Once generated, what may block the transmission of an action potential along a peripheral nerve fiber to the dorsal root of the spinal cord?
- A. The transmission may be interrupted by drugs such as local anesthetics.
- B. Nothing can stop the action potential along an intact nerve until it reaches the spinal cord.
- C. The action potential must cross several synapses, points at which the impulse may be blocked by drugs.
- D. The nerve fiber produces neurotransmitters that may activate nearby nerve fibers to transmit pain impulses.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Local anesthetics can block the transmission of action potentials along peripheral nerves.
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A client with lung cancer has received oxycodone 10 mg orally for pain. When the student nurse assesses the client, which finding should you instruct the student to report immediately?
- A. Respiratory rate of 8 to 10 per minute
- B. Pain level decreased from 6/10 to 2/10
- C. Client requests room door be closed
- D. Heart rate 90-100 per minute
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oxycodone can depress respiration; a respiratory rate of 8-10 per minute is abnormally low and requires immediate attention to prevent respiratory failure.
A client has a pleural chest tube. Which action should the nurse take to ensure safe use of this equipment?
- A. Never strip the tubing to maintain patency.
- B. Secure tubing junctions with tape to prevent accidental disconnections.
- C. Set wall suction at the level recommended by the device manufacturer.
- D. Keep padded clamps at the bedside for use if the drainage system is interrupted.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Keep padded clamps at the bedside for use if the drainage system is interrupted. This is essential because if the drainage system is interrupted, the nurse needs to immediately clamp the tube to prevent air from entering the pleural space. Clamping the tube can prevent a potentially life-threatening situation.
A: Never strip the tubing to maintain patency - Stripping the tubing can lead to increased negative pressure, which can be harmful.
B: Secure tubing junctions with tape to prevent accidental disconnections - While securing tubing is important, clamping the tube in case of interruption is more critical.
C: Set wall suction at the level recommended by the device manufacturer - This is important for proper functioning but not as crucial as having clamps ready for emergencies.
When assessing a client with anxiety disorder, what does the nurse observe for evidence of various levels of anxiety?
- A. Absence of crying
- B. Talking excessively
- C. Being motionless
- D. Not complaining
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excessive talking may indicate heightened anxiety as the client attempts to distract themselves from their worries.
You have been pulled to the telemetry unit for the day. The monitor watcher informs you that the client has developed prominent U waves. Which laboratory value should you check immediately?
- A. Sodium
- B. Potassium
- C. Magnesium
- D. Calcium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prominent U waves on an ECG strip are typically associated with hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Checking potassium levels is critical to address potential cardiac complications.
A client with a long history of smoking is being assessed by a nurse. Which finding is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
- A. Decreased anteroposterior chest diameter
- B. Increased breath sounds
- C. Prolonged expiratory phase
- D. Increased chest expansion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. COPD is characterized by airway obstruction, leading to difficulty exhaling.
2. Prolonged expiratory phase is a common finding due to air trapping.
3. This leads to hyperinflation and increased residual volume.
4. Decreased anteroposterior chest diameter is not typical in COPD.
5. Increased breath sounds and chest expansion are not common in COPD.
In summary, choice C is correct because it directly relates to the pathophysiology of COPD, while the other choices are not consistent with the condition.