Nokea
The client has been taking divalproex (Depakote) for the management of bipolar disorder. The nurse should give priority to monitoring which laboratory test?
- A. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
- B. Serum glucose
- C. Serum creatinine
- D. Serum electrolytes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Monitoring ALT levels is crucial when a patient is taking divalproex (Depakote) due to the risk of drug-induced hepatitis. Elevated ALT levels indicate liver damage or disorders, which can be a side effect of Depakote. Serum glucose (choice B) is not the priority for monitoring in this case, as the medication does not directly affect glucose levels. Serum creatinine (choice C) is not the most relevant test to monitor for Depakote use; it primarily assesses kidney function. Serum electrolytes (choice D) are important but do not take precedence over monitoring ALT levels when a patient is on Depakote.
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A woman is in the active phase of labor. An external monitor has been applied, and a fetal heart deceleration of uniform shape is observed, beginning just as the contraction is underway and returning to the baseline at the end of the contraction. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate?
- A. Administer O2 if necessary.
- B. Turn the client on her left side.
- C. Notify the physician.
- D. No action is necessary.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'No action is necessary.' In this scenario, the fetal heart deceleration of uniform shape observed is an early deceleration resulting from head compression. Early decelerations are benign and typically do not require any intervention as they mirror the contraction pattern. It is essential to closely observe both the mother and the baby. Administering O2 (Choice A) is not necessary as early decelerations do not indicate fetal distress. Turning the client on her left side (Choice B) is not required for early decelerations. Notifying the physician (Choice C) is not needed for this type of deceleration, as it is a normal response to head compression during labor.
What vitamin is important in preventing peripheral neuritis in a client with alcohol abuse?
- A. Vitamin D
- B. Fat-soluble vitamins
- C. B vitamins
- D. Potassium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fat-soluble vitamins.' Vitamin B, not Vitamin D, is crucial in preventing peripheral neuritis in individuals with alcohol abuse. Vitamin B deficiency, particularly B1 (thiamine), is commonly associated with peripheral neuritis in alcoholics. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Vitamin D is not directly related to peripheral neuritis, and potassium deficiency typically presents with different symptoms.
The client is taking Antabuse and should avoid eating foods that may trigger a disulfiram reaction. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid:
- A. Peanuts, dates, raisins
- B. Figs, chocolate, eggplant
- C. Pickles, salad with vinaigrette dressing, beef
- D. Milk, cottage cheese, ice cream
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client taking Antabuse should avoid foods that contain alcohol or vinegar as they can trigger a disulfiram reaction. Pickles and vinaigrette dressing often contain vinegar, which the client should avoid. Beef is safe to consume. Choices A, B, and D do not contain alcohol or vinegar, so they are allowed for the client taking Antabuse.
A client is experiencing chest pain. Which statement made by the client indicates angina rather than a myocardial infarction?
- A. "I became dizzy when I stood up."?
- B. "I was nauseated and began vomiting."?
- C. "The pain started in my chest and stopped after I sat down."?
- D. "The pain began with a migraine and progressed to numbness in my left arm."?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is: '"The pain started in my chest and stopped after I sat down."? This statement suggests angina rather than a myocardial infarction because angina is typically triggered by exertion or stress and relieved by rest. Nausea and vomiting (Choice B) are more commonly associated with a myocardial infarction. Choices A and D are not typical symptoms of either angina or myocardial infarction.
What is most important for the healthcare professional to do prior to initiating peritoneal dialysis?
- A. Aspirate to check placement
- B. Ensure the client voids
- C. Irrigate the catheter to maintain patency
- D. Warm the fluids
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to warm the fluids. Warming the dialysis fluids is crucial before initiating peritoneal dialysis to prevent abdominal discomfort and promote vasodilation, which helps in achieving good exchange in the peritoneum. Aspirating to check placement (Choice A) is not typically necessary before initiating peritoneal dialysis. Ensuring the client voids (Choice B) is not directly related to the procedure of peritoneal dialysis. Irrigating the catheter to maintain patency (Choice C) is usually done as part of routine care but is not specifically required prior to initiating peritoneal dialysis. Therefore, the most important action to take before starting peritoneal dialysis is to warm the fluids.