An older adult client with gastroenteritis has been taking the antidiarrheal diphenoxylate for the past 24 hours. What finding requires the nurse to take further action?
- A. Monitor the client's fluid intake.
- B. Obtain a stool sample for testing.
- C. Administer a laxative to clear the infection.
- D. Assess skin turgor and provide fluids.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Assessing skin turgor is crucial as tented skin turgor indicates dehydration, which can be worsened by antidiarrheal medications like diphenoxylate. Providing fluids is essential to address dehydration in this client. Monitoring fluid intake (choice A) is important, but assessing skin turgor takes precedence in this situation. Obtaining a stool sample for testing (choice B) could be necessary for diagnostic purposes but is not the immediate priority. Administering a laxative (choice C) is contraindicated in this case as it can worsen the client's condition by further exacerbating fluid loss.
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A client receiving IV heparin reports abdominal pain and tarry stools. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Prepare to administer protamine sulfate.
- B. Continue the heparin infusion and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Monitor the client's vital signs and assess abdominal pain.
- D. Administer a PRN dose of morphine sulfate.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to prepare to administer protamine sulfate. Abdominal pain and tarry stools are indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious side effect of heparin therapy. Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin and is used to reverse its effects in cases of bleeding. Continuing the heparin infusion (Choice B) is not appropriate when the client is experiencing signs of bleeding. Monitoring vital signs and assessing abdominal pain (Choice C) is important but not the priority when immediate action is required to address potential bleeding. Administering morphine sulfate (Choice D) is not the priority in this situation; addressing the underlying cause of bleeding takes precedence.
The nurse is teaching a group of women about osteoporosis and exercise. The nurse should emphasize the need for which type of regular activity?
- A. Weight-bearing exercise
- B. Aerobic exercise
- C. Low-impact exercises such as swimming
- D. Stretching and flexibility exercises
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercise helps build and maintain bone density, which is critical in preventing osteoporosis. Activities like aerobic exercises, stretching, and low-impact exercises such as swimming are beneficial for overall fitness but do not directly contribute to improving bone strength, making them less effective in preventing osteoporosis.
A client in labor is experiencing late decelerations in fetal heart rate. What intervention should the nurse perform first?
- A. Reposition the client onto her left side.
- B. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula.
- C. Prepare for an emergency cesarean section.
- D. Increase IV fluid administration to improve perfusion.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate fetal distress due to compromised placental perfusion. Repositioning the client onto her left side is the priority intervention as it can increase blood flow to the placenta, improving fetal oxygenation. Applying oxygen via nasal cannula (choice B) can be the next step after repositioning if late decelerations persist. Emergency cesarean section (choice C) is not the initial action for late decelerations unless other interventions are ineffective. Increasing IV fluid administration (choice D) is not the first-line intervention for late decelerations; repositioning takes precedence to address the underlying cause.
A client with acute pancreatitis is receiving intravenous fluids and pain medication. What is the priority assessment for this client?
- A. Monitor bowel sounds
- B. Measure urine output
- C. Assess for abdominal tenderness
- D. Monitor blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monitor blood glucose levels. Clients with acute pancreatitis are prone to hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin production. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. While assessing bowel sounds, urine output, and abdominal tenderness are important in the overall care of a client with acute pancreatitis, monitoring blood glucose levels takes priority to address the immediate risk of hyperglycemia.
A client was just taken off the ventilator after surgery and has a nasogastric tube draining bile-colored liquids. Which nursing measure will provide the most comfort to the client?
- A. Allow the client to melt ice chips in the mouth
- B. Provide mints to freshen the breath
- C. Perform frequent oral care with a tooth sponge
- D. Swab the mouth with glycerin swabs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Performing frequent oral care with a tooth sponge is the most appropriate nursing measure in this scenario. This helps maintain comfort and prevent dryness in clients with nasogastric tubes. Allowing the client to melt ice chips in the mouth may not address oral care needs effectively. Providing mints to freshen the breath is not the priority when the client needs oral care. Swabbing the mouth with glycerin swabs may not be as effective as performing thorough oral care with a tooth sponge.
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