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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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.
Which instruction about insulin administration should the nurse give to a client?
- A. “Always follow the same order when drawing the different insulin into the syringe.”
- B. “Shake the vial before withdrawing the insulin.”
- C. “Store unopened vials of insulin in the freezer at temperatures well below freezing.”
- D. “Discard the intermediate-acting insulin if it disappears cloudy.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because maintaining consistency in the order of drawing different types of insulin into the syringe helps prevent medication errors. When mixing insulins, drawing them in the same sequence ensures the correct dose and prevents contamination.
Explanation:
A: Following the same order ensures accurate dosing and minimizes the risk of mixing up insulins.
B: Shaking the vial can cause air bubbles which can affect the accuracy of the dose.
C: Storing insulin in the freezer can damage the medication and alter its effectiveness.
D: Cloudiness in intermediate-acting insulin is normal and does not indicate it should be discarded.
Antimetabolites are a diverse group of antineoplastic agents that interfere with various metabolic actions of the cell. The mechanism of action of antimetabolites interferes with:
- A. Cell division or mitosis during the M phase of the cell cycle.
- B. Normal cellular processes during the S phase of the cell cycle.
- C. The chemical structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and chemical binding between DNA molecules (cell cycle-nonspecific).
- D. One or more stages of ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis, DNA synthesis, or both (cell cycle- nonspecific).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because antimetabolites interfere with the synthesis of nucleic acids (RNA and/or DNA), affecting multiple stages of RNA and DNA synthesis. This disruption hinders cell division and leads to cell death. Choices A and B are incorrect because antimetabolites do not specifically target cell division during the M phase or normal cellular processes during the S phase. Choice C is also incorrect because antimetabolites primarily target nucleic acid synthesis rather than altering the chemical structure of DNA or the binding between DNA molecules.
A client with end-stage acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has profound manifestations of Cryptosporidium infection caused by the protozoa. In planning the client’s care, the nurse should focus on his need for:
- A. Pain management
- B. Antiretroviral therapy
- C. Fluid replacement
- D. High-calorie intake
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fluid replacement. In end-stage AIDS with Cryptosporidium infection, the client experiences severe diarrhea leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Fluid replacement is crucial to prevent hypovolemia and maintain electrolyte balance. Adequate hydration supports renal function, prevents further complications, and aids in the elimination of the infectious agent. Pain management (A) may be needed for discomfort but is not the priority. Antiretroviral therapy (B) is essential for managing HIV but does not directly address the immediate issue of dehydration. High-calorie intake (D) is important for overall nutrition but does not address the urgent need for fluid replacement in this situation.
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.