The client is receiving intravenous (IV) morphine for pain control. Which assessment finding requires the most immediate intervention?
- A. Drowsiness.
- B. Itching.
- C. Nausea.
- D. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates respiratory depression, a serious side effect of morphine that can lead to respiratory arrest. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent further complications, such as hypoxia and respiratory failure. Drowsiness, itching, and nausea are common side effects of morphine but are not life-threatening like respiratory depression. Monitoring and managing respiratory status is the top priority to ensure the client's safety and well-being.
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The patient has a calcium level of 12.1 mg/dL. Which nursing action should the nurse include on the care plan?
- A. Maintain the patient on bed rest.
- B. Auscultate lung sounds every 4 hours.
- C. Monitor for Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs.
- D. Encourage fluid intake up to 4000 mL every day.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Encourage fluid intake up to 4000 mL every day. High calcium levels can lead to dehydration, so encouraging fluid intake helps prevent this complication. Increased fluid intake also promotes calcium excretion through urine. Bed rest (A) is not directly related to managing high calcium levels. Auscultating lung sounds (B) every 4 hours is more relevant for respiratory issues. Monitoring for Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs (C) is associated with low calcium levels, not high levels.
A patient with anemia is prescribed ferrous sulfate. What advice should the nurse give regarding the administration of this medication?
- A. Take with dairy products to increase absorption.
- B. Take on an empty stomach for best absorption.
- C. Avoid vitamin C while taking this medication.
- D. Take before bedtime.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take on an empty stomach for best absorption. Ferrous sulfate is best absorbed on an empty stomach to maximize its effectiveness. When taken with food or dairy products (Choice A), the absorption of iron is reduced. Vitamin C actually enhances the absorption of iron, so avoiding it (Choice C) is not recommended. Taking the medication before bedtime (Choice D) may lead to gastrointestinal side effects and is not optimal for absorption.
A client is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Fruity breath odor.
- B. Blood glucose of 450 mg/dL.
- C. Deep, rapid respirations.
- D. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Deep, rapid respirations in DKA indicate Kussmaul respirations, a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis.
2. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent respiratory failure and further acidosis.
3. Administering IV fluids and insulin can help correct acidosis and stabilize breathing.
4. Fruity breath odor (A) and high blood glucose (B) are common in DKA but do not require immediate intervention.
5. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L (D) is slightly elevated but not as urgent as addressing respiratory distress.
In a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving erythropoietin therapy, what laboratory result should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy?
- A. Serum creatinine
- B. White blood cell count
- C. Hemoglobin level
- D. Serum potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C, hemoglobin level. Erythropoietin therapy is used to stimulate red blood cell production in CKD patients with anemia. Monitoring hemoglobin levels helps assess the effectiveness of the therapy in improving anemia. If hemoglobin levels increase, it indicates the therapy is working.
Summary of incorrect choices:
A: Serum creatinine - This measures kidney function, not the effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy for anemia in CKD patients.
B: White blood cell count - Monitors immune function, not related to erythropoietin therapy for anemia.
D: Serum potassium - Important for monitoring electrolyte balance in CKD patients but not specific to assessing erythropoietin therapy effectiveness.
The community health nurse is working in a multi-ethnic health center. In what situation should the nurse intervene?
- A. An Asian-American mother reports using cupping to treat infection, resulting in a pattern of red round marks on her toddler's back.
- B. A Hispanic pregnant client who is often late for appointments, arrives late for today's appointment.
- C. A Native-American who is being interviewed will not make direct eye contact when asked about violence in the home.
- D. An African-American infant who is spitting up milk has lost 6 ounces since last week's clinic visit.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because an African-American infant losing weight rapidly is a sign of potential malnutrition or health issue that requires immediate intervention. The nurse should assess the infant's feeding, growth, and health status to address the problem promptly.
Choice A is incorrect as cupping is a cultural practice that may not necessarily harm the child and should be respected. Choice B is incorrect as being late for appointments is not a direct health risk that requires immediate intervention. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding direct eye contact is a cultural norm for some Native-American individuals and does not indicate a health emergency.