A nurse is providing care to a 17 year-old client in the post-operative care unit (PACU) after an emergency appendectomy. Which finding is an early indication that the client is experiencing poor oxygenation?
- A. Abnormal breath sounds
- B. Cyanosis of the lips
- C. Increasing pulse rate
- D. Pulse oximeter reading of 92%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The earliest sign of poor oxygenation is an increasing pulse rate as a part of the body's compensatory mechanism. Abnormal breath sounds and cyanosis are late signs of poor oxygenation. A pulse oximetry reading of 92% is normal.
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A parent asks the school nurse how to eliminate lice from their child. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. Cut the child's hair short to remove the nits
- B. Apply warm soaks to the head twice daily
- C. Wash the child's linen and bedding in hot water
- D. Application of pediculicides
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Application of pediculicides. Treatment of head lice consists of application of pediculicides. Pediculicides vary, and the directions must be followed carefully.
While providing home care to a client with congestive heart failure, the nurse is asked how long diuretics must be taken. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. As you urinate more, you will need less medication to control fluid.'
- B. You will have to take this medication for about a year.'
- C. The medication must be continued so the fluid problem is controlled.'
- D. Please talk to your health care provider about medications and treatments.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The medication must be continued so the fluid problem is controlled.' This is the most therapeutic response and gives the client accurate information.
An 85 year-old client complains of generalized muscle aches and pains. The first action by the nurse should be
- A. assess the severity and location of the pain
- B. obtain an order for an analgesic
- C. reassure him that this is not unusual for his age
- D. encourage him to increase his activity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: assess the severity and location of the pain. Most older adults have 1 or more chronic painful illnesses, and in fact, they often must be asked about discomfort (rather than 'pain') to reveal the presence of pain. There is no evidence that pain of older adults is less intense, and it is necessary for the nurse to assess the pain thoroughly before implementing pain relief measures.
The nurse is caring for the client with a urinary catheter. Which interventions should the nurse implement to prevent a catheter-acquired UTI? Select all that apply.
- A. Rubbing for 10 seconds when using alcohol-based hand rubs
- B. Changing urinary catheters and drainage bags once a week
- C. Using the smallest numbered catheter with intermittent catheterizations
- D. Properly securing the catheter on the client's thigh to prevent movement
- E. Keeping a urinary drainage bag below the level of the client's bladder
Correct Answer: D,E
Rationale: D: Securing the catheter prevents urethral irritation, reducing UTI risk. E: Keeping the bag below bladder level prevents urine reflux. A: Hand rubs require 15-30 seconds. B: Routine changes increase risk. C: Larger catheters may be needed.
The client's total WBC count is 20,000/mm3 two days after surgery. Which assessment finding should the nurse most associate with this laboratory result?
- A. Respiratory rate slow and shallow
- B. Skin incision pink, crusty, and intact
- C. Dark amber urine per urinary catheter
- D. Diminished lung sounds with crackles
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: D: Elevated WBC and crackles suggest a respiratory infection. A: Slow respiration is unrelated. B: Normal incision appearance doesn't correlate. C: Amber urine indicates dehydration, not infection.