During a home visit, the nurse observed an elderly client with diabetes slip and fall. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Give the client 4 ounces of orange juice
- B. Call 911 to summon emergency assistance
- C. Check the client for lacerations or fractures
- D. Assess client's blood sugar level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take after an elderly client with diabetes slips and falls is to check the client for lacerations or fractures. This is crucial to assess for any immediate physical injuries that may need immediate attention. Giving orange juice or assessing the blood sugar level may be important later but checking for injuries takes precedence to ensure the client's safety and well-being. Calling 911 should be considered if there are severe injuries or if the client is in distress, but checking for lacerations or fractures is the priority at the moment.
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In caring for a client with a PCA infusion of morphine sulfate through the right cephalic vein, the nurse assesses that the client is lethargic with a blood pressure of 90/60, pulse rate of 118 beats per minute, and respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute. What assessment should the nurse perform next?
- A. Note the appearance and patency of the client's peripheral IV site.
- B. Palpate the volume of the client's right radial pulse.
- C. Auscultate the client's breath sounds bilaterally.
- D. Observe the amount and dose of morphine in the PCA pump syringe.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is dealing with a lethargic client with concerning vital signs after a PCA infusion of morphine sulfate. The next assessment the nurse should perform is to observe the amount and dose of morphine in the PCA pump syringe. This is crucial to evaluate for possible overdose, as the client's symptoms could be indicative of opioid toxicity. Checking the morphine amount and dose will help the nurse adjust the treatment accordingly. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address the potential cause of the client's lethargy and abnormal vital signs related to the morphine infusion.
A client with cirrhosis is admitted with ascites and jaundice. Which clinical finding is most concerning?
- A. Peripheral edema
- B. Increased abdominal girth
- C. Confusion and altered mental status
- D. Yellowing of the skin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Confusion and altered mental status are the most concerning clinical findings in a client with cirrhosis because they may indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication that requires immediate intervention. Peripheral edema (choice A) and increased abdominal girth (choice B) are common manifestations of cirrhosis but are not as acutely concerning as signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Yellowing of the skin (choice D) is due to jaundice, which is already present in the client and does not directly indicate a worsening condition like confusion and altered mental status.
A 26-year-old female client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of a simple goiter, and levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid) is prescribed. Which symptoms indicate to the nurse that the prescribed dosage is too high for this client?
- A. Palpitations and shortness of breath
- B. Bradycardia and constipation
- C. Lethargy and lack of appetite
- D. Muscle cramping and dry, flushed skin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. An overdose of thyroid preparation generally manifests symptoms of an agitated state such as tremors, palpitations, shortness of breath, tachycardia, increased appetite, agitation, sweating, and diarrhea. Palpitations and shortness of breath are signs of excessive thyroid medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect symptoms for a dosage that is too high. Bradycardia and constipation, lethargy and lack of appetite, muscle cramping and dry, flushed skin are more indicative of hypothyroidism or an insufficient dosage of levothyroxine.
The nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which laboratory value should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dl
- B. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dl
- C. Potassium of 6.5 mEq/L
- D. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dl
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is dangerously high, a condition known as hyperkalemia, and requires immediate intervention to prevent cardiac complications. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, making it crucial to notify the healthcare provider promptly. Choices A, B, and D do not indicate immediate life-threatening conditions. Elevated serum creatinine levels are expected in CKD, a hemoglobin level of 10 g/dl is within a reasonable range, and a blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl is not acutely concerning in this context.
A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm³
- B. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL
- C. Liver function tests
- D. Platelet count of 150,000/mm³
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Liver function tests. Methotrexate can cause hepatotoxicity, making it essential to closely monitor liver function tests in clients receiving this medication. Monitoring white blood cell count, hemoglobin, or platelet count is not specifically required for methotrexate therapy and would not provide relevant information regarding potential adverse effects of the medication.