A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is taking aspirin 650 mg every 4 hours. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. C-reactive protein
- B. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- C. White blood cell count
- D. Hematocrit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). ESR is a common test used to monitor inflammation levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory medication, so monitoring ESR can help assess the effectiveness of the treatment. A decrease in ESR levels indicates a reduction in inflammation, suggesting that the aspirin is working. The other choices (A, C, D) are not specific to monitoring the effectiveness of aspirin in RA. C-reactive protein and white blood cell count are general markers of inflammation and infection, not specific to RA. Hematocrit measures red blood cell levels, which are not directly related to the effectiveness of aspirin in treating RA.
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A nurse is teaching a middle-aged client about hypertension. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Calcium channel blockers are the first choice for hypertension.
- B. Beta-blockers are the first type of medication for hypertension.
- C. ACE inhibitors are the first choice for hypertension.
- D. Diuretics are the first type of medication to control hypertension.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diuretics are the first-line treatment for hypertension as they reduce blood volume, lowering blood pressure.
A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) gland. Which of the following assessments should the nurse view to be an indication of a postoperative complication?
- A. Output of dark amber urine
- B. Output of clear, light pink urine
- C. Output of bright red urine
- D. Output of burgundy colored urine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Output of burgundy colored urine. This indicates possible hemorrhage, a serious complication post-TURP. Dark amber urine (A) may suggest dehydration. Clear, light pink urine (B) is expected due to bladder irrigation post-TURP. Bright red urine (C) is common initially but should decrease over time. Burgundy colored urine (D) indicates active bleeding and requires immediate intervention.
A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 day postoperative following a lobectomy and has a chest tube drainage system in place. Which of the following findings by the nurse indicates a need for intervention?
- A. Clear breath sounds on the affected side
- B. Reduction in drainage output
- C. Development of subcutaneous emphysema
- D. Minimal pain at the surgical site
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subcutaneous emphysema, where air gets trapped under the skin, may indicate an underlying pneumothorax and should be reported to the provider.
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about gynecological examination. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. The urethral orifice is assessed by separating the labia minora.
- B. The cervix should be palpated first.
- C. The external genitalia should not be inspected.
- D. The perineum should be assessed after the vaginal examination.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the urethral orifice is located between the clitoris and the vaginal opening, so separating the labia minora allows for proper visualization and assessment. This step ensures accurate examination of the urethral opening for signs of infection or abnormalities. Palpating the cervix first (B) is incorrect as it should be done after inspecting the external genitalia. Choosing not to inspect the external genitalia (C) is incorrect as it is an essential part of the gynecological examination. Assessing the perineum after the vaginal examination (D) is incorrect as the perineum should be assessed before the vaginal examination to evaluate for any abnormalities or injuries.
A nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy. The client's partner has been taught to perform suctioning. Which of the following actions by the partner should indicate to the nurse a readiness for the client's discharge?
- A. Performing the procedure independently
- B. Preparing the suction equipment but needing assistance
- C. Demonstrating knowledge of the tracheostomy care instructions
- D. Asking for assistance with the suctioning procedure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Performing the procedure independently indicates readiness for discharge as it shows the partner has mastered the skill and can provide proper care without supervision. Choice B indicates the partner still needs assistance, choice C shows knowledge but not necessarily competency, and choice D suggests continued reliance on the nurse.