A nurse is reviewing the EKG strip of a client who has prolonged vomiting. Which of the following abnormalities on the client's EKG should the nurse interpret as a sign of hypokalemia?
- A. Flat T wave
- B. Prominent U wave
- C. ST elevation
- D. Wide QRS complex
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prominent U wave. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can cause the U wave to become more prominent on an EKG strip. This is due to delayed repolarization of the ventricles. A flat T wave (choice A) is typically associated with ischemia or infarction. ST elevation (choice C) is often seen in conditions like myocardial infarction. A wide QRS complex (choice D) is indicative of conduction abnormalities. Choices E, F, and G are not relevant to the interpretation of hypokalemia on an EKG strip.
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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings for a client who developed fat embolism syndrome (FES) following a fracture. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Increased serum calcium level
- B. Decreased serum calcium level
- C. Increased white blood cell count
- D. Decreased platelet count
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased serum calcium level. In fat embolism syndrome (FES), fat globules enter the bloodstream, leading to blockages in small blood vessels. This can cause a decrease in serum calcium due to the formation of fat emboli in the pulmonary circulation, leading to hypoxia and subsequent release of inflammatory mediators that can affect calcium levels. The other choices are incorrect because in FES, there is no direct effect on serum calcium levels. Increased serum calcium levels (choice A) are not expected in FES. While increased white blood cell count (choice C) and decreased platelet count (choice D) can occur in response to inflammation or infection associated with FES, they are not specific laboratory findings for FES.
A nurse is monitoring a client who was admitted with a severe burn injury and is receiving IV fluid resuscitation therapy. The nurse should identify a decrease in which of the following findings as an indication of adequate fluid replacement?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Heart rate
- C. Urine output
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Heart rate. A decrease in heart rate indicates adequate fluid replacement in a burn-injured patient due to improved cardiac output and perfusion. When fluid resuscitation is effective, the heart doesn't need to work as hard to maintain circulation. Blood pressure (choice A) may fluctuate initially but is not a reliable indicator of fluid replacement alone. Urine output (choice C) is important but may take time to stabilize. Respiratory rate (choice D) may be affected by pain or stress, not solely fluid status. Other choices are not relevant.
A nurse receives a unit of packed RBCs from a blood bank and notes that the time is 1130. The nurse should begin the infusion at which of the following times?
- A. As soon as the nurse can prepare the client and the administration set
- B. At 1200
- C. At 1300
- D. At 1400
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: As soon as the nurse can prepare the client and the administration set. It is important to start the infusion promptly to maximize the effectiveness of the blood transfusion. Delaying the infusion can lead to potential complications. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they suggest delayed start times, which can be detrimental to the patient's health. Starting the infusion as soon as possible ensures that the patient receives the necessary blood components in a timely manner.
A nurse is admitting a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following provider prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Pantoprazole 80 mg IV bolus twice daily
- B. Furosemide 40 mg IV
- C. Lactulose 20 mg PO
- D. Acetaminophen 650 mg PO
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pantoprazole 80 mg IV bolus twice daily. In acute pancreatitis, gastric acid hypersecretion can occur, leading to exacerbation of pancreatic inflammation. Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that helps reduce gastric acid secretion, which can alleviate pancreatic irritation. IV administration ensures rapid onset of action.
B: Furosemide is a diuretic used for conditions like heart failure or edema, not indicated for acute pancreatitis.
C: Lactulose is a laxative used for hepatic encephalopathy to reduce ammonia levels, not indicated for acute pancreatitis.
D: Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, but it does not address the underlying cause of acute pancreatitis.
A nurse is caring for a client who has asthma and is taking fluticasone. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?
- A. Oral candidiasis
- B. Hypertension
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Weight loss
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oral candidiasis. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid inhaler commonly used to manage asthma. Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system locally, leading to oral candidiasis. The nurse should monitor for white patches in the mouth. Hypertension (B), increased appetite (C), and weight loss (D) are not commonly associated with fluticasone use.
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