Following a CVA, the nurse assesses that a client developed dysphagia, hypoactive bowel sounds, and a firm, distended abdomen. Which prescription for the client should the nurse question?
- A. Continuous tube feeding at 65 ml/hr via gastrostomy.
- B. Total parenteral nutrition to be infused at 125 ml/hour.
- C. Nasogastric tube connected to low intermittent suction.
- D. Metoclopramide (Reglan) intermittent piggyback.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Continuous tube feeding at 65 ml/hr via gastrostomy. Dysphagia, hypoactive bowel sounds, and a distended abdomen indicate a potential risk for aspiration or impaired gastrointestinal motility. Continuous tube feeding may worsen these conditions. The nurse should question this prescription to prevent further complications. Choices B, C, and D are not immediate concerns for dysphagia and bowel issues. Total parenteral nutrition, nasogastric tube connected to suction, and metoclopramide can be appropriate interventions for nutritional support and bowel motility in this scenario.
You may also like to solve these questions
The client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving hemodialysis. Which finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
- B. Weight gain of 2 pounds since the last dialysis session.
- C. Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dl.
- D. Potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in CKD patients receiving hemodialysis can lead to serious complications like cardiac arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is crucial to report this finding immediately to the healthcare provider for prompt intervention.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg - While elevated, this blood pressure reading is not an immediate concern unless accompanied by symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
B: Weight gain of 2 pounds since the last dialysis session - While weight gain may indicate fluid retention, it is not an urgent issue unless it is rapid and significant.
C: Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dl - A blood glucose level of 120 mg/dl is within the normal range and does not require immediate action in this context.
A recently widowed middle-aged female client presents to the psychiatric clinic for evaluation and tells the nurse that she has 'little reason to live.' She describes one previous suicidal gesture and admits to having a gun in her home. To maintain the client's confidentiality and to help ensure her safety, which action is best for the nurse to implement?
- A. Encourage the client to remove the gun from her possession.
- B. Notify the client's healthcare provider of the availability of the weapon.
- C. Contact a person of the client's choosing to remove the weapon from the home.
- D. Call the local police department and have the weapon removed from the home.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Contact a person of the client's choosing to remove the weapon from the home. This option respects the client's autonomy and confidentiality while ensuring her safety.
1. Encouraging the client to remove the gun (Option A) may not guarantee immediate action and could potentially escalate the situation.
2. Notifying the client's healthcare provider (Option B) could breach confidentiality and may not result in immediate intervention.
3. Calling the police (Option D) could lead to a loss of trust and may not be necessary if the situation can be handled discreetly by someone the client trusts.
Therefore, option C is the best course of action as it respects the client's autonomy, maintains confidentiality, and ensures prompt removal of the weapon to enhance the client's safety.
A healthcare professional is interested in studying the incidence of infant death in a particular city and wants to compare that city's rate to the state's rate. What state resource is most likely to provide this information?
- A. Disease registry.
- B. Department of Health.
- C. Bureau of Vital Statistics.
- D. Census data.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bureau of Vital Statistics. The Bureau of Vital Statistics is responsible for maintaining records on births, deaths, and other vital events in a particular region. Therefore, it is the most likely state resource to provide information on infant death rates. Disease registry (A) typically focuses on specific diseases rather than overall mortality rates. Department of Health (B) may have some data but may not specifically focus on vital statistics. Census data (D) provides population demographics but does not specifically track infant death rates.
A male client is admitted to the neurological unit. He has just sustained a C-5 spinal cord injury. Which assessment finding of this client warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Is unable to feel sensation in the arms and hands.
- B. Has flaccid upper and lower extremities.
- C. Blood pressure is 110/70 and the apical pulse is 68.
- D. Respirations are shallow, labored, and 14 breaths/minute.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because shallow, labored respirations at 14 breaths/minute indicate potential respiratory distress in a client with a C-5 spinal cord injury. This level of injury compromises the function of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, leading to impaired respiratory effort. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent respiratory failure and subsequent complications. Choices A and B are common findings in clients with spinal cord injuries and do not require immediate intervention. Choice C indicates stable vital signs within normal range, which do not necessitate immediate action.
What instruction should be provided to a client with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) who is prescribed nitroglycerin?
- A. Take nitroglycerin with food to avoid stomach upset.
- B. Store nitroglycerin tablets in a dark, glass container.
- C. Swallow nitroglycerin tablets whole without chewing.
- D. Discontinue the medication if a headache occurs.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because nitroglycerin tablets should be stored in a dark, glass container to protect them from light and moisture, which could decrease their effectiveness. Storing them in any other container could lead to degradation of the medication.
Choice A is incorrect because nitroglycerin should be taken sublingually, not with food. Choice C is incorrect because nitroglycerin should be placed under the tongue to be absorbed quickly, not swallowed whole. Choice D is incorrect because experiencing a headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin and does not indicate that the medication should be discontinued.