A patient reports on admission being "very sick" after taking erythromycin in the past. The patient is to receive erythromycin now. Which of the following actions should the nurse take regarding giving the antibiotic?
- A. Give the antibiotic
- B. Do not give the antibiotic
- C. Give half of the dose
- D. Discontinue the antibiotic
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the patient reports being "very sick" after taking erythromycin in the past, indicating a history of adverse reaction to the medication. Given this information, it would be most prudent to withhold the erythromycin to prevent a potential adverse reaction or worsening of the patient's condition. It is important for the nurse to always consider the patient's previous experiences and adverse reactions when administering medications to ensure patient safety.
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Another girl was bitten by a poisonous snake. All of the following are true except
- A. The victim of a snake bite should be made to exercise the bitten extremity to hasten circulation
- B. The bite of a poisonous snake is distinguished by two fang marks
- C. Immediate severe pain and swelling distinguished the bite of a poisonous snake
- D. The tourniquet should be tight enough to prevent superficial circulation of blood thus stopping absorption of the poison
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When it comes to snake bites, one should not exercise the bitten extremity as it can increase the spread of venom in the body. Moving the affected limb can potentially lead to the venom spreading more quickly through the lymphatic system and into the bloodstream. Therefore, it is essential to keep the victim as calm and still as possible to minimize the effects of the venom. Proper first aid for snake bites includes keeping the victim calm, immobilizing the bitten limb, and seeking immediate medical attention.
The nurse is caring for a client who had a thyroidectomy and is at risk for hypocalcemia. What should the nurse do?
- A. Monitor laboratory values daily for an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone
- B. Observe for swelling of the neck, tracheal deviation, and severe pain
- C. Evaluate the quality of the client's voice postoperatively, noting any dastric changes
- D. Observe for muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should observe for muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes in a client who had a thyroidectomy and is at risk for hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is a potential complication following thyroidectomy because the parathyroid glands may be inadvertently removed or damaged during the surgery, leading to decreased calcium levels in the blood. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include muscle twitching (especially in the face), and numbness or tingling around the lips, fingers, and toes. Prompt recognition of these symptoms is crucial as severe hypocalcemia can lead to more serious complications, such as seizures and laryngospasm. Monitoring for these signs allows the nurse to intervene early and prevent further complications.
When the patient's signature is witnessed by the nurse on the surgical consent, which of the following does the nurse's signature indicate?
- A. The nurse obtained informed consent.
- B. The nurse provided informed consent.
- C. The nurse answered all surgical procedure questions.
- D. The nurse verified that the patient signed the consent.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse's signature on the surgical consent form indicates that the nurse has verified and confirmed that the patient has signed the consent form. This step is crucial to ensure that the patient has voluntarily given their consent for the surgical procedure. It does not mean that the nurse obtained or provided informed consent, answered all surgical procedure questions, or made decisions on behalf of the patient. The nurse's role is to act as a witness to the patient's signature on the consent form to acknowledge that the patient has agreed to the procedure and signed the document.
Which of the following respiratory conditions is always considered a medical emergency?
- A. Asthma
- B. Cystic fibrosis (CF)
- C. Epiglottiditis
- D. Laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epiglottiditis is always considered a medical emergency due to the potential risk of airway obstruction. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that prevents food and liquids from entering the airway during swallowing. If the epiglottis becomes inflamed or infected, it can swell and block the airway, making it difficult or impossible for the person to breathe. This obstruction can rapidly progress to a life-threatening situation if not treated promptly. Therefore, epiglottiditis requires immediate medical attention to ensure the airway remains open and the individual can breathe properly.
The nurse is helping parents achieve a more nutritionally adequate vegetarian diet for their child. Which is most likely lacking in their particular diet?
- A. Fat
- B. Protein
- C. Vitamins C and A
- D. Complete protein
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A vegetarian diet can provide adequate amounts of protein, fat, and even complete protein if well-balanced. However, certain essential nutrients like vitamins C and A are more commonly found in higher concentrations in animal-based products. Therefore, in a vegetarian diet, particularly if not carefully planned, there may be a potential lack of these specific vitamins. It is important for the nurse to educate the parents on alternative plant-based sources of vitamins C and A to ensure their child's nutritional requirements are met.