Nokea
The client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which laboratory value should the LPN/LVN monitor closely to assess for complications?
- A. Serum potassium
- B. Blood glucose
- C. Serum sodium
- D. Serum calcium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood glucose. When caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), monitoring blood glucose levels is essential due to the risk of hyperglycemia. TPN solutions are high in glucose, and clients may be at risk of developing hyperglycemia if the infusion rate is too high or if there are underlying issues such as insulin resistance. Monitoring serum potassium (choice A) is important but not the most crucial value to monitor in clients receiving TPN. Serum sodium (choice C) and serum calcium (choice D) are not directly impacted by TPN administration and are less likely to be affected compared to blood glucose levels.
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A client with a history of falls is under the care of a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent falls?
- A. Keep the client's bed in the lowest position.
- B. Encourage the client to wear non-slip socks.
- C. Place a fall risk sign on the client's door.
- D. Use a gait belt when ambulating the client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Keeping the client's bed in the lowest position is an essential measure to prevent falls. Lowering the bed reduces the risk of injury if the client falls out of bed by decreasing the distance of the fall. Encouraging the client to wear non-slip socks (Choice B) may help prevent slips on smooth surfaces but does not address the risk of falls in other scenarios. Placing a fall risk sign on the client's door (Choice C) alone does not actively prevent falls but serves as a warning. Using a gait belt when ambulating the client (Choice D) is important for assisting with mobility but does not directly address fall prevention in the client's environment.
While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes a red and swollen wound with a moderate amount of yellow and green drainage and a foul odor. Given there is a positive MRSA, which is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Force oral fluids
- B. Request a nutrition consult
- C. Initiate contact precautions
- D. Limit visitors to immediate family only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to initiate contact precautions. MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a highly contagious bacterium that spreads through direct contact. Contact precautions involve wearing gloves and gowns to prevent the spread of infection to other patients or healthcare workers. Force-feeding oral fluids, requesting a nutrition consult, or limiting visitors to immediate family only are not the most appropriate actions in this scenario. These actions do not directly address the need to prevent the spread of MRSA, which is crucial in a healthcare setting.
A client with lower extremity weakness is being taught a four-point crutch gait by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Bear weight on both legs.
- B. Move the crutches and the weak leg in unison.
- C. Advance the crutches and the strong leg simultaneously.
- D. Move the crutches forward, then move one leg at a time.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct technique for a four-point crutch gait involves moving the crutches forward, then moving one leg at a time. This method provides stability and support by alternating movement between the crutches and legs. Choice A is incorrect because bearing weight on both legs simultaneously is not the correct method for a four-point gait. Choice B is incorrect as moving the crutches and weak leg together does not provide the required stability. Choice C is incorrect as advancing the crutches and strong leg together does not promote the alternating movement needed for a four-point gait.
A nurse is caring for a young adult at a college health clinic. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Give the client information about immunization against meningitis.
- B. Tell the client to have a TB skin test every 2 years.
- C. Determine the client's health risks.
- D. Teach the client about exercise recommendations.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing the client's health risks is the priority as it provides essential information to guide subsequent care. By understanding the client's health risks, the nurse can tailor health education and interventions, such as immunizations and lifestyle modifications, to address specific needs. Providing information about immunization against meningitis (Choice A) is important but should come after assessing health risks. Instructing the client to have a TB skin test every 2 years (Choice B) is relevant but not the initial step in care. Teaching about exercise recommendations (Choice D) is also essential but should follow the assessment of health risks.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has experienced a stroke causing total paralysis of the right side. To help maintain joint function and minimize the disability from contractures, passive range of motion (ROM) will be initiated. When should the nurse begin this therapy?
- A. After the acute phase of the disease has passed.
- B. As soon as the ability to move is lost.
- C. Once the patient enters the rehab unit.
- D. When the patient requests it.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Passive ROM exercises should begin as soon as the patient loses the ability to move the extremity or joint. Initiating passive ROM early helps prevent contractures and maintain joint function. Choice A is incorrect because delaying passive ROM until after the acute phase may lead to irreversible contractures. Choice C is not the best option as waiting until the patient enters the rehab unit delays crucial preventive measures. Choice D is incorrect as passive ROM should not be based on patient requests but on clinical indications and best practices.