A nurse is teaching a client who has been taking prednisone to treat asthma and has a new prescription to discontinue the medication. The nurse should explain to the client to reduce the dose gradually to prevent which of the following adverse effects?
- A. Osteoporosis
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Adrenocortical insufficiency
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Adrenocortical insufficiency. Gradually reducing prednisone dose is important as prednisone suppresses the body's natural production of cortisol. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to adrenal insufficiency due to the sudden decrease in cortisol levels. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and hypotension. Osteoporosis (A) is a long-term side effect of prednisone but not a concern with dose reduction. Hypoglycemia (B) and Hyperkalemia (C) are not typically associated with prednisone withdrawal.
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A nurse is assessing a client for hypoxemia during an asthma attack. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
- A. Cyanosis
- B. Agitation
- C. Hypotension
- D. Dizziness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Agitation. During an asthma attack, hypoxemia can lead to decreased oxygen supply to the brain, causing agitation due to hypoxia. Cyanosis (A) is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, indicating severe hypoxemia. Hypotension (C) is not typically associated with hypoxemia in asthma. Dizziness (D) is more commonly seen in conditions like hyperventilation rather than hypoxemia. In summary, agitation is the most likely manifestation of hypoxemia during an asthma attack due to decreased oxygen supply to the brain.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is taking aspirin 650 mg every 4 hours. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. C-reactive protein
- B. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- C. White blood cell count
- D. Hematocrit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). ESR is a common test used to monitor inflammation levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory medication, so monitoring ESR can help assess the effectiveness of the treatment. A decrease in ESR levels indicates a reduction in inflammation, suggesting that the aspirin is working. The other choices (A, C, D) are not specific to monitoring the effectiveness of aspirin in RA. C-reactive protein and white blood cell count are general markers of inflammation and infection, not specific to RA. Hematocrit measures red blood cell levels, which are not directly related to the effectiveness of aspirin in treating RA.
A nurse is caring for a client who reports a new onset of severe chest pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to determine if the client is experiencing a myocardial infarction?
- A. Perform a 12-lead ECG
- B. Administer nitroglycerin
- C. Place the client in a prone position
- D. Assess the client's blood pressure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform a 12-lead ECG. This is because an ECG is the most reliable and direct way to assess for myocardial infarction by identifying characteristic changes in the heart's electrical activity. Nitroglycerin (B) is used to relieve chest pain but should not be administered before confirming the diagnosis. Placing the client in a prone position (C) is not appropriate for assessing chest pain. Assessing blood pressure (D) is important but not the initial priority when suspecting myocardial infarction.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who is postoperative following a simple mastectomy. The client is to begin outpatient radiation therapy the next day. Which of the following instructions about maintaining skin integrity should the nurse include?
- A. Do not apply heat to the area of irradiation.
- B. Use sunscreen on the irradiated area.
- C. Apply lotion generously to the irradiated area.
- D. Rub the area with an alcohol-based lotion.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Do not apply heat to the area of irradiation.
Rationale: Heat can increase skin sensitivity and damage during radiation therapy. It is important to avoid any source of heat on the irradiated area to prevent further skin irritation and burns.
Summary:
B. Using sunscreen is not necessary for radiation therapy as it does not protect against radiation.
C. Applying lotion generously can interfere with the radiation treatment and cause skin irritation.
D. Rubbing the area with an alcohol-based lotion can further irritate the skin and is not recommended during radiation therapy.
A nurse is collaborating on care for a client who has COPD. Which of the following tasks should the nurse recommend be referred to an occupational therapist for assistance?
- A. Instructing how to use kitchen tools to prepare a meal
- B. Administering oxygen therapy
- C. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels
- D. Assessing breathing patterns
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because an occupational therapist can help the client with COPD by providing strategies and adaptive tools for meal preparation to conserve energy and promote independence in daily activities. Administering oxygen therapy (B), monitoring oxygen saturation levels (C), and assessing breathing patterns (D) are within the scope of nursing practice for managing COPD. These tasks require clinical knowledge and skills that nurses are trained to perform.
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