Nokea
The client states the need to use three pillows under the head and upper torso at night to be able to breathe comfortably while sleeping. The nurse documents that the client is experiencing which clinical finding?
- A. Orthopnea
- B. Dyspnea at rest
- C. Dyspnea on exertion
- D. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dyspnea is a subjective complaint that can range from an awareness of breathing to physical distress and does not necessarily correlate with the degree of heart failure. Dyspnea can be exertional or at rest. Orthopnea is a more severe form of dyspnea, requiring the client to assume a 'three-point' position while upright and use pillows to support the head and upper torso at night. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is a severe form of dyspnea occurring suddenly at night because of rapid fluid reentry into the vasculature from the interstitium during sleep.
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The nurse is scheduling a client for a series of diagnostic studies of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Which of these studies should the nurse schedule last to avoid altering the results of the remaining tests?
- A. Ultrasound
- B. Colonoscopy
- C. Barium enema
- D. Computed tomography
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When barium is instilled into the lower GI tract, it may take up to 72 hours to clear the GI tract. The presence of barium could cause interference with obtaining clear visualization and accurate results of the other tests listed if performed before the client has fully excreted the barium. For this reason, diagnostic studies that involve barium contrast are scheduled at the conclusion of other medical imaging studies.
The nurse instructs a preoperative client about the proper use of an incentive spirometer. What result should the nurse use to determine that the client is using the incentive spirometer effectively?
- A. Cloudy sputum
- B. Shallow breathing
- C. Unilateral wheezing
- D. Productive coughing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Incentive spirometry helps reduce atelectasis, open airways, stimulate coughing, and help mobilize secretions for expectoration, via vital client participation in recovery. Cloudy sputum, shallow breathing, and wheezing indicate that the incentive spirometry is not effective because they point to infection, counterproductive depth of breathing, and bronchoconstriction, respectively.
The nurse is caring for a client who will be taught to ambulate with a cane. Before cane-assisted ambulation instructions begin, what should the nurse check for as the priority to assure client safety?
- A. A high level of stamina and energy
- B. Self-consciousness about using a cane
- C. Full range of motion in lower extremities
- D. Balance, muscle strength, and confidence
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing the client's balance, strength, and confidence helps determine if the cane is a suitable assistive device for the client. A high level of stamina and full range of motion are not needed for walking with a cane. Although body image (self-consciousness) is a component of the assessment, it is not the priority.
A client who experienced a fractured right ankle has a short leg cast applied in the emergency department. During discharge teaching, which information should the nurse provide to the client to prevent complications?
- A. Trim the rough edges of the cast after it is dry.
- B. Weight bearing on the right leg is allowed once the cast feels dry.
- C. Expect burning and tingling sensations under the cast for 3 to 4 days.
- D. Keep the right ankle elevated above the heart level with pillows for 24 hours.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Leg elevation is important to increase venous return and decrease edema. Edema can cause compartment syndrome, a major complication of fractures and casting. The client and/or family may be taught how to 'petal' the cast to prevent skin irritation and breakdown, but rough edges, if trimmed, can fall into the cast and cause a break in skin integrity. Weight bearing on a fractured extremity is prescribed by the primary health care provider during follow-up examination, after radiographs are obtained. Additionally, a walking heel or cast shoe may be added to the cast if the client is allowed to bear weight and walk on the affected leg. Although the client may feel heat after the cast is applied, burning and/or tingling sensations indicate nerve damage or ischemia and are not expected. These complaints should be reported immediately.
A client diagnosed with myxedema reports having experienced a lack of energy, cold intolerance, and puffiness around the eyes and face. The nurse plans care knowing that these clinical manifestations are caused by a lack of production of which hormones? Select all that apply.
- A. Thyroxine (T4)
- B. Prolactin (PRL)
- C. Triiodothyronine (T3)
- D. Growth hormone (GH)
- E. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- F. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Correct Answer: A,C
Rationale: Although all of these hormones originate from the anterior pituitary, only T3 and T4 are associated with the client's symptoms. Myxedema results from inadequate thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4). Low levels of thyroid hormone result in an overall decrease in the basal metabolic rate, affecting virtually every body system and leading to weakness, fatigue, and a decrease in heat production. A decrease in LH results in the loss of secondary sex characteristics. A decrease in ACTH is seen in Addison's disease. PRL stimulates breast milk production by the mammary glands, and GH affects bone and soft tissue by promoting growth through protein anabolism and lipolysis.