A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride (KCL) to a client who is receiving diuretic therapy. The nurse reviews the client's serum potassium level results and discovers the client's potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Give the ordered KCL as prescribed.
- B. Hold the KCL and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Administer potassium via IV push.
- D. Check the client's potassium level again in 1 hour.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Give the ordered KCL as prescribed. The nurse should administer potassium chloride as prescribed because the client's potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Potassium chloride is indicated for clients with hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and the client's level falls within the normal range, so administering the ordered KCL is appropriate. Holding the KCL is unnecessary since the potassium level is not critically low. Administering potassium via IV push is not indicated as the client's potassium level is not critically low. Checking the client's potassium level again in 1 hour is unnecessary as the level is already within the normal range.
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A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the following findings indicates an allergic transfusion reaction?
- A. Chest pain
- B. Hypotension
- C. Generalized urticaria
- D. Fever
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Generalized urticaria. This finding indicates an allergic transfusion reaction because urticaria, or hives, is a common symptom of an allergic response. It is caused by histamine release in response to the foreign blood product. Chest pain (A) is more indicative of a possible cardiac issue. Hypotension (B) may suggest a hemolytic reaction due to rapid destruction of red blood cells. Fever (D) is a common symptom of a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction. Other choices are incorrect as they are not specific to an allergic reaction.
A nurse is caring for a postoperative client. Which procedure places the client at highest risk for DVT?
- A. Appendectomy
- B. Hip arthroplasty
- C. Cholecystectomy
- D. Tonsillectomy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hip arthroplasty. This procedure involves prolonged immobility, causing blood stasis and increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The reduced blood flow in the legs can lead to clot formation. Appendectomy (A), cholecystectomy (C), and tonsillectomy (D) are not typically associated with prolonged immobility like hip arthroplasty, thus lower DVT risk.
A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a history of recurring calcium oxalate kidney stones. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Increase calcium intake
- B. Avoid foods high in potassium
- C. Drink 3 L of fluid every day
- D. Limit vitamin C intake
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Drink 3 L of fluid every day. Adequate fluid intake helps to dilute urine, reducing the concentration of calcium and oxalate, which are the main components of kidney stones. This instruction can help prevent the formation of new stones. Increasing calcium intake (Choice A) may actually be beneficial as it can bind with oxalate in the intestines, reducing its absorption and subsequent excretion in the urine. Avoiding foods high in potassium (Choice B) is not directly related to preventing calcium oxalate stones. Limiting vitamin C intake (Choice D) is not necessary unless the client is taking excessive amounts of vitamin C supplements, which can increase oxalate levels.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving cisplatin to treat bladder cancer. After several treatments, the client reports fatigue. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Check the results of the client's most recent CBC
- B. Administer a blood transfusion
- C. Offer the client a stimulant medication
- D. Advise the client to reduce physical activity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check the results of the client's most recent CBC. Fatigue is a common side effect of cisplatin, which can cause bone marrow suppression leading to anemia. Checking the CBC will help determine if the client is experiencing anemia, which can be managed with appropriate interventions. Administering a blood transfusion (B) should not be done without confirming the need through lab results. Offering a stimulant medication (C) may mask the underlying cause of fatigue. Advising the client to reduce physical activity (D) may not address the root cause of the fatigue.
A client is receiving treatment for stage IV ovarian cancer and asks the nurse to discuss her prognosis. The client plans to have aggressive surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. Which of the following prognoses should the nurse discuss with the client?
- A. Good
- B. Excellent
- C. Fair
- D. Poor
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Poor. In stage IV ovarian cancer, the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries to distant organs. Prognosis is generally poor due to the advanced stage of the disease. Aggressive treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life but are unlikely to cure the cancer. Discussing a poor prognosis with the client allows for realistic expectations and informed decision-making. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they suggest a better prognosis which is not typical for stage IV ovarian cancer.