Nokea
An 86-year-old client with diabetes and gastroparesis has had repeated hospitalizations for aspiration pneumonia following a stroke and is now hospitalized with altered level of consciousness. Which nursing action is most appropriate to decrease the client's risk for developing aspiration pneumonia?
- A. Assessing client's breath sounds every 2 hours
- B. Placing client in the side lying position in bed
- C. Titrating client's oxygen to maintain saturation 93%
- D. Turning and repositioning the client every 2 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The side-lying position (B) reduces aspiration risk by preventing reflux into the airway, especially in clients with altered consciousness. Assessing breath sounds (A), oxygen titration (C), and repositioning (D) are supportive but less effective for prevention.
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The nurse has reinforced teaching with a client with newly diagnosed psoriasis. Which of the following statements by the client would require follow-up?
- A. Exposure to sunlight will worsen my psoriasis.
- B. I should avoid scratching the lesions.
- C. Stress can worsen my psoriasis.
- D. I should avoid drinking alcohol.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Moderate sunlight exposure can improve psoriasis, so statement A is incorrect and requires follow-up. Avoiding scratching (B), recognizing stress as a trigger (C), and avoiding alcohol (D) are accurate and align with psoriasis management.
A non-stress test has been ordered for a pregnant client with diabetes mellitus. Non-stress testing is a part of the diabetic's prenatal care because:
- A. Fetal movement is adversely affected by diabetes.
- B. Maternal insulin levels can have a negative effect on fetal energy.
- C. Diabetes can adversely affect development of placental vessels.
- D. Fetal lung maturity is most easily determined by non-stress testing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diabetes can impair placental vessel development, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus, necessitating non-stress testing to monitor fetal well-being. Fetal movement and lung maturity are assessed differently, and insulin's effect is indirect.
The nurse prepares to insert an indwelling urinary catheter in a client who is disoriented to time, place, and person and cannot follow directions or commands. Which intervention is most important when inserting the urinary catheter?
- A. Ensure the client understands the procedure prior to implementation
- B. Maintain a sterile field and keep the urinary catheter sterile
- C. Place the catheter supply kit between the client's legs in the center of the bed
- D. Throw swabs used to clean the perineum directly into the biohazard bin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining a sterile field (B) is critical to prevent infection, especially in a disoriented client. Explaining the procedure (A) is ideal but not feasible, kit placement (C) is secondary, and swab disposal (D) follows insertion.
A client with chronic heart failure is being discharged home on furosemide and supplementary potassium chloride tablets. Which instructions related to the potassium supplement should the nurse reinforce to the client?
- A. A diet rich in protein and vitamin D will help with absorption.
- B. If the tablet is too large to swallow, crush and take it in applesauce or pudding.
- C. Potassium tablets should be taken on an empty stomach.
- D. Take it with plenty of water and sit upright for a period of time afterward.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Potassium chloride tablets should be taken with water and the client should remain upright to prevent esophageal irritation or ulceration (D). Protein and vitamin D (A) do not enhance absorption, crushing tablets (B) can cause irritation, and taking on an empty stomach (C) is unnecessary.
A home health nurse is visiting a client with chronic heart failure. The nurse observes that the client is having trouble answering questions due to breathlessness and cough. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Auscultate breath sounds
- B. Check for peripheral edema
- C. Measure the client's vital signs
- D. Review the client's weight log over the past several days
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Auscultating breath sounds (A) assesses the cause of breathlessness (e.g., pulmonary edema) in heart failure, guiding immediate interventions. Edema (B), vitals (C), and weight (D) are secondary.