Nokea
One day after abdominal surgery, an obese client complains of pain and heaviness in the right calf. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Observe for unilateral swelling
- B. Administer pain medication
- C. Elevate the leg and apply a warm compress
- D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to observe for unilateral swelling. Unilateral swelling could indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious complication that requires immediate assessment. Administering pain medication or applying warm compress may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Notifying the healthcare provider should be done after assessing and identifying the issue of unilateral swelling.
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A client with chronic heart failure is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?
- A. Serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L
- B. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
- C. Serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl
- D. Blood glucose of 200 mg/dl
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L requires immediate intervention in a client receiving furosemide. Furosemide can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia, which can be dangerous, especially in patients with heart failure. Hypokalemia can predispose the client to cardiac dysrhythmias, weakness, and other complications. Therefore, prompt intervention is necessary to prevent these adverse effects.
Choice B (Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L) is within the normal range and does not require immediate intervention. Choice C (Serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl) may indicate kidney dysfunction but does not pose an immediate threat to the client's safety. Choice D (Blood glucose of 200 mg/dl) may suggest hyperglycemia, which is important but not as urgent as addressing hypokalemia in a client with heart failure receiving furosemide.
After checking the fingerstick glucose at 1630, what action should be implemented?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer 8 units of insulin aspart SubQ.
- C. Give an IV bolus of Dextrose 50% 50 ml.
- D. Perform quality control on the glucometer.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering insulin aspart (rapid-acting insulin) is the appropriate action to manage the elevated glucose level of 1630. Choice A, notifying the healthcare provider, is not the immediate action needed for this glucose level. Choice C, giving an IV bolus of Dextrose 50%, would exacerbate hyperglycemia instead of treating it. Choice D, performing quality control on the glucometer, is not relevant to the management of the patient's glucose level at this time.
The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Shortness of breath
- B. Jugular venous distention
- C. Crackles in the lungs
- D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Crackles in the lungs indicate pulmonary congestion in a client with left-sided heart failure and require immediate intervention to prevent respiratory failure. Crackles suggest fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and potentially respiratory distress. Shortness of breath, jugular venous distention, and peripheral edema are common manifestations of heart failure but do not directly indicate acute respiratory compromise like crackles in the lungs do.
A client with hyperthyroidism who has not been responsive to medications is admitted for evaluation. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Review the client's medication history.
- C. Prepare the client for thyroid function tests.
- D. Initiate seizure precautions.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a scenario where a client with hyperthyroidism is not responding to medications, the nurse's priority action should be to notify the healthcare provider. This is important because the client may require immediate intervention, such as adjusting the treatment plan or exploring alternative therapies. Reviewing the client's medication history (choice B) may be relevant but not as urgent as involving the healthcare provider. While preparing the client for thyroid function tests (choice C) may be necessary as part of the evaluation process, it is not the most immediate action to take. Initiating seizure precautions (choice D) is not directly related to the non-responsiveness of medications in hyperthyroidism and is not a priority in this situation.
A client with urticaria due to environmental allergies is taking diphenhydramine. Which complaint should the nurse identify as a side effect of the OTC medication?
- A. Nausea and indigestion.
- B. Hypersalivation.
- C. Eyelid and facial twitching.
- D. Increased appetite.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nausea and indigestion. Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and indigestion. This medication can have anticholinergic effects, leading to these symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypersalivation, eyelid and facial twitching, and increased appetite are not typically associated with diphenhydramine use.