Nokea
After performing a paracentesis on a client with ascites, 3 liters of fluid are removed. Which assessment parameter is most critical for the nurse to monitor following the procedure?
- A. Pedal pulses.
- B. Breath sounds.
- C. Gag reflex.
- D. Vital signs.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Vital signs. After paracentesis, monitoring vital signs is crucial as fluid removal can lead to changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and overall fluid balance. Hypotension or tachycardia may indicate hypovolemia or shock. Pedal pulses (A) are important but not as critical post-paracentesis. Breath sounds (B) are important for respiratory assessment but not directly related to fluid removal. Gag reflex (C) is unrelated to paracentesis and not a priority post-procedure.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client's telemetry monitor indicates the sudden onset of ventricular fibrillation. Which assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Bounding erratic pulse.
- B. Regularly irregular pulse.
- C. Thready irregular pulse.
- D. No palpable pulse.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: No palpable pulse. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart quivers and doesn't effectively pump blood. This results in the absence of a palpable pulse. The nurse should anticipate this finding as it indicates a severe cardiac emergency requiring immediate intervention. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ventricular fibrillation leads to ineffective heart contractions, causing a lack of pulse rather than bounding, irregular, or thready pulses. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize the absence of a palpable pulse to initiate prompt resuscitative measures.
What instruction should the nurse give regarding the administration of alendronate to a patient with osteoporosis?
- A. Take the medication with milk.
- B. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
- C. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
- D. Take the medication before bedtime.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Take the medication with a full glass of water. Alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach in the morning to enhance absorption. Option A is incorrect because taking alendronate with milk decreases its absorption. Option B is incorrect as lying down after taking alendronate can lead to esophageal irritation. Option D is incorrect because taking the medication before bedtime can cause esophageal irritation as well due to the risk of reflux when lying down.
When assessing a male client who is receiving a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), the nurse notes that the infusion was started 30 minutes ago, and 50 ml of blood is left to be infused. The client's vital signs are within normal limits. He reports feeling 'out of breath' but denies any other complaints. What action should the nurse take at this time?
- A. Administer a PRN prescription for diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- B. Start the normal saline attached to the Y-tubing at the same rate.
- C. Decrease the intravenous flow rate of the PRBC transfusion.
- D. Ask the respiratory therapist to administer PRN albuterol (Ventolin).
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to decrease the intravenous flow rate of the PRBC transfusion. The client is showing early signs of a transfusion reaction, as evidenced by feeling 'out of breath'. By decreasing the flow rate of the transfusion, the nurse can slow down the rate at which the remaining blood is infused, potentially preventing a more severe reaction. Administering diphenhydramine or albuterol would not address the underlying issue of a potential transfusion reaction. Starting normal saline at the same rate may exacerbate the client's symptoms and is not indicated in this scenario.
An elderly female client comes to the clinic for a regular check-up. The client tells the nurse that she has increased her daily doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the past month to control joint pain. Based on this client's comment, what previous lab values should the nurse compare with today's lab report?
- A. Look at last quarter's hemoglobin and hematocrit to assess for dehydration.
- B. Look for an increase in today's LDH compared to the previous one to assess for possible liver damage.
- C. Expect to find an increase in today's APTT compared to last quarter's due to bleeding.
- D. Determine if there is a decrease in serum potassium due to renal compromise.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should look for an increase in today's LDH compared to the previous one to assess for possible liver damage. Acetaminophen overdose can lead to liver toxicity, which can be indicated by elevated LDH levels. LDH is an enzyme released during liver damage. Checking for LDH levels can help assess the impact of increased acetaminophen doses on the liver.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect:
A: Looking at hemoglobin and hematocrit is not directly related to acetaminophen use for joint pain. It does not provide information about liver damage.
C: APTT measures blood clotting time and is not directly affected by acetaminophen use for joint pain. It does not provide information about liver damage.
D: Serum potassium levels are not typically affected by acetaminophen use for joint pain. It does not provide information about liver damage.
What should the nurse include in patient teaching for a patient prescribed ceftriaxone for bacterial pneumonia?
- A. Take the medication as prescribed.
- B. Expect urine color changes.
- C. Complete the full course of the antibiotic.
- D. Avoid dairy products during treatment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic used for bacterial pneumonia. Completing the full course is essential to completely eradicate the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance. Taking medication as prescribed is a general principle, but not specific to this medication. Urine color changes are not associated with ceftriaxone. Dairy products do not interact with ceftriaxone.