The charge nurse of an intensive care unit is making assignments for the night shift. Which client should be assigned to the most experienced intensive care nurse?
- A. The client diagnosed with respiratory failure who is on a ventilator and requires frequent sedation.
- B. The client diagnosed with lung cancer and iatrogenic Cushing's disease with ABGs of pH 7.35, PaO2 88, PaCO2 44, and HCO3 22.
- C. The client diagnosed with Addison's disease who is lethargic and has a BP of 80/45, P 124, and R 28.
- D. The client diagnosed with hyperthyroidism who has undergone a thyroidectomy two (2) days ago and has a negative Trousseau's sign.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Addison’s with hypotension (80/45), tachycardia (124), and lethargy suggests adrenal crisis, requiring an experienced nurse. Ventilator care, stable Cushing’s, and post-thyroidectomy are less acute.
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The client diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome is admitted with fluid volume overload. The client weighed 190 lb on admission and 179 lb after treatment. The nurse estimates that the amount of fluid the client lost was how many milliliters?
- A. 3000 mL
- B. 4000 mL
- C. 5000 mL
- D. 6000 mL
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: One liter of fluid (1000 mL) weighs approximately 2.2 lb. An 11-lb weight loss equals 5000 mL (11 lb / 2.2 lb = 5 L × 1000 mL per L = 5000 mL).
The nurse's next door neighbor calls. He says he cannot awaken his 21-year-old wife. The nurse notes that the client is unconscious and is having deep respirations. Her breath has a fruity smell to it. The husband says that his wife has been eating and drinking a lot recently and that last night she vomited before lying down. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
- A. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- B. Get her to a hospital immediately
- C. Try to rouse her by giving her coffee
- D. Give her sweetened orange juice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fruity breath, unconsciousness, and symptoms of polyphagia, polydipsia, and vomiting suggest diabetic ketoacidosis, requiring immediate hospital care.
The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) complains to the nurse she has filled the water pitcher four (4) times during the shift for a client diagnosed with a closed head injury and the client has asked for the pitcher to be filled again. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Tell the UAP to fill the pitcher with ice cold water.
- B. Instruct the UAP to start measuring the client's I&O.
- C. Assess the client for polyuria and polydipsia.
- D. Check the client's BUN and creatinine levels.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Frequent water pitcher refills suggest polydipsia and polyuria, symptoms of diabetes insipidus post-head injury, requiring assessment. I&O, labs, and refilling follow.
Because the client is receiving levothyroxine (Synthroid) for the first time, the nurse recognizes the need to cheese the client to assess the effect of the effect of replacement therapy. For which signs and symptoms should the nurse assess? Select all that apply.
- A. Dyspnea
- B. Palpitations
- C. Excessive bruising
- D. Raised, red rash
- E. Hyperactivity
- F. Insomnia
Correct Answer: B,E,F
Rationale: Levothyroxine can cause signs of hyperthyroidism if overdosed, including palpitations, hyperactivity, and insomnia.
The nurse observes the client self-administering the medication. Which action indicates that the client is using the medication correctly?
- A. The client shakes the medication vigorously
- B. The client's head is tilted to the side.
- C. The client inverts the drug container.
- D. The client inhales with each spray.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For intranasal lypressin, inhaling with each spray ensures proper delivery of the medication to the nasal mucosa.
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