noted lateral aspect right arm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it indicates that the information was provided directly by the patient and is based on their perception or feeling. Subjective data is based on the patient's experiences and cannot be observed or measured by others. Choices A, B, and D are all objective data as they can be observed or measured by healthcare providers. Choice A describes a visible characteristic of the skin, choice B indicates absence of observable lesions, and choice D reports an observed lesion on a specific location of the skin. Therefore, choice C is the only option that reflects subjective data about the patient's skin.
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 caring for a patient with diabetes. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
- A. Hypoglycemia.
- B. Hyperkalemia.
- C. Hypotension.
- D. Hyperglycemia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperglycemia. In diabetes, hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are too high. This can lead to various complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial to prevent these serious complications.
A: Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar and can also occur in diabetes, but it is not the primary complication to monitor for in this case.
B: Hyperkalemia is high potassium levels and is not a common complication of diabetes unless there are other underlying issues.
C: Hypotension is low blood pressure, which can be a complication of diabetes but is not as directly related to glucose management as hyperglycemia.
In summary, monitoring for hyperglycemia is essential in diabetes care to prevent serious complications associated with high blood sugar levels.
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.
The inspection phase of the physical assessment:
- A. Yields little information
- B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
- C. Requires a quick glance at the patient's body systems
- D. May be somewhat uncomfortable for the expert practitioner
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the inspection phase of a physical assessment involves visually examining the patient's body, which can reveal a surprising amount of information. This step is crucial in identifying visible abnormalities, such as skin discoloration, swelling, or asymmetry. It helps in assessing the patient's overall appearance, posture, and body movements. This detailed observation can provide valuable insights into the patient's health status and aid in making an accurate diagnosis.
Choice A is incorrect because the inspection phase actually provides significant information. Choice C is incorrect as it downplays the importance of thorough observation. Choice D is incorrect because the discomfort level for the expert practitioner is not a defining factor in the inspection phase.