A young adult male is admitted to the intensive care unit with multiple rib fractures and severe pulmonary contusions after falling 20 feet from a rooftop. The Chest X-ray suggests acute Respiratory distress Syndrome. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the Nurse?
- A. Apical pulse 58 bpm.
- B. Core body temperature 100.8°F.
- C. Tachypnea with dyspnea.
- D. Multiple bruises over the chest area.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a patient with multiple rib fractures, severe pulmonary contusions, and possible acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), tachypnea (rapid breathing) with dyspnea (shortness of breath) is a critical sign of respiratory distress that warrants immediate intervention by the nurse. Tachypnea and dyspnea indicate inadequate oxygenation and ventilation, which can lead to respiratory failure if not addressed promptly. The other options, such as apical pulse rate, core body temperature, and bruises over the chest area, are important assessments but do not directly indicate the immediate need for intervention in a patient with respiratory distress.
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The nurse is providing postoperative care for a client who had a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Hoarseness and weak voice
- B. Calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL (2.0 mmol/L)
- C. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
- D. Difficulty swallowing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Difficulty swallowing can indicate swelling or hematoma formation, which may compromise the airway and requires immediate intervention. Hoarseness and a weak voice are expected post-thyroidectomy due to manipulation of the laryngeal nerves but do not require immediate intervention. A calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL is within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and may not require immediate intervention. A heart rate of 110 beats per minute may be elevated due to stress or pain postoperatively, but it does not indicate an immediate threat to the airway.
The client with chronic venous insufficiency is being taught about self-care measures. Which instruction should be included?
- A. Avoid wearing compression stockings
- B. Elevate legs above heart level when resting
- C. Apply heat packs to improve circulation
- D. Limit walking to prevent leg pain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with chronic venous insufficiency is to elevate their legs above heart level when resting. This position helps reduce venous pressure and edema, improving circulation. Avoiding compression stockings (choice A) is incorrect as they are beneficial in managing chronic venous insufficiency. Applying heat packs (choice C) is not recommended as heat can worsen edema. Limiting walking (choice D) is not advisable as regular, gentle exercise like walking can actually help improve circulation in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.
A client with Parkinson's disease is experiencing difficulty swallowing. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent aspiration?
- A. Encourage the client to eat quickly.
- B. Provide a straw for liquids.
- C. Place the client in an upright position during meals.
- D. Offer thin liquids.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Placing the client in an upright position during meals is the correct intervention to prevent aspiration in a client with Parkinson's disease. This position helps facilitate swallowing and reduces the risk of aspiration. Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the client to eat quickly can increase the risk of choking and aspiration. Choice B is not the best option as straws may not prevent aspiration effectively. Choice D is incorrect as thin liquids can actually increase the risk of aspiration in individuals with swallowing difficulties.
The nurse is reviewing blood pressure readings for a group of clients on a medical unit. Which client is at the highest risk for complications related to hypertension?
- A. Post-menopausal Caucasian female who overeats and is 20% above her ideal body weight.
- B. Young adult Hispanic female who has hemoglobin at 11 g/dl (110 g/L) and drinks beer daily.
- C. Older adult who consumes a diet of smoked, cured, and pickled foods.
- D. Middle-aged African-American male who has a serum creatinine level of 2.9 mg/dL (256.4 micromol/L).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. An elevated serum creatinine level indicates kidney damage, which significantly increases the risk of complications from hypertension. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time, leading to impaired kidney function. Choices A, B, and C do not directly correlate with increased risk of complications related to hypertension. Choice A focuses on obesity and overeating, Choice B on anemia and alcohol consumption, and Choice C on a diet high in sodium and nitrates, none of which are as directly related to hypertension complications as kidney damage.
The parents of a child who has had a myringotomy are instructed by the nurse to place the child in which position?
- A. Supine
- B. On the affected side
- C. On the unaffected side
- D. In Trendelenburg's position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Placing the child on the affected side after a myringotomy facilitates ear drainage. This position helps prevent accumulation of fluids in the ear canal, aiding in the healing process. Placing the child in the supine position (Choice A) or on the unaffected side (Choice C) may not be as effective in promoting drainage. The Trendelenburg's position (Choice D) with the head lower than the body is used for conditions requiring increased venous return, not for post-myringotomy care.