Nokea
The emergency department nurse is assessing a client following a motor vehicle accident. The nurse notes facial deformities with swelling and bleeding and a clear drainage coming from the nares. Which diagnostic test is completed to determine if the clear drainage is cerebrospinal fluid?
- A. Draw a serum CBC
- B. Test fluid with a Nitrazine paper
- C. Test fluid with a Dextrostix
- D. Perform a glucometer check
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When clear drainage is observed from the nares of a client, a Dextrostix is used to determine the presence of glucose which is present in cerebrospinal fluid. A serum CBC would provide information on red and white blood cell count. A low red blood cell count is may be found due to hemorrhage that has occurred. Nitrazine paper is under to assess vaginal secretions for the presence of amniotic fluid. A glucometercheck will provide information on serum glucose, not the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid.
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The nurse is providing suggestions to a client diagnosed with the effects of coryza. Which home remedy is appropriate when combined with medical treatment for pharyngitis?
- A. Cool mist humidifier
- B. Lavender scent
- C. Ice chips
- D. Salt water gargle
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A salt water or saline gargle combines moisture from the water with sodium from the salt to aid in discomfort. Humidification and ice chips are also acceptable but just aids in soothing moisture to the air aiding in discomfort. A lavender scent isrelaxing but is not specifically a treatment appropriate to the condition described.
The nurse is caring for a client who had a recent laryngectomy. Which of the following is reflected in the nursing plan of care?
- A. Develop an alternate method of communication.
- B. Encourage oral nutrition on the second postoperative day.
- C. Maintain the client in a low-Fowler's position.
- D. Assess the tracheostomy cuff for leaks.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client with a total laryngectomy is not able to speak. Communication needs to be established using an alternate method. The client typically has difficulty with swallowing due to edema in the immediate postoperative period. Alternate forms of nutrition are used. The tracheostomy cuff is often deflated for periods of time. The head of the bed is maintained in a semi-Fowler's position to decrease edema.
The nurse is caring for a client with an upper respiratory disorder. The client states they have a hacky, nonproductive cough, which wakens them during the night. Which over-the-counter medication would the nurse suggest to diminish the cough during the night?
- A. Diphenhydramine
- B. Dextromethorphan
- C. Pseudoephedrine
- D. Fluticasone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dextromethorphan acts on the central nervous system to raise the cough threshold and dampen the cough reflex. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that relieves symptoms associated with allergies. Pseudoephedrine relieves nasalcongestion associated with sinusitis, colds, and allergies. Fluticasone reduces tissue edema.
The nurse is caring for a client who is post-sinus surgery. When assessing the client, the nurse asks how many the nurse is holding up. Why does the nurse assess postoperative visual acuity?
- A. To assess possible hemorrhage
- B. To assess damage to the optic nerve
- C. To assess postoperative infection
- D. To assess impaired drainage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A client who has undergone a sinus surgery faces a serious risk of damage to the optic nerve. Therefore, the nurse assesses postoperative visual acuity by asking the client to identify the number of fingers displayed. To assess possible hemorrhage, the nurse observes the client for repeated swallowing. The nurse assesses for pain over the involved sinuses and not a postoperative infection or an impaired drainage.
The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client diagnosed with postoperative tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Which discharge instruction(s) would the nurse include? Select all that apply.
- A. Postoperative bleeding most frequently occurs in the hours after surgery.
- B. Avoid carbonated fluids
- C. Gradually increase fluids then add soft foods.
- D. Apply an ice collar to the neck area.
- E. Gargle with warm saline water.
- F. Limit pain medications to the nighttime.
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: A client may be at risk for postoperative bleeding for several days following the surgical procedure as the scab may be removed from the surgical site early causing the bleeding. Clients should avoid carbonated beverages and citrus fluids or foods because these agents are caustic to the suture line. The client should gradually increase fluids from thin liquids to thick liquids then soft foods through the recovery process. Applying an ice collar and gargling with saline decreases swelling and aids in preventing infection. Pain medication would be appropriate throughout the day, not just at night.