An adult who has gastroenteritis and is on digitalis ha lab values of: K 3.2 mEq/L, Na 136 mEq/L, Ca 8.8 mg/dl, and Cl 98 mEq/L. the nurse puts which of the following on the client’s plan of care?
- A. Stop digitalis therapy
- B. Observe for trousseau’s and chovestek’s
- C. Avoid foods rich in potassium signs
- D. Observe for digitalis toxicity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct:
1. The lab value of K at 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia.
2. Digitalis can worsen hypokalemia and lead to toxicity.
3. Avoiding foods rich in potassium will prevent further lowering of potassium levels.
4. This intervention helps prevent potential digitalis toxicity in the client.
Summary of why the other choices are incorrect:
A. Stopping digitalis therapy abruptly can lead to rebound effects and worsen the condition.
B. Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs are not relevant to the client's current lab values.
D. While observing for digitalis toxicity is important, addressing the low potassium level is a more immediate concern in this scenario.
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In the nursing diagnosis 'Disturbed Self-Esteem related to presence of large scar over left side of face,' what part of the nursing diagnosis is 'presence of large scar over left side of face'?
- A. Etiology
- B. Problem
- C. Defining characteristics
- D. Client need
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Etiology. Etiology in a nursing diagnosis refers to the cause or contributing factors that lead to the identified problem. In this case, the presence of a large scar over the left side of the face is the underlying cause of the disturbed self-esteem. It directly influences the client's self-perception and self-worth. The problem (B) is the disturbed self-esteem itself, not the scar. Defining characteristics (C) are the signs and symptoms that support the nursing diagnosis. Client need (D) is a broader concept that encompasses the overall needs of the client, whereas etiology specifically focuses on the cause of the problem.
In an individual with Sjogren’s syndrome, nursing care should focus on:
- A. Moisture replacement
- B. Nutritional supplementation
- C. Electrolyte balance
- D. Arrhythmia management
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Moisture replacement. Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the moisture-producing glands, leading to dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. Nursing care should focus on managing these symptoms by providing moisture replacement through artificial tears, lubricating eye drops, and hydrating mouthwashes. This helps prevent complications such as corneal damage and dental issues. Nutritional supplementation (B) may be needed if there are difficulties in eating due to dry mouth, but it is not the primary focus. Electrolyte balance (C) and arrhythmia management (D) are not directly related to the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome and are therefore not the main priorities in nursing care for this condition.
The nurse should include which of the following in preprocedure teaching for a patient scheduled for carotid angiography?
- A. "You will be put to sleep before the needle Is inserted."
- B. "The test will take several hours."
- C. "You may fee! a burning sensation when the dye is injected."
- D. "There will be no complications."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "You may feel a burning sensation when the dye is injected." This is important preprocedure teaching for carotid angiography because it prepares the patient for a common sensation during the procedure, helping to manage their expectations and reduce anxiety. This information is crucial for informed consent.
Choice A is incorrect because carotid angiography is usually done under local anesthesia, not general anesthesia. Choice B is incorrect as carotid angiography typically takes about 1-2 hours, not several hours. Choice D is incorrect because all medical procedures, including carotid angiography, carry potential risks and complications, which should be discussed with the patient.
A few minutes after beginning a blood transfusion, the nurse notes that the client has chills, dyspnea, and urticaria. The nurse reports this to the physician immediately because the client probably is experiencing which problem?
- A. A hemolytic reaction to mismatched blood
- B. A hemolytic reaction to Rh-incompatible blood
- C. A hemolytic allergic reaction caused by bacterial contamination of donor blood
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A hemolytic reaction to mismatched blood. Chills, dyspnea, and urticaria are indicative of a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which occurs when the recipient's immune system attacks the donor's red blood cells. This can lead to various symptoms, including fever, chills, difficulty breathing, and hives. This type of reaction is most commonly seen with mismatched blood types.
Option B (A hemolytic reaction to Rh-incompatible blood) is incorrect because Rh incompatibility typically leads to hemolytic disease of the newborn, not an immediate transfusion reaction. Option C (A hemolytic allergic reaction caused by bacterial contamination of donor blood) is incorrect as bacterial contamination would present with symptoms such as fever and sepsis, not chills, dyspnea, and urticaria. Option D (None of the above) is incorrect as the symptoms presented align with a hemolytic transfusion reaction.
A new nurse is completing an assessment on an 80-year-old patient who is alert and oriented. The patient’s daughter is present in the room. Which action by the nurse will require follow-up by the charge nurse?
- A. The nurse makes eye contact with the patient.
- B. The nurse speaks only to the patient’s daughter.
- C. The nurse leans forward while talking with the patient.
- D. The nurse nods periodically while the patient is speaking.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse should always prioritize communication with the patient, especially when the patient is alert and oriented. Speaking only to the patient's daughter could undermine the patient's autonomy and right to be involved in their care. It is important for the nurse to directly address the patient to gather accurate information and ensure patient-centered care. Making eye contact (A), leaning forward (C), and nodding periodically (D) are all appropriate communication techniques that show attentiveness and engagement with the patient, which are crucial in building rapport and trust.