The nurse assessing the vital signs of a 3-year-old child hospitalized with a diagnosis of croup notes that the respiratory rate is 28 breaths per minute. Based on this finding, which nursing action is appropriate?
- A. Begin administering supplemental oxygen.
- B. Document the findings according to facility policies.
- C. Notify the child's primary health care provider immediately.
- D. Reassess the respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth in 15 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The normal respiratory rate for a 3-year-old child is approximately 20 to 30 breaths per minute. Because the respiratory rate is normal, options 1, 3, and 4 are unnecessary actions. The nurse would document the findings.
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The nurse creates a postoperative plan of care for a client scheduled for a hypophysectomy. Which interventions should be included in the plan of care? Select all that apply.
- A. Obtain daily weights.
- B. Monitor intake and output.
- C. Elevate the head of the bed.
- D. Use a soft toothbrush for mouth care.
- E. Encourage coughing and deep breathing.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: A hypophysectomy is done to remove a pituitary tumor. Because temporary diabetes insipidus or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone can develop after this surgery, obtaining daily weights and monitoring intake and output are important interventions. The head of the bed is elevated to assist in preventing increased intracranial pressure. Tooth-brushing, sneezing, coughing, nose blowing, and bending are activities that should be avoided postoperatively in the client who underwent a hypophysectomy because of the risk of increasing intracranial pressure. These activities interfere with the healing of the incision and can disrupt the graft.
The nurse monitoring a preterm newborn infant for manifestations of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) should assess the infant for which manifestations? Select all that apply.
- A. Cyanosis
- B. Tachypnea
- C. Retractions
- D. Nasal flaring
- E. Acrocyanosis
- F. Grunting respirations
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,F
Rationale: The newborn infant with RDS may present with clinical manifestation of cyanosis, tachypnea or apnea, chest wall retractions, audible grunts, or nasal flaring. Acrocyanosis, the bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is associated with immature peripheral circulation and is not uncommon in the first few hours of life.
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.
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 hemoglobin levels of a client in her first trimester of pregnancy are indicative of iron deficiency anemia. Which assessment findings support the diagnosis of this type of anemia? Select all that apply.
- A. Yellowish sclera
- B. Reports of severe fatigue
- C. Pink mucous membranes
- D. Increased vaginal secretions
- E. Reports of frequent headaches
- F. Reports of increased frequency of voiding
Correct Answer: B,E
Rationale: Iron deficiency anemia is described as a hemoglobin blood concentration of less than 10.5 to 11.0 g/dL (105 to 110 mmol/L). Complaints of headaches and severe fatigue are abnormal findings and may reflect complications of this type of anemia caused by the decreased oxygen supply to vital organs. Options 3, 4, and 6 are normal findings in the first trimester of pregnancy. Yellow sclera (whites of the eyes) is associated with jaundice.
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