The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a history of congestive heart failure. Which assessment finding would be most concerning?
- A. Shortness of breath on exertion
- B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in a week
- C. Orthopnea
- D. Crackles in the lungs
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Crackles in the lungs are concerning because they indicate pulmonary congestion, a serious complication of congestive heart failure. The presence of crackles suggests fluid accumulation in the lungs, requiring immediate attention to prevent respiratory distress and worsening heart failure. While shortness of breath on exertion, weight gain, and orthopnea are common signs and symptoms of heart failure, crackles specifically point to acute pulmonary edema or worsening congestion, making them the most concerning finding in this scenario.
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A health care provider has prescribed isoniazid (Laniazid) for a client. Which instruction should the LPN give the client about this medication?
- A. Prolonged use does not typically cause dark concentrated urine.
- B. It is not necessary to take the medication on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
- C. Avoid taking the medication with aluminum hydroxide to minimize GI upset.
- D. Drinking alcohol daily can cause drug-induced hepatitis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. When taking isoniazid, alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can increase the risk of liver damage, potentially leading to drug-induced hepatitis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Prolonged use of isoniazid does not typically cause dark concentrated urine; it is not necessary to take the medication on an empty stomach for optimal absorption; and it is not recommended to take isoniazid with aluminum hydroxide to minimize GI upset.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is washing her hands prior to assisting with a surgical procedure. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates proper surgical hand-washing techniques?
- A. The nurse washes with her hands held higher than her elbows.
- B. The nurse uses a brush to scrub under her nails.
- C. The nurse washes for at least 30 seconds.
- D. The nurse uses alcohol-based hand rub only.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Proper surgical hand-washing technique involves keeping the hands higher than the elbows to prevent contamination. Washing with hands held lower than the elbows can lead to potential contamination. Using a brush to scrub under the nails is not recommended as it can cause microabrasions, increasing infection risk. While washing for at least 30 seconds is a good practice for thorough hand hygiene, hand positioning is critical during surgical hand-washing. Using alcohol-based hand rub alone is insufficient for surgical hand-washing as it may not effectively remove dirt, debris, and transient microorganisms.
When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Clean the skin around the stoma with normal saline.
- B. Secure the tracheostomy ties with two fingers' width underneath.
- C. Soak the outer cannula in warm tap water.
- D. Use a cotton tip applicator to clean the inside of the inner cannula.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, the nurse should clean the skin around the stoma with normal saline to prevent infection and ensure cleanliness. This action helps in maintaining skin integrity and preventing skin breakdown. Securing the tracheostomy ties with two fingers' width underneath is essential to allow for proper fit, prevent skin irritation, and ensure the ties are not too tight. Soaking the outer cannula in warm tap water is not recommended as it can lead to contamination and is not a standard practice. Using a cotton tip applicator to clean the inside of the inner cannula is discouraged as it can leave fibers behind, increasing the risk of aspiration and respiratory complications.
A client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The nurse should monitor the client for which complication?
- A. Hypoglycemia
- B. Hyperglycemia
- C. Hypertension
- D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperglycemia is the correct complication to monitor for in a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) due to the high glucose content of the solution. TPN solutions are rich in glucose, so monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia (Choice A) is less common with TPN due to the high glucose content, making hyperglycemia a more significant concern. Hypertension (Choice C) and hyperkalemia (Choice D) are not typically associated with TPN administration, making them incorrect choices in this scenario.
An older adult client at risk for osteoporosis is being taught by a nurse about starting a regular physical activity program. Which type of activity should the nurse recommend?
- A. Walking briskly
- B. Riding a bicycle
- C. Performing isometric exercises
- D. Engaging in high-impact aerobics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is walking briskly. Weight-bearing exercises, such as brisk walking, are recommended for individuals at risk for osteoporosis because they help maintain bone mass and prevent bone loss. Riding a bicycle and performing isometric exercises are not weight-bearing activities, and therefore, may not provide the same bone-strengthening benefits as walking. High-impact aerobics can increase the risk of fractures in individuals with osteoporosis due to the high level of impact involved.