After successful resuscitation, a client is given propranolol and transferred to the Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU). On admission, magnesium sulfate 4 grams IV in 250 ml D5W at one gram/hour. Which assessment findings require immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Dark amber urine draining via an indwelling catheter at a rate of 40 ml per hour
- B. Serum calcium of 9.0 mg/dl (2.2 mmol/L SI) and magnesium of 1.8 mg/dl or Eq/L (0.74 mmol/L SI)
- C. Sinus rhythm at 72 beats/minute and peripheral blood pressure of 99/62
- D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A low respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is indicative of possible magnesium toxicity, which can be a serious condition requiring immediate intervention. It is a critical finding that needs prompt attention to prevent further complications. The other options are not as urgent: A - dark amber urine may indicate dehydration but does not require immediate intervention, B - serum calcium and magnesium levels are within normal limits, C - sinus rhythm and blood pressure values are also within normal range and do not require immediate action.
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The client who is to avoid any weight-bearing on the left leg is using a 3-point crutch gait for ambulation. What is the best action for the nurse to initiate?
- A. Encourage continued use of the 3-point crutch gait by the client
- B. Encourage the client to use a wheelchair for mobility
- C. Instruct the client in the use of a 4-point crutch gait
- D. Instruct the client in the use of a 2-point crutch gait
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the client needs to avoid weight-bearing on the left leg. A 4-point crutch gait involves using both crutches and both legs, making it more appropriate for weight-bearing restrictions. Encouraging the use of a 3-point gait (choice A) would not provide adequate support for the client's condition. While using a wheelchair (choice B) could be an option, instructing the client in a 4-point crutch gait would promote mobility while adhering to weight-bearing restrictions. A 2-point crutch gait (choice D) involves using both crutches and one leg, which is not suitable for avoiding weight-bearing on the left leg.
Four clients arrive on the labor and delivery unit at the same time. Which client should the nurse assess first?
- A. A 38-week primigravida who reports contractions occurring every 10 minutes
- B. A 39-week primigravida with a biophysical profile score of 5 out of 8
- C. A 41-week multigravida who is scheduled for induction of labor today
- D. A 36-week multigravida with a prescription for serial blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A biophysical profile score of 5 out of 8 indicates potential fetal distress, necessitating immediate assessment to ensure the well-being of the fetus. The other options, while important, do not suggest an immediate threat to the fetus' health. The 38-week primigravida with contractions every 10 minutes may be in early labor, the 41-week multigravida scheduled for induction can be assessed after addressing the immediate concern, and the 36-week multigravida with serial blood pressure can be assessed after ensuring the client with potential fetal distress is stabilized.
A client with a prescription for "do not resuscitate" (DNR) begins to manifest signs of impending death. After notifying the family of the client's status, what priority action should the nurse implement?
- A. Assess the client's need for pain medication
- B. Document the impending signs of death
- C. Inform the nurse manager of the client's status
- D. Communicate the client's status to the chaplain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing the client's need for pain medication is the priority action as it ensures comfort at the end of life. Pain management is crucial in providing comfort and dignity to clients during their final moments. Documenting impending signs of death (choice B) is important but not the immediate priority over addressing the client's comfort. Updating the nurse manager (choice C) and informing the chaplain (choice D) can follow once the client's immediate needs are met.
The nurse assesses a client one hour after starting a transfusion of packed red blood cells and determines that there are no indications of a transfusion reaction. What instructions should the nurse provide the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is working with the nurse?
- A. Continue to measure the client's vital signs every thirty minutes until the transfusion is complete
- B. Since a reaction did not occur, the priority is to maintain client comfort during the transfusion
- C. Monitor the client carefully for the next three hours and report the onset of a reaction immediately
- D. Notify the nurse when the transfusion has finished, so further client assessment can be done
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for the UAP is to continue measuring the client's vital signs every thirty minutes until the transfusion is complete. This is important because continuous monitoring of vital signs during the transfusion helps detect any delayed reactions promptly. Choice B is incorrect because maintaining client comfort is important but not the priority over monitoring vital signs. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring should be ongoing and not limited to a specific time frame. Choice D is incorrect as the UAP should monitor vital signs throughout the transfusion, not just at the end.
Before administering an intramuscular injection, the nurse's finger is stuck with the needle. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Go to the emergency room to have blood drawn
- B. Prepare the medication using a new syringe
- C. Apply clean gloves before giving the medication
- D. Review the medical history in the client's chart
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, if the nurse's finger is stuck with the needle before administering the injection, the correct action is to prepare the medication using a new syringe. This step is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of the patient. Going to the emergency room to have blood drawn is unnecessary and does not address the immediate issue of contamination. Applying clean gloves is important for infection control but does not address the potential contamination from the needlestick. Reviewing the medical history in the client's chart is important for overall patient care but is not the priority in this situation where immediate action is required to prevent harm.