During an assessment of a client with cardiomyopathy, the nurse finds that the systolic blood pressure has decreased from 145 to 110 mm Hg and the heart rate has risen from 72 to 96 beats per minute and the client complains of periodic dizzy spells. The nurse instructs the client to
- A. increase fluids that are high in protein
- B. restrict fluids
- C. force fluids and reassess blood pressure
- D. limit fluids to non-caffeine beverages
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Postural hypotension, a decrease in systolic blood pressure of more than 15 mm Hg and an increase in heart rate of more than 15 percent usually accompanied by dizziness indicates volume depletion, inadequate vasoconstrictor mechanisms, and autonomic insufficiency.
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The family of a frail elderly man who is bedridden asks the nurse what they can do to prevent bedsores. Which response by the nurse is best?
- A. Get him out of bed at least once a day.'
- B. Turn him every two hours.'
- C. Rub his buttocks and apply lotion several times a day.'
- D. Change the sheets every day.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Turning every two hours relieves pressure on bony prominences, preventing pressure ulcers. Getting out of bed may be infeasible, and rubbing or sheet changes are less effective.
The nurse is talking with the spouse of a client who is eligible for hospice care. The spouse states, 'I do not know if I can make this decision. What would you do?' Which of the following responses would be appropriate for the nurse to make?
- A. These decisions are challenging. Tell me about your spouse's beliefs regarding end-of-life care.
- B. You seem overwhelmed. I will ask the chaplain to speak with you about available options.
- C. I find it helpful to investigate all options. I will get you a pamphlet about hospice services.
- D. I had to make a similar decision when my spouse was ill. Do what feels best for you.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should remain neutral and facilitate discussion about the client's values and preferences, helping the spouse make an informed decision without personal bias or directing to other resources prematurely.
The nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching on a client with polycythemia vera. Which would be included in the teaching plan?
- A. Avoid large crowds.
- B. Keep the head of the bed elevated at night.
- C. Wear socks and gloves when going outside.
- D. Know the signs and symptoms of thrombosis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Polycythemia vera increases blood viscosity, raising the risk of thrombosis. Teaching the client to recognize signs and symptoms of thrombosis, such as swelling or pain in extremities, is critical. Avoiding large crowds relates to infection risk, not thrombosis. Elevating the head of the bed is unrelated, and wearing socks and gloves is more relevant for conditions like Raynaud's.
The licensed practical nurse (LPN) assigns the ambulation of a client to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). The LPN observes UAP placing the clients Foley bag on the IV pole at the level of the client's chest during client ambulation down the length of the hallway. What action should the LPN take initially?
- A. Immediately lower the bag and speak privately to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)
- B. Let UAP complete assigned tasks and speak to them at the end of the shift
- C. Praise UAP for encouraging the client to walk the entire hallway
- D. Speak with the nurse manager about the need for UAP inservice education
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Foley bag must be kept below bladder level to prevent urine backflow and infection risk. Immediate correction and private education ensure safety and learning without delay.
The nurse is caring for a bedridden client experiencing fecal incontinence. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority for this client?
- A. Consult with the wound care nurse specialist
- B. Insert a rectal tube to contain the feces
- C. Provide perianal skin care with barrier cream
- D. Use incontinence briefs to protect the skin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Perianal skin care with barrier cream prevents skin breakdown, a common complication of fecal incontinence. Wound care consultation follows if breakdown occurs. Rectal tubes risk complications, and briefs may trap moisture, worsening irritation.
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