A patient has a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube in place. The nurse enters the room and finds the woman in respiratory distress.
It is MOST important for the nurse to
- A. notify the physician immediately to remove the tube.
- B. elevate the head of the bed and administer oxygen.
- C. cut the balloon ports and remove the tube.
- D. call a code and begin rescue breathing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Strategy: Answers are all implementations. Determine the outcome of each answer choice. Is it desired? (1) need to remove tube immediately to provide for airway (2) does not provide a patent airway (3) correct-scissors always secured at the bedside, remove tube if observe signs of respiratory distress or airway obstruction caused by upward displacement of esophageal balloon (4) unnecessary to call code until respiratory arrest occurs, then establish a patent airway first
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A client is admitted to the trauma intensive care unit (ICU) with a gunshot wound of the neck. The client has a cervical level (C-4) spinal cord injury, is tearful, constantly complains of discomfort, and requests to be suctioned.
The nurse understands that the client's attention-seeking behaviors may be due to
- A. anger and frustration.
- B. awareness of vulnerability.
- C. increased social isolation.
- D. increased sensory stimulation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Strategy: Think about each answer choice. (1) is not accurate for situation (2) correct-is experiencing an increased awareness of his physical vulnerability due to his spinal cord injury; fosters increased dependency needs that are real due to his injury; is trying to determine who is consistent and trustworthy for meeting his significant physical needs (3) is not accurate for situation (4) is not accurate for situation
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of atrial fibrillation who is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.125 mg PO daily. Which of the following laboratory results would be of GREATest concern to the nurse?
- A. Potassium 3.0 mEq/L.
- B. Sodium 140 mEq/L.
- C. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L.
- D. Calcium 9.0 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium 3.0 mEq/L) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can cause life-threatening arrhythmias in atrial fibrillation. Options B, C, and D are normal: sodium 140 mEq/L, magnesium 2.0 mEq/L, and calcium 9.0 mg/dL do not affect digoxin.
A client hospitalized with a fractured mandible is to be discharged. Which piece of equipment should be kept on the client with a fractured mandible?
- A. Wire cutters
- B. Oral airway
- C. Pliers
- D. Tracheostomy set
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Wire cutters are essential for a fractured mandible with wiring, in case of emergency airway obstruction. Oral airway , pliers , and tracheostomy set are not standard.
An older woman hospitalized with a fractured left hip, placed in Buck's traction with a seven-pound weight while awaiting surgery.
Which of the following instructions for moving should be discussed by the nurse to encourage the patient to participate in her care?
- A. Pull up on the overhead trapeze while you push down on your right foot to lift your body.'
- B. With your right arm, grasp the bedside rail on the opposite side and pull yourself over gently.'
- C. I'll raise the head of the bed 45°, and then you lean forward and rotate your hips to the left.'
- D. Swing your right leg over your left leg, and turn from your waist down, keeping your legs straight.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Strategy: All answers are implementations. Determine the outcome of each answer choice. Is it desired? (1) correct-body must move as single, straight unit (2) turning or twisting from the waist down interferes with countertraction (3) prevents proper pull of weights (4) can't turn from side to side, can only move up and down
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of cirrhosis.
- A. Which assessment finding is most concerning for a client with cirrhosis?
- B. Ascites and peripheral edema.
- C. Jaundice and pruritus.
- D. Asterixis and confusion.
- E. Dark, tarry stools.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asterixis and confusion indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis due to ammonia buildup, requiring immediate intervention. Ascites, jaundice, and melena are concerning but less acute.
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