An emergency room nurse is assessing a client who has asthma and difficulty breathing. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing status asthmaticus?
- A. Mild wheezing
- B. Use of accessory muscles
- C. Decreased respiratory rate
- D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use of accessory muscles. In status asthmaticus, a severe and life-threatening asthma exacerbation, the client's airways are severely constricted, leading to inadequate air exchange. The use of accessory muscles (such as intercostal and supraclavicular muscles) indicates significant respiratory distress as the body tries to compensate for the difficulty in breathing. Mild wheezing (choice A) may be present in asthma but does not necessarily indicate status asthmaticus. Decreased respiratory rate (choice C) is not consistent with the increased respiratory effort seen in status asthmaticus. Productive cough (choice D) is more indicative of conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia, not necessarily status asthmaticus.
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A nurse is assessing a client who has an exacerbation of diverticular disease. In which of the following quadrants should the nurse anticipate the client to be experiencing abdominal pain?
- A. Right lower quadrant
- B. Left lower quadrant
- C. Upper left quadrant
- D. Mid-epigastric area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Left lower quadrant. Diverticular disease commonly causes pain in the left lower quadrant due to inflammation or infection of the diverticula, small pouches that can develop in the colon wall. This area corresponds to the location of the descending and sigmoid colon, where most diverticula occur. Pain in the right lower quadrant (choice A) is more indicative of appendicitis. Upper left quadrant pain (choice C) is more likely related to conditions involving the spleen or stomach. Mid-epigastric pain (choice D) is typically associated with issues related to the stomach or pancreas.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving vancomycin intermittent IV bolus therapy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which of the following findings is an indication to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?
- A. The client reports ringing in the ears.
- B. The client is becoming flushed.
- C. The client reports increased thirst.
- D. The client has a decreased urine output.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The client is becoming flushed. Flushing is a common adverse effect of vancomycin, indicating a possible allergic reaction or infusion reaction. Flushing can be a sign of red man syndrome, a severe reaction to vancomycin. The nurse should monitor closely and report this finding to the healthcare provider.
Incorrect Answer Rationale:
A: The client reports ringing in the ears - this is a potential adverse effect of vancomycin, but not as critical as flushing.
C: The client reports increased thirst - this is not typically associated with vancomycin adverse effects.
D: The client has a decreased urine output - this may indicate nephrotoxicity, a known side effect of vancomycin, but flushing is more indicative of an immediate adverse reaction.
A nurse is assessing a client who is undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. Which of the following findings is an indication to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the therapy?
- A. Skin changes
- B. Hypertension
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Increased white blood cell count
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Skin changes. This is because skin changes, such as redness, irritation, or peeling, are common adverse effects of radiation therapy. The skin over the treated area may become sensitive and may develop a sunburn-like appearance. This indicates that the radiation is affecting the skin cells. Hypertension (B), diarrhea (C), and increased white blood cell count (D) are not typically associated with adverse effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer. Hypertension may be related to stress or other factors, diarrhea could be due to other causes, and an increased white blood cell count is not a typical adverse effect of radiation therapy.
A nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin 0.75 mg/kg subcutaneously to a client who weighs 154 lb. The amount available is enoxaparin 60 mg/0.6 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?
- A. 0.4 mL
- B. 0.5 mL
- C. 0.6 mL
- D. 0.7 mL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To calculate the dose of enoxaparin, first convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms: 154 lb/2.2 = 70 kg. Then, calculate the dose: 0.75 mg/kg x 70 kg = 52.5 mg. Since the concentration is 60 mg/0.6 mL, divide the dose needed by the concentration: 52.5 mg/60 mg x 0.6 mL = 0.5 mL. Therefore, the correct answer is B (0.5 mL). Choice A is incorrect as it is less than the calculated dose. Choice C is incorrect as it is based on the concentration but does not match the calculated dose. Choice D is incorrect as it is higher than the calculated dose.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of type 1 diabetes?
- A. Ketones in the urine
- B. Weight gain
- C. Hypotension
- D. Decreased hunger
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ketones in the urine. In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels and breakdown of fats for energy, resulting in ketones in the urine. Weight gain (B) is unlikely as type 1 diabetes is associated with weight loss. Hypotension (C) is not a typical manifestation. Decreased hunger (D) is more commonly seen in type 2 diabetes.