Nokea
A patient admitted to the ED with severe diarrhea and vomiting is subsequently diagnosed with food poisoning. The nurse caring for this patient assesses for signs and symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalances. For what signs and symptoms would this nurse assess? Select all that apply.
- A. Dysrhythmias
- B. Hypothermia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Hyperglycemia
- E. Delirium
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: Fluid and electrolyte imbalances from food poisoning cause dysrhythmias, hypotension, and delirium. Hypothermia and hyperglycemia are not typically associated.
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A patient is admitted to the ED with suspected alcohol intoxication. The ED nurse is aware of the need to assess for conditions that can mimic acute alcohol intoxication. In light of this need, the nurse should perform what action?
- A. Check the patient's blood glucose level.
- B. Assess for a documented history of major depression.
- C. Determine whether the patient has ingested a corrosive substance.
- D. Arrange for assessment of serum potassium levels.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypoglycemia can mimic alcohol intoxication symptoms like confusion and slurred speech, so checking blood glucose is critical. Depression, corrosive ingestion, or potassium levels are less likely mimics.
A patient is brought to the ER in an unconscious state. The physician notes that the patient is in need of emergency surgery. No family members are present, and the patient does not have identification. What action by the nurse is most important regarding consent for treatment?
- A. Ask the social worker to come and sign the consent.
- B. Contact the police to obtain the patient's identity.
- C. Obtain a court order to treat the patient.
- D. Clearly document LOC and health status on the patient's chart.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Documenting the patient's unconscious state and critical condition justifies emergency treatment without consent. Social workers can't sign, police contact delays care, and court orders are too slow.
The ED nurse admitting a patient with a history of depression is screening the patient for suicide risk. What assessment question should the nurse ask when screening the patient?
- A. How would you describe your mood over the past few days?
- B. Have you ever thought about taking your own life?
- C. How do you think that your life is most likely to end?
- D. How would you rate the severity of your depression right now on a 10-point scale?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Directly asking about suicidal thoughts is essential for risk assessment in depression. Mood, life expectancy, or severity ratings are less specific for suicide screening.
A patient is admitted to the ED complaining of abdominal pain. Further assessment of the abdomen reveals signs of peritoneal irritation. What assessment findings would corroborate this diagnosis? Select all that apply.
- A. Ascites
- B. Rebound tenderness
- C. Changes in bowel sounds
- D. Muscular rigidity
- E. Copious diarrhea
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Rebound tenderness, altered bowel sounds, and muscular rigidity indicate peritoneal irritation. Ascites and diarrhea are not specific to this condition.
A patient with a fractured femur presenting to the ED exhibits cool, moist skin, increased heart rate, and falling BP. The care team should consider the possibility of what complication of the patient's injuries?
- A. Myocardial infarction
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Hemorrhage
- D. Peritonitis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cool, moist skin, tachycardia, and hypotension suggest hemorrhage, a common complication of femur fractures due to significant blood loss. MI, hypoglycemia, and peritonitis are less likely.