The client has just been given an IV dose of morphine 6 mg for neuropathic pain. A few minutes later, the nurse notes that the client's respirations are now 8, and his blood pressure has dropped from 122/83 mmHg to 88/67 mmHg. Which nursing action is the most appropriate?
- A. Prepare for intubation.
- B. Prepare to administer a dopamine infusion.
- C. Administer naloxone.
- D. Start an IV infusion of normal saline.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory depression (RR 8) and hypotension post-morphine (C) indicate opioid overdose, requiring naloxone to reverse effects, per ACLS guidelines. Intubation (A), dopamine (B), and saline (D) are secondary or inappropriate without reversal.
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The nurse in the emergency department (ED) is caring for a client who intentionally overdosed on their prescribed lithium. The nurse plans on initially
- A. developing a therapeutic rapport with the client.
- B. inserting a peripheral vascular access device.
- C. obtaining the client’s vital signs.
- D. collecting a serum lithium level on the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inserting a peripheral vascular access device (B) is the initial priority in a lithium overdose to enable rapid administration of fluids or medications to stabilize the client. Vital signs (C) and lithium levels (D) follow, and rapport (A) is secondary to medical stabilization.
The emergency department (ED) nurse cares for a client who presents with irritability, nuchal rigidity, and a fever. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer prescribed ibuprofen.
- B. Place the client on droplet precautions.
- C. Notify the public health department.
- D. Obtain prescribed blood cultures.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Placing the client on droplet precautions (B) is the first action for suspected meningitis (irritability, nuchal rigidity, fever) to prevent spread of infection. Administering ibuprofen (A), notifying public health (C), and obtaining blood cultures (D) are important but secondary to infection control.
The emergency department (ED) nurse cares for a client with diabetes mellitus (type one) with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which assessment finding requires immediate follow-up?
- A. Pulse 112/minute
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Respiratory rate 21/minute
- D. Blood glucose 299 mg/dL (16.5 mmol/L) [70-110 mg/dL (4-6 mmol/L)]
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting in DKA (B) can worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, requiring immediate follow-up. Tachycardia (A) and tachypnea (C) are expected, and glucose of 299 (D) is consistent with DKA but less urgent.
The nurse in charge of the labor and delivery department is making the client assignments for the day. Which client should the most experienced nurse receive?
- A. A 40-week pregnant client attached to the fetal monitor having late decelerations.
- B. A 39-week pregnant client in labor with contractions 3 minutes apart.
- C. A 33-week pregnant client with triplets who is on bed rest.
- D. A 26-week pregnant client who is having Braxton Hicks contractions.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Late decelerations at 40 weeks (A) indicate fetal distress, requiring the most experienced nurse for close monitoring and potential intervention. Active labor (B), preterm triplets (C), and Braxton Hicks (D) are less critical or stable, suitable for less experienced staff.
Which healthcare team member is paired with the primary function related to their role?
- A. An occupational therapist assisting with gait exercises.
- B. A physical therapist offers the provision of assistive devices to be used with activities of daily living.
- C. A speech or language therapist addressing swallowing disorders.
- D. An RN case manager ordering therapies and medications.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A speech or language therapist addressing swallowing disorders (C) is correctly paired, as this is their primary role. Occupational therapists (A) focus on daily living activities, not gait. Physical therapists (B) focus on mobility, not assistive devices primarily. RN case managers (D) coordinate care, not order therapies/medications.