A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL (0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL)
- B. Ammonia 55 mcg/dL (10 to 80 mcg/dL)
- C. Aspartate aminotransferase 34 units/L (0 to 34 units/L)
- D. Platelets 60,000/mm³ (150,000 to 400,000/mm³)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Liver biopsy risks bleeding due to vascularity, so platelets at 60,000/mm³ well below normal (150,000-400,000) signal thrombocytopenia, increasing hemorrhage risk. Normal bilirubin (1.0 mg/dL) and AST (34 units/L) reflect liver function, not clotting. Ammonia (55 mcg/dL) is normal, tied to encephalopathy, not biopsy safety. Low platelets impair hemostasis, often requiring transfusion or delay per procedural norms (e.g., AASLD), prioritizing safety unlike normal labs, this demands provider action, making it the critical value to report.
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A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse who is caring for a client who has AIDS. The nurse should instruct the newly licensed nurse to clean spills of the client's blood with a solution of water and which of the following cleaning agents?
- A. Isopropyl alcohol
- B. Hydrogen peroxide
- C. Bleach
- D. Chlorhexidine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: AIDS, caused by HIV, requires strict infection control due to bloodborne transmission risk. Option C, bleach (typically a 1:10 dilution with water), is correct CDC guidelines recommend it for disinfecting HIV-contaminated surfaces, as it effectively inactivates the virus by denaturing proteins. Option A, isopropyl alcohol, disinfects but isn't the standard for blood spills; it evaporates quickly, potentially leaving viable pathogens. Option B, hydrogen peroxide, oxidizes but lacks evidence as a primary bloodborne pathogen disinfectant compared to bleach. Option D, chlorhexidine, excels for skin antisepsis, not environmental surfaces or blood cleanup. Bleach's broad-spectrum efficacy, affordability, and alignment with universal precautions make it the gold standard. Teaching this ensures the new nurse protects themselves and others, adhering to OSHA and hospital protocols, while reinforcing the importance of proper dilution (e.g., 1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for safety and effectiveness.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about the care of a client who has tinea corporis with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Place on airborne precautions.
- B. Avoid direct contact.
- C. Isolate for 24 hr. after lesions appear.
- D. Administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Avoiding direct contact prevents the spread of tinea corporis, a fungal infection. Airborne precautions and antibiotics are inappropriate, and isolation isn't required beyond contact precautions.
A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching for a client who had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and requires assistance to perform their ADLs. Which of the following statements should the nurse provide?
- A. You will not become fatigued when you use assistive devices.
- B. Plan to hire a home care aid to perform all of your ADLs.
- C. Install grab bars in your shower to assist with your balance.
- D. Place a towel in the shower to prevent slipping
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grab bars enhance safety and independence in the shower post-CVA. Fatigue is possible, full assistance isn't always needed, and a towel could be a slip hazard.
A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for an older adult client who has a new prescription for transdermal clonidine. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Inform the client of the adverse effect of diarrhea.
- B. Monitor the client for weight loss.
- C. Advise the client about increased dry mouth.
- D. Check the client for increased hypopigmentation under the patch.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clonidine, an antihypertensive, commonly causes dry mouth as a side effect, and advising the client about this is appropriate for the care plan. Diarrhea, weight loss, and hypopigmentation are not typical effects associated with transdermal clonidine.
A nurse at a rehabilitation facility is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has had a below-the-knee amputation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Ask the client to describe her feelings about the loss of the affected limb.
- B. Encourage the client to talk with another client who completed rehabilitation for amputation.
- C. Restrict visitors to family members until the client is able to wear a prosthesis.
- D. Suggest that family members bring clothing for the client from home.
- E. Instruct the client to ignore phantom pain sensations.
- F. Apply heat to the stump.
- G. Limit physical therapy.
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Expressing feelings aids coping, peer support helps adjustment, and familiar clothing boosts morale; phantom pain should be addressed, not ignored.
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