The client has received 250 ml of 0.9% normal saline through the IV line in the last hour. The client is now tachypneic and has a pulse rate of 120 beats/minute, with a pulse volume of +4. In addition to reporting the assessment findings to the healthcare provider, what action should the nurse implement?
- A. Discontinue the IV and apply pressure at the site.
- B. Decrease the saline to a keep-open rate.
- C. Increase the rate of the current IV solution.
- D. Change the IV fluid to 0.45% normal saline at the same rate.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decrease the saline to a keep-open rate. The client is showing signs of fluid overload, indicated by tachypnea and bounding pulse. By decreasing the saline to a keep-open rate, the nurse can prevent further fluid overload while maintaining IV access. Discontinuing the IV and applying pressure (choice A) is not necessary unless there is a specific issue with the IV site. Increasing the rate of the current IV solution (choice C) would worsen the fluid overload. Changing the IV fluid to 0.45% normal saline (choice D) at the same rate may not effectively address the fluid overload concern.
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A male client in the day room becomes increasingly angry and aggressive when denied a day-pass. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Tell him he can have a day pass if he calms down.
- B. Put the client's behavior on extinction.
- C. Decrease the volume on the television set.
- D. Instruct the client to sit down and be quiet.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because instructing the client to sit down and be quiet is a non-confrontational and calming approach to de-escalate the situation. It helps redirect the client's focus and encourages self-regulation. Choice A may reinforce the aggressive behavior by rewarding it. Choice B (putting behavior on extinction) may escalate the situation further. Choice C (decreasing TV volume) does not address the client's behavior directly.
The healthcare provider is planning care for a non-potty-trained child with nephrotic syndrome. Which intervention provides the best means of determining fluid retention?
- A. Weigh the child daily.
- B. Observe the lower extremities for pitting edema.
- C. Measure the child's abdominal girth weekly.
- D. Weigh the child's wet diapers.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weigh the child daily. Daily weight monitoring is the most accurate way to determine fluid retention in a child with nephrotic syndrome as it provides real-time data on fluid status. Weight gain is a key indicator of fluid retention in these patients. Observing lower extremities for pitting edema (B) is subjective and may not accurately reflect fluid status. Measuring abdominal girth weekly (C) may not provide timely information on fluid retention. Weighing wet diapers (D) does not give a comprehensive picture of total fluid retention and may not be as accurate as daily weight monitoring.
Which intervention should the nurse implement to enhance the efficacy of the client's asthma medication therapy?
- A. Administer the albuterol inhaler before other inhaled medications.
- B. Provide oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters/minute.
- C. Encourage the client to drink three liters of fluids daily.
- D. Keep the client upright during nebulizer therapy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer the albuterol inhaler before other inhaled medications. Administering albuterol first helps open airways, allowing better absorption of subsequent medications. Option B does not directly enhance medication efficacy. Option C promotes hydration but doesn't affect medication efficacy. Option D does not specifically enhance medication therapy.
An elderly client with congestive heart failure (CHF) is admitted to the hospital. Which laboratory test result should the nurse expect to find?
- A. Elevated serum sodium level.
- B. Decreased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level.
- C. Increased serum creatinine level.
- D. Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, increased serum creatinine level. In CHF, the heart's reduced pumping ability can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in impaired kidney function. This can cause an elevation in serum creatinine level, indicating decreased kidney function. Elevated serum sodium level (A) is not typically seen in CHF, as patients often have fluid retention leading to dilutional hyponatremia. Decreased BNP level (B) is not expected in CHF, as BNP is released in response to increased ventricular stretching and volume overload. Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (D) are not directly related to CHF; they may be seen in conditions like dehydration or chronic hypoxia, but not specifically in CHF.
The client has acute pancreatitis. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?
- A. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
- B. Monitor the client's serum amylase and lipase levels.
- C. Encourage oral intake of clear liquids.
- D. Assess the client's bowel sounds every 4 hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer pain medication as prescribed. This is the highest priority because acute pancreatitis is a painful condition, and managing pain is crucial for the client's comfort and well-being. Pain control also helps reduce stress on the pancreas and can aid in preventing complications.
Choice B is incorrect because while monitoring serum amylase and lipase levels is important in diagnosing pancreatitis and assessing response to treatment, it is not the highest priority intervention.
Choice C is incorrect as encouraging oral intake of clear liquids may exacerbate pancreatitis symptoms and lead to further complications.
Choice D is incorrect as assessing bowel sounds, while important for monitoring gastrointestinal function, is not the highest priority in the acute management of pancreatitis.