As part of cardiac assessment, to palpate the apical pulse, the nurse places the fingertips at which location?
- A. At the left midclavicular line at the fifth intercostal space
- B. At the left midclavicular line at the third intercostal space
- C. To the right of the left midclavicular line at the fifth intercostal space
- D. To the right of the left midclavicular line at the third intercostal space
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The point of maximal impulse (PMI), where the apical pulse is palpated, is normally located in the fourth or fifth intercostal space, at the left midclavicular line. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not descriptions of the location for palpation of the apical pulse.
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A client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease is prescribed epoetin alfa. When discussing measures needed to support this medication therapy, the nurse should include information regarding which supplement?
- A. Iron
- B. Zinc
- C. Calcium
- D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Epoetin alfa is a hematopoietic agent used to stimulate red blood cell production in clients with anemia, such as those with chronic kidney disease. Iron supplementation is necessary to support this therapy because adequate iron stores are required for effective erythropoiesis. Without sufficient iron, the effectiveness of epoetin alfa is reduced. Zinc, calcium, and magnesium are not directly related to supporting red blood cell production in this context.
A child diagnosed with rheumatic fever is admitted to the hospital. The nurse prepares to manage which clinical manifestations of this disorder? Select all that apply.
- A. Cardiac murmur
- B. Cardiac enlargement
- C. Cool pale skin over the joints
- D. White painful skin lesions on the trunk
- E. Small nontender lumps on bony prominences
- F. Purposeless jerky movements of the extremities and face
Correct Answer: A,B,E,F
Rationale: Rheumatic fever is a systemic inflammatory disease that may develop as a delayed reaction to an inadequately treated infection of the upper respiratory tract by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Clinical manifestations of rheumatic fever are related to the inflammatory response. Major manifestations include carditis manifested as inflammation of the endocardium, including the valves, myocardium, and pericardium; cardiac murmur and cardiac enlargement; subcutaneous nodules, manifested as small nontender lumps on joints and bony prominences; chorea, manifested as involuntary, purposeless jerky movements of the legs, arms, and face with speech impairment; arthritis manifested as tender, warm erythematous skin over the joints; and erythema marginatum, manifested as red, painless skin lesions usually over the trunk.
An adolescent is admitted to the orthopedic nursing unit after spinal rod insertion for the treatment of scoliosis. Which assessments are most important in the immediate postoperative period when considering the client's neurovascular status? Select all that apply.
- A. Pain level
- B. Urinary output
- C. Ability to move all extremities
- D. Capillary refill in all extremities
- E. Ability to flex and extend the feet
- F. Ability to detect sensations in all extremities
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F
Rationale: When the spinal column is manipulated during surgery, altered neurovascular status is a possible complication; therefore, neurovascular checks, including circulation, sensation, and motion, should be done at least every 2 hours. Level of pain and urinary output are important postoperative assessments, but neurovascular status is more important.
A client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central venous catheter (CVC) is scheduled to receive an intravenous (IV) antibiotic. Which intervention should the nurse implement before administering the antibiotic?
- A. Turn off the TPN for 30 minutes.
- B. Ensure a separate IV access route.
- C. Flush the CVC with normal saline.
- D. Check for compatibility with TPN.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The TPN line is used only for the administration of the TPN solution to prevent crystallization in the CVC tubing and disruption of the TPN infusion. Any other IV medication must be administered through a separate IV access site, including a separate infusion port of the CVC catheter. Therefore, options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect actions.
The nurse performing a prenatal assessment on a client in the first trimester of pregnancy discovers that the client frequently consumes beverages containing alcohol. Why should the nurse initiate interventions immediately to assist the client in avoiding alcohol consumption?
- A. To reduce the potential for fetal growth restriction in utero
- B. To promote the normal psychosocial adaptation of the mother to pregnancy
- C. To minimize the potential for placental abruptions during the intrapartum period
- D. To reduce the risk of teratogenic effects to embryo's developing fetal organs and tissue
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol consumption during the first trimester poses a significant risk for teratogenic effects, as this is a critical period for organogenesis in the developing embryo. Exposure to alcohol can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome or other congenital anomalies, making immediate intervention essential to protect fetal development. While fetal growth restriction, psychosocial adaptation, and placental abruption are concerns, they are less directly associated with early pregnancy alcohol exposure compared to teratogenic effects.