Nokea
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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What is the primary cause of jaundice in a client with liver cirrhosis?
- A. Decreased bile production
- B. Increased bilirubin levels
- C. Hepatic inflammation
- D. Portal hypertension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary cause of jaundice in a client with liver cirrhosis is increased bilirubin levels. Liver cirrhosis impairs the liver's ability to process bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. This excess bilirubin then causes the yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes characteristic of jaundice.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Decreased bile production is not the primary cause of jaundice in liver cirrhosis. While decreased bile flow may contribute to jaundice, it is secondary to the impaired bilirubin processing.
C: Hepatic inflammation is a common feature of liver cirrhosis but is not the direct cause of jaundice in this context.
D: Portal hypertension is a complication of liver cirrhosis but is not the primary cause of jaundice.
A patient with a myocardial infarction (MI) is being treated with intravenous morphine. What is the primary reason for administering morphine to this patient?
- A. To reduce pain.
- B. To decrease anxiety.
- C. To reduce cardiac workload.
- D. To increase respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary reason for administering morphine to a patient with MI is to reduce cardiac workload. Morphine acts as a vasodilator and decreases preload and afterload on the heart, reducing myocardial oxygen demand. This helps to improve coronary blood flow and decrease the workload on the heart muscle, which is crucial in the setting of an MI.
Explanation for other choices:
A: While morphine can help reduce pain in MI, the primary reason for administering it is to reduce cardiac workload.
B: Morphine may have a calming effect, but the primary goal is to reduce cardiac workload.
D: Morphine can actually decrease respiratory rate as a side effect, making this choice incorrect.
The nurse is administering sevelamer (RenaGel) during lunch to a client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The client asks the nurse to bring the medication later. The nurse should describe which action of RenaGel as an explanation for taking it with meals?
- A. Prevents indigestion associated with the ingestion of spicy foods.
- B. Binds with phosphorus in foods and prevents absorption.
- C. Promotes stomach emptying and prevents gastric reflux.
- D. Buffers hydrochloric acid and prevents gastric erosion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Binds with phosphorus in foods and prevents absorption. Sevelamer (RenaGel) is a phosphate binder used in ESRD to reduce phosphorus levels. Taking it with meals allows it to bind with phosphorus in food, preventing its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. This helps in controlling hyperphosphatemia, a common complication in ESRD. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as RenaGel does not prevent indigestion, promote stomach emptying, or buffer hydrochloric acid.
In a client with liver cirrhosis experiencing confusion and disorientation, what condition is most likely causing these symptoms?
- A. Hepatic encephalopathy
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Electrolyte imbalance
- D. Dehydration
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hepatic encephalopathy. In liver cirrhosis, the liver's ability to detoxify ammonia is impaired, leading to elevated ammonia levels in the blood. This excess ammonia crosses the blood-brain barrier, causing neurological symptoms like confusion and disorientation. Hypoglycemia (B), electrolyte imbalance (C), and dehydration (D) can also contribute to altered mental status, but in a cirrhotic patient, hepatic encephalopathy is the most likely cause due to impaired ammonia metabolism.
What skin care instructions should the nurse give to a patient receiving external beam radiation therapy for cancer treatment?
- A. Use a heating pad to relieve any pain in the treated area.
- B. Apply alcohol-based lotions to the treated area daily.
- C. Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight.
- D. Wash the treated area with hot water and strong soap.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight. This is important because radiation therapy can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to increased risk of sunburn and skin damage. Sun exposure can worsen skin reactions and delay healing. Choice A is incorrect because heat sources like heating pads can exacerbate skin irritation. Choice B is incorrect as alcohol-based lotions can further irritate the skin. Choice D is incorrect as hot water and strong soap can be too harsh on the sensitive skin. Overall, protecting the treated area from sunlight is crucial for optimal skin care during radiation therapy.