In the critical care unit, which client should receive the most care hours by a registered nurse (RN)?
- A. A client with a newly inserted Foley catheter and Alzheimer's disease
- B. A 55-year-old with chronic kidney disease
- C. An 82-year-old client with a newly fractured femur and soft wrist restraints
- D. A 72-year-old with pneumonia and sepsis on antibiotics
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client with a newly fractured femur and soft wrist restraints should receive the most care hours as they have physical limitations due to the fracture and mental limitations due to being restrained. This client requires continuous monitoring, support, and frequent assessments to prevent complications. Choices A, B, and D do not have the same level of physical and mental care needs as the client with the newly fractured femur and soft wrist restraints.
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Prior to surgery, written consent must be obtained. What is the nurse's legal responsibility with regard to obtaining written consent?
- A. Witness the consent and sign the form as a witness
- B. Inform the client of alternatives to the procedure
- C. Explain the procedure in detail to the client
- D. Determine that the surgical consent form has been signed and is included in the client's record
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse's legal responsibility is to ensure that informed consent has been obtained by verifying that the client has signed the form and that it is included in the record. Witnessing the consent and signing as a witness is not the nurse's role, as this is typically done by a neutral party. Informing the client of alternatives to the procedure and explaining the procedure in detail are responsibilities of the healthcare provider performing the surgery, not the nurse.
A client is diagnosed with chronic renal failure, and the nurse is teaching dietary modifications. What should be limited in this client's diet?
- A. Carbohydrates
- B. Fats
- C. Proteins
- D. Vitamins
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In chronic renal failure, proteins should be limited in the diet. When the kidneys are not functioning well, the buildup of protein byproducts can put additional stress on them. Limiting protein intake can help reduce the burden on the kidneys. Carbohydrates and fats do not need to be restricted in the same way as proteins. Vitamins are essential nutrients that should not be limited in the diet unless specified by a healthcare provider for a specific reason.
The nurse is caring for a client following a craniotomy. Which finding should the nurse report immediately?
- A. Pupils equal and reactive to light.
- B. Sudden increase in urine output.
- C. Diminished breath sounds bilaterally.
- D. Increase in blood pressure by 20 mmHg.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Diminished breath sounds bilaterally.' This finding should be reported immediately as it could indicate a serious complication such as increased intracranial pressure or respiratory compromise. In a post-craniotomy client, changes in breath sounds may be a sign of developing issues that need prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and D are not as critical in the immediate post-craniotomy period. Pupils equal and reactive to light are expected findings, a sudden increase in urine output may require monitoring but not immediate reporting, and a small increase in blood pressure may not be alarming unless it is significantly high or accompanied by other concerning signs.
A client with diabetes mellitus presents with a blood sugar level of 320 mg/dL. What is the nurse's initial action?
- A. Administer sliding scale insulin as prescribed
- B. Encourage the client to drink fluids
- C. Provide the client with a carbohydrate snack
- D. Assess the client for signs of hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client with diabetes mellitus presents with a high blood sugar level of 320 mg/dL, the nurse's initial action should be to administer sliding scale insulin as prescribed. The priority is to bring down the elevated glucose level promptly to prevent further complications. Encouraging the client to drink fluids or providing a carbohydrate snack would not effectively address the elevated blood sugar level in this scenario. Assessing for signs of hypoglycemia is not appropriate as the client's blood sugar level is high, not low.
The nurse is assessing a client with rheumatoid arthritis who is taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor?
- A. Potassium
- B. Hemoglobin
- C. Serum creatinine
- D. White blood cell count
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client with rheumatoid arthritis is taking NSAIDs, the nurse should monitor serum creatinine levels. NSAIDs can potentially cause kidney damage, so monitoring creatinine levels helps assess for renal impairment. While monitoring hemoglobin, potassium, and white blood cell count may also be relevant in some cases, serum creatinine is the priority due to the risk of renal complications associated with NSAID use.