Morphine sulfate 4 mg IV push q2h prn for chest pain was ordered for a client in the emergency room with severe chest pain. The nurse administering the morphine sulfate knows which of the following therapeutic actions is related to the morphine sulfate?
- A. Increased level of consciousness
- B. Increased rate and depth of respirations
- C. Increased peripheral vasodilation
- D. Increased perception of pain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Morphine sulfate, a narcotic analgesic, causes sedation and a decrease in level of consciousness. The side effects of morphine sulfate include respiratory depression. Morphine sulfate causes peripheral vasodilation, which decreases afterload, producing a decrease in the myocardial workload. Morphine sulfate alters the perception of pain through an unclear mechanism. This alteration promotes pain relief.
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Diabetes during pregnancy requires tight metabolic control of glucose levels to prevent perinatal mortality. When evaluating the pregnant client, the nurse knows the recommended serum glucose range during pregnancy is:
- A. 70 mg/dL and 120 mg/dL
- B. 100 mg/dL and 200 mg/dL
- C. 40 mg/dL and 130 mg/dL
- D. 90 mg/dL and 200 mg/dL
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The recommended range is 70-120 mg/dL to reduce the risk of perinatal mortality. (B, C, D) These levels are not recommended. The higher the blood glucose, the worse the prognosis for the fetus. Hypoglycemia can also have detrimental effects on the fetus.
A 9-year-old child was in the garage with his father, who was repairing a lawnmower. Some gasoline ignited and caused an explosion. His father was killed, and the child has split-thickness and full-thickness burns over 40% of his upper body, face, neck, and arms. All of the following nursing diagnoses are included on his care plan. Which of these nursing diagnoses should have top priority during the first 24-48 hours postburn?
- A. Pain related to tissue damage from burns
- B. Potential for infection related to contamination of wounds
- C. Fluid volume deficit related to increased capillary permeability
- D. Potential for impaired gas exchange related to edema of respiratory tract
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: (A, B, C) These answers are all correct; however, maintenance of airway is the top priority. Persons burned about the face and neck during an explosion are also likely to suffer burns of the respiratory tract, which can lead to edema and respiratory arrest.
A 52-year-old client who underwent an exploratory laparotomy for a bowel obstruction begins to complain of hunger on the third postoperative day. His nasogastric (NG) tube was removed this morning, and he has an IV of D5W with 0.45% normal saline running at 125 mL/hr. He asks when he can get rid of his IV and start eating. The nurse recognizes that he will be able to begin taking oral fluids and nourishment when:
- A. It is determined that he has no signs of wound infection
- B. He is able to eat a full meal without evidence of nausea or vomiting
- C. The nurse can detect bowel sounds in all four quadrants
- D. His blood pressure returns to its preoperative baseline level or greater
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The absence of wound infection is related to his surgical wound and not to postoperative GI functioning and return of peristalsis. Routine postoperative protocol involves detection of bowel sounds and return of peristalsis before introduction of clear liquids, followed by progression of full liquids and a regular diet versus a full regular meal first. Routine postoperative protocol for bowel obstruction is to assess for the return of bowel sounds within 72 hours after major surgery, because that is when bowel sounds normally return. If unable to detect bowel sounds, the surgeon should be notified immediately and have the client remain NPO. Routine postoperative protocol for bowel obstruction and other major surgeries involves frequent monitoring of vital signs in the immediate postoperative period (in recovery room) and then every 4 hours, or more frequently if the client is unstable, on the nursing unit. This includes assessing for signs of hypovolemic shock. Vital signs usually stabilize within the first 24 hours postoperatively.
A client with a history of pancreatitis is admitted with complaints of nausea. The nurse should give priority to:
- A. Administering antiemetics
- B. Monitoring blood pressure
- C. Administering pain medication
- D. Monitoring respiratory rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Antiemetics relieve nausea in pancreatitis, improving comfort and preventing dehydration.
The nurse is caring for a client with a closed head injury. Which intervention is most important to prevent increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
- A. Keep the head of the bed elevated 30–45 degrees.
- B. Administer acetaminophen for headache.
- C. Provide frequent oral care.
- D. Encourage deep breathing exercises.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed 30–45 degrees promotes venous drainage, reducing ICP. Acetaminophen (B), oral care (C), and breathing exercises (D) are supportive but less critical for ICP control.
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