After being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, an adult patient asks if current children are at risk for developing the disorder. How should the nurse respond?
- A. The adult form of this disorder is rare and should not affect grown children
- B. The children should undergo genetic testing and screening for evidence of the disease
- C. Because the condition was just diagnosed, there is no risk of passing the condition on to any children
- D. The children would have developed symptoms of the disorder in utero or shortly after birth if they had inherited the defective gene
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that can be inherited by children if one or both parents have the gene mutation responsible for the condition. In cases where a parent has been diagnosed with PKD, their children are at risk of inheriting the faulty gene. As such, it is recommended for the children to undergo genetic testing and screening to identify any evidence of the disease early on. By identifying the gene mutation in the children, appropriate monitoring and management can be initiated, potentially leading to better outcomes and quality of life for the affected individuals. Therefore, genetic testing and screening are crucial in cases where there is a known genetic component to a disorder like PKD.
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A client is prescribed enalapril (Vasotec) for treatment of heart failure. Which adverse effect should the nurse assess for following the initial administration of this drug?
- A. Jaundice
- B. Ototoxicity
- C. Low blood pressure
- D. Blurred vision
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor commonly used in the treatment of heart failure. One of the potential adverse effects of ACE inhibitors, including enalapril, is hypotension or low blood pressure. This is especially a concern following the initial administration of the drug, as it can cause a significant drop in blood pressure. Nurses should assess the patient for signs and symptoms of hypotension, such as dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, or fainting, after starting enalapril therapy. Monitoring blood pressure regularly and educating the patient about the possibility of low blood pressure is important to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.
The nurse is assessing a client who is in the third trimester of pregnancy. Which finding would require immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Blood pressure of 142/92 mmHg
- B. Pulse of 92 beats per minute
- C. Respiratory rate of 24 per minute
- D. Weight gain of 16 oz per week
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A blood pressure of 142/92 mmHg in a client in the third trimester of pregnancy is elevated and could indicate the development of preeclampsia, a serious hypertensive disorder that can have adverse effects on both the mother and the fetus. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure accompanied by signs of organ damage, such as proteinuria and changes in other laboratory values. Immediate intervention is required in this situation, as preeclampsia can lead to complications such as seizures (eclampsia), stroke, and placental abruption. It is essential for the nurse to further assess the client and notify the healthcare provider promptly for appropriate management.
The nurse has a 7-year-old client recovering from partial-thickness burns to the arms and hands. This client has shown sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights, and at times if she is overstimulated she won't speak to or look at anyone but her parents until she calms down. The nurse considers the best teaching environment for this client to be the
- A. client's room.
- B. pediatric ward waiting area.
- C. hospital cafeteria.
- D. pediatric ward play area.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: For a 7-year-old client recovering from partial-thickness burns with sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights, along with a tendency to become overstimulated, the best teaching environment would be the client's room. This setting provides a familiar and comforting space where the client feels secure and less exposed to external stimuli that may trigger discomfort or anxiety. Being in her own room allows the client to focus better, feel more at ease, and have better communication with the nurse without distractions from bright lights, loud noises, or other people around. This controlled and peaceful environment contributes to a more effective teaching and learning experience for the client, promoting better understanding and retention of information.
During an assessment, the nurse decides to assess a patient’s calcium level. Which action will the nurse take to identify a low calcium level?
- A. Palpate turgor of skin
- B. Observe the color of the skin
- C. Conduct a Trousseau’s sign test
- D. Save urine to measure 17-ketosteroids
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Trousseau’s sign test is used to identify low calcium levels in a patient. This test involves inflating a blood pressure cuff on the patient's arm above systolic pressure for a few minutes, which can trigger a carpal spasm (wrist and hand flexion) in patients with low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). This is due to increased neuromuscular irritability caused by low calcium levels. Therefore, conducting a Trousseau’s sign test is the appropriate action to identify a low calcium level in a patient. Palpating turgor of skin, observing the color of the skin, and saving urine to measure 17-ketosteroids are not relevant actions for assessing calcium levels.
A 14-year-old child was recently diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. During a follow-up appointment, the mother asks the nurse, "How will this affect my child's ability to play football in the fall?" How should the nurse respond?
- A. "This shouldn't affect his ability to play football."
- B. "Children with cardiomyopathy should not play football."
- C. "He could participate in flag football but not tackle football."
- D. "This may actually make him a better, stronger football player."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Children diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should not participate in competitive sports such as football due to the potential risk of sudden cardiac events. Physical activity and sports with lower intensity may be allowed, but organized competitive sports with high intensity (such as football) are generally contraindicated. It is important for the health care team to prioritize the child's safety and well-being over sports participation in cases of cardiomyopathy. The nurse should communicate this information to the mother to help her understand the importance of limiting the child's physical activities to reduce the risk of complications related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.