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A primipara is being evaluated in the clinic during her second trimester of pregnancy. The nurse checks the fetal heart rate (FHR) and notes that it is 190 beats/min. What is the appropriate initial nursing action?
- A. Document the finding.
- B. Tell the client that the FHR is fast.
- C. Consult with the primary health care provider.
- D. Recheck the FHR with the client in the standing position.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The FHR should be between 120 and 160 beats/min. In this situation, the FHR is elevated from the normal range, and the nurse should consult with the primary health care provider. The FHR would be documented, but option 3 is the appropriate action. The nurse would not tell the client that the FHR is fast at this point in time. Option 4 is an inappropriate action.
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The nurse is asked to assist another health care team member with providing care for a client. On entering the client's room, the nurse notes that the client is placed in this position (refer to figure). After maintaining the client position, what should the nurse interpret that this client is most likely being treated for?
- A. Shock
- B. A head injury
- C. Respiratory insufficiency
- D. Increased intracranial pressure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A client in shock is placed in a modified Trendelenburg's position that includes elevating the legs, leaving the trunk flat, and elevating the head and shoulders slightly. This position promotes increased venous return from the lower extremities without compressing the abdominal organs against the diaphragm. The Trendelenburg position is no longer recommended for hypotensive clients because the client is predisposed to aspiration and worsens gas exchange. The remaining options identify conditions in which the head of the client's bed would be elevated.
The nurse prepares to administer an enteral feeding to a client through a nasogastric tube (NGT). Which is the priority intervention for the nurse to complete before administering the feeding?
- A. Determining tube placement
- B. Auscultating the bowel sounds
- C. Measuring the intake and output
- D. Establishing the client's baseline weight
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse avoids injecting any substance into a client's NGT before verifying tube placement because NGTs can migrate out of the stomach. If the NGT is not in the correct location, subsequent injections or feedings through the tube can lead to serious complications such as aspiration. None of the remaining options are priorities before administering an enteral feeding.
A client tells the clinic nurse that her skin is very dry and irritated. Which product should the nurse suggest that the client apply to the dry skin?
- A. Myoflex
- B. Aspercreme
- C. Topical emollient
- D. Acetic acid solution
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A topical emollient is used for dry, cracked, and irritated skin. Aspercreme and Myoflex are used to treat muscular aches. Acetic acid solution is used for irrigating, cleansing, and packing wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The nurse caring for a child who has sustained a head injury notes that the primary health care provider has documented decorticate posturing. During the assessment of the child, the nurse notes the extension of the upper extremities and the internal rotation of the upper arms and wrists. The nurse also notes that the lower extremities are extended, with some internal rotation noted at the knees and feet. On the basis of these findings, what is the initial nursing action?
- A. Document that the original positioning is unchanged.
- B. Attempt to assess the flexibility of the child's lower extremities.
- C. Plan to continue to monitor the child for posturing every 2 hours.
- D. Notify the primary health care provider of the change in posturing.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Decorticate (flexion) posturing refers to the flexion of the upper extremities and the extension of the lower extremities. Plantar flexion of the feet may also be observed. Decerebrate (extension) posturing involves the extension of the upper extremities with the internal rotation of the upper arms and wrists. The lower extremities will extend with some internal rotation noted at the knees and feet. The progression from decorticate to decerebrate posturing usually indicates deteriorating neurological function and warrants primary health care provider notification. Although documentation is appropriate, it is not the initial action in this situation. The other options are not appropriate.
The nurse is caring for an infant diagnosed with laryngomalacia (congenital laryngeal stridor). In which position should the nurse place the infant to decrease the incidence of stridor?
- A. Prone
- B. Supine
- C. Supine with the neck flexed
- D. Prone with the neck hyperextended
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The prone position with the neck hyperextended improves the child's breathing. Based on that information, none of the remaining options are appropriate positions.