Nokea
The nurse caring for a client after shoulder arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis monitors the client for brachial plexus compromise. To assess the status of the median nerve, which action would the nurse perform?
- A. Have the client spread all of the fingers wide and resist pressure.
- B. Monitor for flexion of the biceps by having the client raise the forearm.
- C. Have the client move the thumb toward the palm and back to the neutral position.
- D. While grasping the nurse's hand, note the strength of the client's first and second fingers.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: To assess the median nerve status, the client should be instructed to grasp the nurse's hand. The nurse should note the strength of the client's first and second fingers. A weak grip may indicate compromise of the median nerve. Asking the client to spread all fingers wide and resist pressure assesses the ulnar nerve status. Monitoring for flexion of the biceps by raising the forearm assesses the cutaneous nerve status. Asking the client to move the thumb toward the palm and back to neutral position assesses the radial nerve status.
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The nurse should instruct a woman taking folic acid supplements for folic acid-deficiency anemia that:
- A. It will take several months to notice an improvement.
- B. Folic acid should be taken on an empty stomach.
- C. Iron supplements are contraindicated with folic acid supplementation.
- D. Oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, and lactation increase daily requirements.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pregnancy, lactation, and oral contraceptive use increase folic acid requirements due to increased metabolic demands.
A 10-day postpartum breast-feeding client telephones the postpartum unit reporting a reddened, painful breast and elevated temperature. Based on assessment of the client's complaints, which action should the nurse tell the client to do?
- A. Breast-feed only with the unaffected breast.
- B. Stop breast-feeding because you probably have an infection.
- C. Notify your health care provider because you may need medication.
- D. Continue breast-feeding since this is a normal response in breast-feeding mothers.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Based on the signs and symptoms presented by the client (particularly the elevated temperature), the primary health care provider needs to be notified because an antibiotic that is tolerated by the infant, as well as the mother, may be prescribed. The mother should continue to nurse on both breasts, but should start the infant on the unaffected breast while the affected breast lets down.
A nurse is admitting an older female client to the gynecology surgical unit. When the nurse asks the client what medication she is taking at home, the client responds that she is taking a little red pill in the morning and a white capsule at night for her blood pressure. What action by the nurse is focused on safe, effective care of this client?
- A. Consult the pharmacist regarding identification of the medications.
- B. Show pictures to the client from the Physician's Desk Reference to identify the medications.
- C. Consult the previous medical record and notify the physician regarding medications that must be ordered.
- D. Ask a family member to bring the medications from home in the original vials for proper identification and administration times.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Having medications brought in original vials ensures accurate identification, promoting safe administration.
Assessment of a primigravid client in active labor reveals a cervix dilated to 5 cm and completely effaced, with the fetus at -1 station. The client has indicated that she wants a 'natural childbirth' with no analgesia or anesthesia. The client's husband has been present since their arrival at the birthing unit. The physician enters the room and tells the client that it is time for an epidural anesthetic. Which of the following would be the nurse's best action at this time?
- A. Ask the client if she desires an epidural anesthetic.
- B. Tell the physician that the client desires a natural childbirth with no analgesia or anesthesia.
- C. Tell the client that her labor will be more comfortable with an anesthetic.
- D. Ask the client to discuss this with her husband and then make a decision.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Advocating for the client's stated preference for natural childbirth ensures autonomy and respects her birth plan.
A client with a history of breast cancer is prescribed anastrozole (Arimidex). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?
- A. Bone loss.
- B. Hyperglycemia.
- C. Hypertension.
- D. Weight gain.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, can cause bone loss, increasing osteoporosis risk.