Nokea
An 80 year-old nursing home resident has a temperature of 101.6 degrees Fahrenheit rectally. This is a sudden change in an otherwise healthy client. Which should the nurse assess first?
- A. Lung sounds
- B. Urine output
- C. Level of alertness
- D. Appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Level of alertness. Assessing the level of consciousness (alert vs. lethargic vs. unresponsive) will help the provider determine the severity of the acute episode. If the client is alert, responses to questions about complaints can be followed-up quickly.
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A client is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization at 8 AM. The client's laboratory work was completed five days ago. The results were: K⺠3.0 mEq/L, Na⺠148 mEq/L, glucose 178 mg/dL. He complains of muscle weakness and cramps.
Which of the following nursing actions is BEST?
- A. Administer the 7 AM dose of spironolactone (Aldactone).
- B. Encourage eating bananas for breakfast.
- C. Obtain stat K⺠level.
- D. Call for twelve-lead EKG.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Strategy: All answers are implementations. Determine the outcome of each answer choice. Is it desired? (1) Aldactone is potassium-sparing diuretic and is an oral medication, patient is NPO for procedure (2) is not feasible prior to the cardiac cath because the client is NPO (3) correct-signs and symptoms are indicative of hypokalemia; stat serum K⺠level is needed to confirm the K⺠level prior to going for cardiac catheterization (4) is unnecessary at this time
The nurse is caring for a 10 year-old child who has just been diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. The parents ask about the treatment prescribed, vasopressin. What is priority in teaching the child and family about this drug?
- A. The child should carry a nasal spray for emergency use
- B. The family must observe the child for dehydration
- C. Parents should administer the daily intramuscular injections
- D. The client needs to take daily injections in the short-term
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetes insipidus results from reduced secretion of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin. The child will need to administer daily injections of vasopressin, and should have the nasal spray form of the medication readily available. A medical alert tag should be worn.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of atrial fibrillation.
- A. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer to a client with atrial fibrillation to prevent thromboembolism?
- B. Aspirin.
- C. Heparin.
- D. Warfarin (Coumadin).
- E. Clopidogrel (Plavix).
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Warfarin is the standard anticoagulant for preventing thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation, reducing stroke risk. Aspirin and clopidogrel are antiplatelets, and heparin is used short-term or in acute settings.
A low-sodium, high-potassium diet is ordered for a client. Which food selection made by the client indicates understanding of the prescribed diet?
- A. Orange juice, baked chicken, and a cucumber and tomato salad
- B. Milk, roast beef, and spinach salad
- C. Iced tea, fish sandwich, and mixed vegetables
- D. Cola, fried shrimp, and coleslaw
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Orange juice and vegetables are high in potassium and low in sodium, aligning with the prescribed diet, unlike milk, beef, or fried foods.
An adult is admitted with suspected urolithiasis. Which nursing diagnosis is of highest priority when planning nursing care for this client immediately after admission?
- A. Acute pain
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Risk of ineffective health maintenance
- D. Risk of infection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Kidney stones cause severe pain, making acute pain the priority diagnosis for immediate relief and comfort. Other diagnoses are secondary.