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The client with a history of heart failure is taking furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. Serum sodium.
- B. Serum potassium.
- C. Serum calcium.
- D. Serum magnesium.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum potassium. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can exacerbate cardiac arrhythmias in patients with heart failure. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications.
Incorrect choices:
A: Serum sodium - Furosemide may cause hyponatremia, but it is less critical compared to hypokalemia in a client with heart failure.
C: Serum calcium - Furosemide does not directly affect calcium levels significantly in most cases.
D: Serum magnesium - While furosemide can cause hypomagnesemia, monitoring potassium is more essential in this scenario due to its impact on cardiac function.
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An elderly male client reports to the clinic nurse that he is experiencing increasing nocturia with difficulty initiating his urine stream. He reports a weak urine flow and frequent dribbling after voiding. Which nursing action should be implemented?
- A. Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity.
- B. Encourage the client to schedule a digital rectal exam.
- C. Advise the client to maintain a voiding diary for one week.
- D. Instruct the client in effective techniques for cleansing the glans penis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage the client to schedule a digital rectal exam. This option is correct because the client's symptoms of nocturia, weak urine flow, and difficulty initiating urine stream suggest potential prostate issues, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A digital rectal exam can help assess the size and condition of the prostate gland. It is an essential step in diagnosing BPH or other prostate conditions.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity is not the priority in this case, as the client's symptoms are more indicative of a prostate issue rather than a urinary tract infection.
C: Maintaining a voiding diary may provide information on the frequency and volume of urine output, but it does not address the underlying cause of the client's symptoms.
D: Instructing the client in cleansing techniques for the glans penis is not relevant to the reported symptoms and does not address the potential prostate issue.
A highly successful individual presents to the community mental health center complaining of sleeplessness and anxiety over their financial status. What action should the nurse take to assist this client in diminishing their anxiety?
- A. Encourage them to initiate daily rituals.
- B. Reinforce the reality of their financial situation.
- C. Direct them to drink a glass of red wine at bedtime.
- D. Teach them to limit sugar and caffeine intake.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Teach them to limit sugar and caffeine intake.
Rationale:
1. Sugar and caffeine intake can exacerbate anxiety and interfere with sleep due to their stimulant effects.
2. Limiting these substances can help regulate the body's energy levels and reduce anxiety symptoms.
3. By teaching the client to limit sugar and caffeine intake, the nurse is addressing the root causes of the client's sleeplessness and anxiety.
Summary:
A: Encouraging daily rituals may provide structure but does not directly address the physiological effects of sugar and caffeine on anxiety.
B: Reinforcing the reality of the financial situation may increase anxiety rather than alleviate it.
C: Drinking red wine at bedtime is not a recommended solution for managing anxiety and sleeplessness.
A client is undergoing chemotherapy and is at risk for developing thrombocytopenia. What precaution should the nurse teach the client to minimize the risk of bleeding?
- A. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- B. Engage in daily aerobic exercise.
- C. Take aspirin for headaches.
- D. Use an electric razor for shaving.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Chemotherapy can cause low platelet levels, increasing the risk of bleeding. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent gum bleeding and trauma to the gums, reducing the risk of bleeding. Engaging in daily aerobic exercise (B) can increase the risk of injury and bleeding for a client with thrombocytopenia. Taking aspirin (C) can further decrease platelet function and increase bleeding risk. Using an electric razor (D) is recommended to prevent skin cuts and bleeding due to the fragile skin associated with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.
What dietary advice should the nurse provide to help reduce the occurrence of hot flashes in a post-menopausal client?
- A. Increase intake of spicy foods.
- B. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- C. Consume a high-protein diet.
- D. Eat more dairy products.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption. Hot flashes can be triggered by stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. Limiting intake can help reduce their occurrence. Increasing spicy foods (A) can actually worsen hot flashes. High-protein diets (C) and consuming more dairy products (D) do not have a direct impact on hot flashes.
In planning the turning schedule for a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to consider what assessment finding?
- A. 4+ pitting edema of both lower extremities.
- B. A Braden risk assessment scale rating score of ten.
- C. Warm, dry skin with a fever of 100‚° F.
- D. Hypoactive bowel sounds with infrequent bowel movements.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A Braden risk assessment scale rating score of ten. This is crucial because the Braden scale assesses the client's risk for developing pressure ulcers. A score of ten indicates a very high risk, requiring frequent repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers.
Choice A is incorrect because 4+ pitting edema of both lower extremities indicates fluid overload, not directly related to turning schedule planning.
Choice C is incorrect because warm, dry skin with a fever of 100‚° F suggests a possible infection, but does not affect the need for turning schedule planning.
Choice D is incorrect as hypoactive bowel sounds and infrequent bowel movements are related to gastrointestinal function, not directly impacting the turning schedule.