Nokea
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has acute gout. The nurse should expect an increase in which of the following laboratory results?
- A. Intrinsic factor
- B. Uric acid
- C. Chloride level
- D. Creatinine kinase
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Uric acid. In acute gout, there is an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. As a result, the uric acid levels in the blood increase. Monitoring uric acid levels helps in diagnosing and managing gout.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Intrinsic factor - Intrinsic factor is related to vitamin B12 absorption, not gout.
C: Chloride level - Chloride level is not directly impacted by acute gout.
D: Creatinine kinase - Creatinine kinase is an enzyme related to muscle breakdown, not specifically affected by gout.
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A nurse is admitting a client who reports tightness in their chest that radiates to left arm. Which of the following findings require immediate follow-up?
- A. Temperature 37.1° C (98.8° F)
- B. Heart rate 110/min and irregular
- C. Respiratory rate 24/min
- D. Blood pressure 164/80 mm Hg
- E. Oxygen saturation 93% on room air
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Heart rate 110/min and irregular. This finding suggests cardiac distress or arrhythmia, which could indicate a heart attack. Immediate follow-up is necessary to assess the client's cardiac status and intervene promptly.
Incorrect choices:
A: Temperature within normal range.
C: Respiratory rate within normal range.
D: Blood pressure slightly elevated but not an immediate concern.
E: Oxygen saturation slightly low but not critically low.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a modified left radical mastectomy with breast expander. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will perform strength-building arm exercises using a 15-pound weight.'
- B. I should expect less than 25 mL of secretions per day in the drainage devices.'
- C. I will have to wait 2 months before additional saline can be added to my breast expander.'
- D. I will keep my left arm flexed at the elbow as much as possible.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I should expect less than 25 mL of secretions per day in the drainage devices." This demonstrates an understanding of the need to monitor drainage postoperatively. Excessive drainage can indicate complications like infection or bleeding.
A: Performing strength-building exercises with a 15-pound weight is contraindicated postoperatively as it can strain the surgical site.
C: Waiting 2 months before adding saline to the expander is incorrect. Saline can be added gradually postoperatively.
D: Keeping the left arm flexed at the elbow is not recommended as it can lead to stiffness and limited range of motion.
A nurse is caring for a group of clients who are 12 hr postoperative. The nurse should identify that the client who had which of the following procedures is at risk for developing fat embolism syndrome?
- A. Thyroidectomy
- B. Repair of a torn rotator cuff
- C. Internal fixation of a fractured hip
- D. Tympanoplasty
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Internal fixation of a fractured hip. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) typically occurs in long bone fractures or orthopedic surgeries like hip fixation due to fat droplets entering the bloodstream. These fat droplets can travel to the lungs, brain, and other organs, causing respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and petechial rash. In contrast, choices A, B, and D are not associated with a high risk of FES. Thyroidectomy involves removal of the thyroid gland, repair of torn rotator cuff involves shoulder surgery, and tympanoplasty involves repairing the eardrum, none of which typically lead to fat embolism.
A nurse is assessing a client who has increased intracranial pressure. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the first sign of deteriorating neurological status?
- A. Altered level of consciousness
- B. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
- C. Decorticate posturing
- D. Pupillary dilation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Altered level of consciousness. This is the first sign of deteriorating neurological status in a client with increased intracranial pressure. Changes in consciousness indicate impairment in brain function, signaling potential brain injury or worsening condition. Altered level of consciousness can progress rapidly if not addressed promptly.
Choice B, Cheyne-Stokes respirations, is associated with abnormal breathing patterns and typically occurs in conditions like heart failure or brain injury, but it is not the first sign of neurological deterioration.
Choice C, Decorticate posturing, is a sign of brain injury but typically occurs after alterations in consciousness.
Choice D, pupillary dilation, can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, but it usually occurs after alterations in consciousness.
A nurse is caring for a client who has skeletal traction applied to the left leg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Instruct the client to use their elbows to reposition.
- B. Remove the weights before changing the client's bedlinens.
- C. Check pressure points every 12 hr.
- D. Provide the client with a trapeze bar.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Provide the client with a trapeze bar. This is essential for the client in skeletal traction to independently move and reposition themselves safely without putting additional stress on the affected leg. Using elbows (A) can disrupt the traction. Removing weights (B) can lead to complications. Checking pressure points (C) is important but not specific to this situation. The trapeze bar (D) promotes client independence and safety.