One hour after delivery, the nurse is unable to palpate the uterine fundus of a client and notes a large amount of lochia on the perineal pad. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Empty the bladder using an indwelling urinary catheter
- B. Increase the rate of the IV containing oxytocin (Pitocin)
- C. Assess for shock by determining the blood pressure
- D. Perform gentle massage at the level of the umbilicus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Gentle massage at the level of the umbilicus is the initial intervention to help contract the uterus and reduce bleeding, which is crucial in managing postpartum hemorrhage. Emptying the bladder can help with fundal displacement, but massage should be done first to stimulate uterine contractions. Increasing the IV oxytocin rate is a possible intervention but not the initial priority. Assessing for shock is important, but addressing the uterine atony through massage takes precedence to prevent further hemorrhage.
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The nurse is assessing a client who has a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which finding indicates that the client is at risk for digoxin toxicity?
- A. Heart rate of 60 beats per minute
- B. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
- C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
- D. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A low serum potassium level increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity is more likely to occur in individuals with low potassium levels because potassium is crucial for proper heart function. A heart rate of 60 beats per minute, blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg, and respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute are within normal ranges and do not directly indicate an increased risk of digoxin toxicity.
A male client is admitted to the mental health unit because he experiences panic attacks when driving on the freeway. To attempt to desensitize this fear, what action should the nurse encourage the client to implement?
- A. Watch training videos of people driving in various environments
- B. Begin visualizing himself driving each route to the freeway
- C. Take antianxiety medication two hours before driving on freeways
- D. Get in the car with a support person and drive on a freeway during rush hour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Visualization techniques, such as visualizing himself driving each route to the freeway, are commonly used in desensitization therapy to help clients gradually overcome their fears. Watching videos of others driving or taking medication do not actively involve the client in facing their fear, which is essential in desensitization therapy. Getting in the car with a support person during rush hour may exacerbate the client's anxiety rather than help in desensitization.
A client who is 12-hours post-op following a left hip replacement has an indwelling urinary catheter. The nurse determines that the client's urinary output is 60 ml in the past 3 hours. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Assess the client's vital signs
- B. Irrigate the catheter with 30 ml of sterile normal saline
- C. Notify the healthcare provider
- D. Replace the catheter with a larger size
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a client post-op with low urinary output, the first action the nurse should take is to assess the client's vital signs. Vital signs can provide valuable information about the client's overall condition, fluid status, and potential complications. Assessing the vital signs can help the nurse to determine if the low urine output is indicative of a larger issue that needs immediate attention. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline may be necessary but should not be the first action without assessing the client. Notifying the healthcare provider should follow assessment if there are concerns. Replacing the catheter with a larger size is not indicated solely based on low urinary output and should not be the first action taken.
Assessment findings of a 3-hour-old newborn include: axillary temperature of 97.7°F, heart rate of 140 beats/minute with a soft murmur, and irregular respiratory rate at 42 breaths/min. Based on these findings, what action should the nurse implement?
- A. Place a pulse oximeter on the heel
- B. Swaddle the infant in a warm blanket
- C. Record the findings on the flow sheet
- D. Check the vital signs in 15 minutes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to record the findings on the flow sheet. These assessment findings are within normal limits for a 3-hour-old newborn. The axillary temperature of 97.7°F, heart rate of 140 beats/minute with a soft murmur, and irregular respiratory rate of 42 breaths/min are all expected in a newborn. No immediate intervention is needed, so the nurse should document these normal findings for future reference. Placing a pulse oximeter on the heel or swaddling the infant in a warm blanket is not indicated as the vital signs are within normal limits. Checking the vital signs in 15 minutes is unnecessary since the current findings are normal.
A healthcare provider is assessing a client who is receiving treatment for dehydration. Which assessment finding indicates that the client is responding to the treatment?
- A. Dry mucous membranes
- B. Increased urine output
- C. Decreased skin turgor
- D. Elevated heart rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased urine output is a positive sign indicating that the client is responding to the treatment for dehydration. It suggests that the client's kidneys are functioning better, helping to eliminate excess fluid and waste products from the body. Dry mucous membranes (Choice A) are a sign of dehydration, not improvement. Decreased skin turgor (Choice C) and elevated heart rate (Choice D) are also symptoms of dehydration and do not indicate a positive response to treatment.