The nurse analyzed an electrocardiogram (ECG) strip (refer to figure) for a client demonstrating left-sided heart failure and interprets the ECG strip as which rhythm?
- A. Atrial fibrillation
- B. Sinus dysrhythmia
- C. Ventricular fibrillation
- D. Third-degree heart block
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by rapid, chaotic atrial depolarization. Ventricular rates may be less than 100 beats per minute (controlled) or greater than 100 beats per minute (uncontrolled). The ECG reveals chaotic or no identifiable P waves and an irregular ventricular rhythm. A sinus dysrhythmia has a normal P wave and PR interval and QRS complex. In ventricular fibrillation, there are no identifiable P waves, QRS complexes, or T waves.
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The nurse is preparing to initiate a bolus enteral feedings via nasogastric (NG) tube to a client. Which action represents safe practice by the nurse?
- A. Checking the volume of the residual after administering the bolus feeding
- B. Aspirating gastric contents before initiating the feeding to ensure that pH is greater than 9
- C. Elevating the head of the bed to 25 degrees and maintaining that position for 30 minutes after feeding
- D. Verifying correct nasogastric tube position with aspiration and administration of air bolus with auscultation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After initial radiographic confirmation of NG tube placement, methods used to verify nasogastric tube placement include measuring the length of the tube from the point it protrudes from the nose to the end, injecting 10 to 30 mL of air into the tube and auscultating over the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, and aspirating the secretions and checking to see if the pH is less than 3.5 (safest method). Residual should be assessed before administration of the next feeding. Fowler's position is recommended for bolus feedings, if permitted, and should be maintained for 1 hour after instillation.
The nurse is administering magnesium sulfate to a client experiencing severe preeclampsia. What intervention should the nurse implement during the administration of magnesium sulfate for this client?
- A. Schedule a daily ultrasound to assess fetal movement.
- B. Schedule a nonstress test every 4 hours to assess fetal well-being.
- C. Assess the client's temperature every 2 hours because the client is at high risk for infection.
- D. Assess for signs and symptoms of labor since the client's level of consciousness may be altered.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system depressant and anticonvulsant. Because of the sedative effect of the magnesium sulfate, the client may not perceive labor. Daily ultrasounds are not necessary for this client. A nonstress test may be done, but not every 4 hours. This client is not at high risk for infection.
The nurse in the postpartum unit is assessing for signs of breast-feeding problems demonstrated by either the newborn or the mother. Which findings indicate a problem? Select all that apply.
- A. The infant exhibits dimpling of the cheeks.
- B. The infant makes smacking or clicking sounds.
- C. The mother's breast gets softer during a feeding.
- D. Milk drips from the mother's breast occasionally.
- E. The infant falls asleep after feeding less than 5 minutes.
- F. The infant can be heard swallowing frequently during a feeding.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: Infant signs of breast-feeding problems include dimpling of the cheeks; making smacking or clicking sounds; falling asleep after feeding less than 5 minutes; refusing to breast-feed; tongue thrusting; failing to open the mouth at latch-on; turning the lower lip in; making short, choppy motions of the jaw; and not swallowing audibly. Softening of the breast during feeding, noting milk in the infant's mouth or dripping from the mother's breast occasionally, and hearing the infant swallow are signs that the infant is receiving adequate nutrition.
The nurse caring for a 5-year-old with a history of tetralogy of Fallot notes that the child has clubbed fingers. This finding is indicative of which associated condition?
- A. Tissue hypoxia
- B. Chronic hypertension
- C. Delayed physical growth
- D. Destruction of bone marrow
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clubbing, a thickening and flattening of the tips of the fingers and toes, is thought to occur because of chronic tissue hypoxia and polycythemia. Options 2, 3, and 4 do not cause clubbing.
The nurse is sending an arterial blood gas (ABG) specimen to the laboratory for analysis. What information should the nurse include on the laboratory requisition? Select all that apply.
- A. Ventilator settings
- B. A list of client allergies
- C. The client's temperature
- D. The date and time the specimen was drawn
- E. Any supplemental oxygen the client is receiving
- F. Extremity from which the specimen was obtained
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: An ABG requisition usually contains information about the date and time the specimen was drawn, the client's temperature, whether the specimen was drawn on room air or using supplemental oxygen, and the ventilator settings if the client is on a mechanical ventilator. The client's allergies and the extremity from which the specimen was drawn do not have a direct bearing on the laboratory results.