The best way to tell whether or not a patient is breathing, is for the nurse to watch the movement of the:
- A. Extremities
- B. Head
- C. Eyeball
- D. Chest and nostrils A1 PASSERS TRAINING, RESEARCH, REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT COMPANY MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING SET L
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, "Chest and nostrils." This is because observing the movement of the chest and nostrils is the most reliable way to determine if a patient is breathing. The chest rises and falls with each breath, and the nostrils may flare or move as air is inhaled and exhaled. Monitoring these areas provides a direct indication of respiratory effort. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly reflect the act of breathing. Extremities, head, and eyeball movements are not reliable indicators of breathing function.
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Which of the following lab value profiles should the nurse know to be consistent with hemolytic anemia?
- A. Increased RBC, decreased bilirubin, decreased Hgb and Hct, increased reticulocytes
- B. Decreased RBC, increased bilirubin, decreased Hgb and Hct, increased reticulocytes
- C. Decreased RBC, decreased bilirubin, increased Hgb and Hct, decreased reticulocytes
- D. Increased RBC, increased bilirubin, increased Hgb and Hct, decreased reticulocytes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (A):
1. Increased RBC: Hemolytic anemia leads to increased RBC production as the body compensates for the destruction of red blood cells.
2. Decreased bilirubin: Bilirubin levels decrease due to the accelerated breakdown of red blood cells.
3. Decreased Hgb and Hct: Hemolysis causes a decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels as red blood cells are destroyed.
4. Increased reticulocytes: Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells released by the bone marrow in response to increased RBC destruction.
Summary:
- Choice B is incorrect as hemolytic anemia would lead to increased, not decreased, bilirubin levels.
- Choice C is incorrect as hemolytic anemia would lead to decreased, not increased, Hgb and Hct levels.
- Choice D is incorrect as hemolytic anemia would not lead to increased levels of all parameters
A nurse is completing an assessment using the PQRST to obtain data about the patient’s chest pain. Match the questions to the components of the PQRST that the nurse will be using.
- A. Where is the pain located?
- B. What causes the pain?
- C. Does it come and go?
- D. What does the pain feel like?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Where is the pain located? In the PQRST mnemonic, "P" stands for provocation, "Q" for quality, "R" for region/radiation, "S" for severity, and "T" for timing. The question "Where is the pain located?" corresponds to the "R" component, which is region/radiation. This question helps the nurse identify the specific area where the pain is localized, which can provide valuable information for diagnosis.
Explanation of other choices:
B: What causes the pain? This question relates more to the "P" component, which is provocation, rather than the region/radiation aspect.
C: Does it come and go? This question pertains to the "T" component, which is timing, focusing on the pattern of the pain rather than the specific location.
D: What does the pain feel like? This question is more aligned with the "Q" component, which is quality,
A client has cancer that has me tastasized to her bones. She is complaining of increased thirst, polyuria and decreased muscle tone. Her lab values are: Na 139mEq/L, k 4 mEq/L, Cl 103 mEq/L, and Ca 8 mg/dl. What electrolyte imbalance is present?
- A. Hypocalcemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Hypochloremia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypercalcemia. Increased thirst and polyuria are symptoms of hypercalcemia, as excess calcium can lead to dehydration and increased urine output. Decreased muscle tone is also a common symptom of hypercalcemia. The lab value of Ca 8 mg/dl confirms high levels of calcium in the blood.
Incorrect choices:
A: Hypocalcemia - This is incorrect as the lab value of Ca 8 mg/dl indicates normal to high levels of calcium, ruling out hypocalcemia.
B: Hyperkalemia - This is incorrect as the lab value of K 4 mEq/L is within normal range, ruling out hyperkalemia.
D: Hypochloremia - This is incorrect as the lab value of Cl 103 mEq/L is within normal range, ruling out hypochloremia.
Which screening test for colorectal cancer should the nurse recommend?
- A. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test
- B. Annual digital examination after age 50
- C. Barium enema after age 50
- D. Proctosigmoidoscopy after age 50
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct screening test for colorectal cancer is D: Proctosigmoidoscopy after age 50. This test allows direct visualization of the lower colon and rectum, aiding in the detection of polyps or tumors. It is recommended for individuals over 50 years old to screen for colorectal cancer. A: CEA test is not a primary screening tool but rather used for monitoring cancer progression. B: Annual digital examination is not sufficient for colorectal cancer screening. C: Barium enema is less effective compared to colonoscopy for detecting abnormalities in the colon.
A client who has been taking prednisone to treat lupus erythematosus has discontinued the medication because of lack of funds to buy the drug. When the nurse becomes aware of the situation, which assessment is most important for the nurse to make first?
- A. breath sounds
- B. blood pressure
- C. capillary refill
- D. butterfly rash
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice B being correct:
1. Blood pressure is vital in this scenario due to prednisone discontinuation.
2. Abruptly stopping prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency.
3. Adrenal insufficiency can cause hypotension, a life-threatening condition.
4. Monitoring blood pressure can help detect and manage potential complications.
Summary of other choices:
A: Breath sounds – Important but not the priority in this specific situation.
C: Capillary refill – Useful for assessing circulation but not urgent in this context.
D: Butterfly rash – A characteristic of lupus, but not a critical concern in this scenario.