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A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of worsening heart failure?
- A. Fatigue and shortness of breath.
- B. Increased urine output.
- C. Decreased blood pressure.
- D. Pitting edema and weight gain.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pitting edema and weight gain. In chronic heart failure, worsening symptoms indicate fluid retention. Pitting edema in the extremities and weight gain are signs of fluid overload, indicating worsening heart failure. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor these signs to prevent exacerbation. Fatigue and shortness of breath (Choice A) are common symptoms in heart failure but not specific to worsening condition. Increased urine output (Choice B) is not typically seen in worsening heart failure as the kidneys may be compromised. Decreased blood pressure (Choice C) can occur in acute decompensation but is not a consistent sign of worsening chronic heart failure.
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A 65-year-old man with emphysema and bronchitis has come to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. On assessment of his skin, the nurse would expect to find which of the following?
- A. Anasarca.
- B. Scleroderma.
- C. Pedal erythema.
- D. Clubbing of the nails.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clubbing of the nails. Clubbing is a physical finding associated with chronic respiratory conditions like emphysema and bronchitis. It is characterized by the softening of the nail bed and the loss of the normal angle between the nail and the nail bed. This occurs due to chronic hypoxia and can be a sign of advanced lung disease. Anasarca (choice A) is generalized edema, not specific to respiratory conditions. Scleroderma (choice B) is a connective tissue disorder affecting the skin and other organs, not directly related to respiratory conditions. Pedal erythema (choice C) refers to redness of the feet and is not a typical finding in emphysema or bronchitis.
The nurse is taking a patient's family history. Important diseases or problems to ask the patient about include:
- A. emphysema.
- B. head trauma.
- C. mental health issues.
- D. fractured bones.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: mental health issues. When taking a family history, mental health issues are important as they can have a genetic component and can impact the patient's overall health. Emphysema (A) is a respiratory condition, head trauma (B) is not typically hereditary, and fractured bones (D) are usually due to accidents or osteoporosis, not genetic.
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who is experiencing hypoglycemia. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
- A. Administering insulin.
- B. Providing a source of fast-acting carbohydrate.
- C. Administering an oral hypoglycemic agent.
- D. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing a source of fast-acting carbohydrate. In hypoglycemia, the priority is to quickly raise the patient's blood sugar levels to prevent potential complications like seizures or loss of consciousness. Fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or juice, can rapidly increase blood sugar levels. Administering insulin (A) would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the situation. Administering an oral hypoglycemic agent (C) is not appropriate in an acute hypoglycemic episode. Monitoring blood pressure (D) is important but not the priority in this situation.
What is the correct interpretation of a drumlike sound heard during percussion of the abdomen?
- A. Constipation
- B. Air-filled areas
- C. The presence of a tumor
- D. The presence of dense organs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct interpretation of a drumlike sound heard during percussion of the abdomen is that it indicates air-filled areas within the abdomen. This sound, known as tympany, occurs when air is present in the gastrointestinal tract or hollow organs. Percussion produces a resonant, drum-like sound over these air-filled areas. This is a normal finding during a physical examination.
Incorrect Answers:
A: Constipation does not typically produce a drumlike sound during percussion. Constipation may cause a dull sound due to fecal matter retention.
C: The presence of a tumor would not cause a drumlike sound during percussion. Tumors are typically solid masses and would produce a dull sound during percussion.
D: Dense organs such as the liver or spleen would produce a dull sound, not a drumlike sound, during percussion due to their solid nature.
During her prenatal checkup, a patient begins to cry as the nurse asks her about previous pregnancies. The patient says that she is remembering her last pregnancy, which ended in miscarriage. The nurse's best response to her crying would be:
- A. "I'm so sorry for making you cry!"
- B. "I can see that you are sad remembering this. It is all right to cry."
- C. "Why don't I step out for a few minutes until you're feeling better?"
- D. "I can see that you feel sad about this; why don't we talk about something else?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows empathy and validation towards the patient's emotions. By acknowledging the patient's sadness and giving her permission to cry, the nurse creates a safe and supportive environment. This response helps the patient feel understood and accepted, facilitating emotional expression and potentially leading to a deeper therapeutic relationship.
Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on the nurse's discomfort rather than the patient's feelings. Choice C is incorrect as it may come across as dismissive of the patient's emotions. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests avoiding the topic rather than addressing the patient's feelings directly.