Laboratory tests reveal the following electrolyte values for Mr. Smith: Na 135 mEq/L, Ca 8.5 mg/dL, Cl 102 mEq/L, and K 2.0 mEq/L. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the physician because of its potential risk to the client?
- A. Ca
- B. K
- C. Na
- D. Cl
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A potassium level of 2.0 mEq/L is critically low (normal 3.5-5.5 mEq/L), risking cardiac arrhythmias, and should be reported immediately.
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When teaching a client about anti-retroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the PN should emphasize:
- A. When started, therapy must not be interrupted to prevent viral resistance
- B. When started, therapy must not be interrupted to prevent opportunistic infection
- C. Therapy should be interrupted for one day each month to prevent toxicity
- D. Therapy should be interrupted for one week every three months to prevent toxicity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: HIV mutates very rapidly, and any interruption of therapy can allow viral resistance to emerge - even taking a dose late. Choice B is incorrect because, when the virus is kept in check with anti-retrovirals, the client's own immune system is able to keep opportunistic infections at bay. Choices C and D are incorrect because therapy should not be interrupted for any reason. If the client develops toxicity, another anti-retroviral drug might be prescribed.
Which of the following nursing diagnoses is most appropriate for the client experiencing acute pancreatitis?
- A. Confusion
- B. Latex Allergy
- C. Acute Pain
- D. Constipation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acute Pain is most appropriate for the client experiencing acute pancreatitis, as pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pain due to inflammation and autodigestion of the pancreas.
A nurse is working in a pediatric clinic and a 25 year-old mother comes in with a 4 week-old baby. The mother is stressed out about loss of sleep and the baby exhibits signs of colic. Which of the following techniques should the nurse teach the mother?
- A. Distraction of the infant with a red object
- B. Prone positioning techniques
- C. Tapping reflex techniques
- D. Neural warmth techniques
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Neural warmth will help to lower the baby's agitation level, soothing the colic symptoms.
Clients who take iron preparations should be warned of the possible side effects, which might include:
- A. dizziness and orthostatic hypotension
- B. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and stomach cramps
- C. drowsiness, lethargy, and fatigue
- D. neuropathy and tingling in the extremities
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Iron supplements commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach cramps, requiring client education.
A client newly diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus needs education. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in this education?
- A. You can eat anything you want, but no foods with sugar.'
- B. You need to lose weight, so your diet must be a restricted one.'
- C. You need a diet and exercise program.'
- D. You must eliminate all salt, fat, and sugar from your diet.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A balanced diet and exercise program are essential for managing diabetes, promoting glycemic control and overall health without extreme restrictions.