Nokea
An older client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for assessment of a recent onset of dementia. The PN notes that in the evening this client often becomes restless, confused, and agitated. Which intervention is most important for the PN to implement?
- A. Ask family members to remain with the client in the evenings from 5 to 8 pm
- B. Administer a prescribed PRN benzodiazepine at the onset of a confused state
- C. Ensure that the client is assigned to a room close to the nurses' station
- D. Postpone administration of nighttime medications until after 11 pm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sundowning, a phenomenon where dementia symptoms worsen in the evening, can be managed by ensuring the client is close to the nurses' station for frequent monitoring and quick intervention, if necessary. This reduces the risk of harm and helps manage agitation. Asking family members to remain with the client may not always be feasible and does not address the need for close monitoring. Administering benzodiazepines should not be the first-line intervention for sundowning as it can increase the risk of falls and other adverse effects. Postponing medication administration may disrupt the client's routine and potentially worsen symptoms.
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What is the best thing to say to a patient scheduled for cataract surgery who is concerned that the physician works on the correct eye?
- A. You are wearing an ID bracelet that will let the medical team know which eye to work on.
- B. When you are taken to the surgery area, the medical staff will confirm which eye needs the surgery.
- C. The surgeon will mark the correct eye before the cataract surgery based on your medical records.
- D. You will wear an ID bracelet, and the nurse will verify the eye scheduled for surgery by comparing it with your records and marking it with a permanent marker.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best response reassures the patient by explaining the process of verifying and marking the correct eye, a safety measure to prevent wrong-site surgery, directly addressing the patient's concern. Choice A is close but implies the ID bracelet alone determines the correct eye, missing the verification process. Choice B talks about confirmation but lacks details about marking the correct eye. Choice C mentions the surgeon's record but does not specify the direct verification and marking process, unlike Choice D.
A client with a prescription for a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit for pain management asks how it works. What information should the nurse reinforce?
- A. The discharge of electricity will distract the client's focus from the pain
- B. An infusion of medication in the spinal canal will block pain perception
- C. Pain perception in the cerebral cortex is dulled by the unit's discharge of an electrical stimulus
- D. A mild electrical stimulus on the skin surface closes the gates of nerve conduction for severe pain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. TENS works by delivering a mild electrical stimulus that can block pain signals from reaching the brain, effectively reducing the perception of pain. Choice A is incorrect because TENS does not distract from pain but rather interferes with pain signals. Choice B is incorrect as TENS does not involve infusing medication into the spinal canal. Choice C is also incorrect because TENS does not target the cerebral cortex to dull pain perception but rather works at the level of nerve conduction.
What is the correct order of steps in the nursing process?
- A. Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
- B. Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, Diagnosis, Assessment
- C. Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
- D. Implementation, Planning, Evaluation, Diagnosis, Assessment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct order in the nursing process is Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. Assessment involves gathering information about the patient, Diagnosis is identifying the problem, Planning involves setting goals and outcomes, Implementation is carrying out the plan, and Evaluation is assessing the outcomes. Choices B, C, and D have the steps in the incorrect order, not following the standard nursing process framework. Therefore, the correct answer is option A.
The PN administered darbepoetin alfa to a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which serum laboratory value should the PN monitor to assess the effectiveness of this drug?
- A. Calcium
- B. Phosphorus
- C. Hemoglobin
- D. White blood cell count
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Darbepoetin alfa is used to stimulate red blood cell production in clients with CKD. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to adjust the dosage to avoid complications such as hypertension or thrombosis. Monitoring calcium (Choice A), phosphorus (Choice B), or white blood cell count (Choice D) is not directly related to the effectiveness of darbepoetin alfa in treating anemia associated with CKD.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause cardiac arrhythmias?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hypocalcemia
- C. Hypernatremia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hyperkalemia is the correct answer as it can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias due to its effects on the electrical conduction of the heart. High levels of potassium can disrupt the normal electrical activity of the heart, potentially leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Hypocalcemia (choice B) is not the most likely cause of cardiac arrhythmias compared to hyperkalemia. Hypernatremia (choice C), referring to high sodium levels, is not directly associated with causing cardiac arrhythmias. While hypokalemia (choice D), low potassium levels, can also lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hyperkalemia is the more likely culprit in causing severe disturbances in heart rhythm.