The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has facial lacerations, a suspected fracture of the arm, and multiple bruises at various stages of healing. The client's spouse is at the bedside and appears angry. Which of the following actions would be a priority for the nurse take?
- A. Recommend a referral to social services for the client.
- B. Talk with the client privately without the spouse in the room.
- C. Place the client's arm in a shoulder sling and prepare the client for an x-ray.
- D. Cleanse the client's facial lacerations and prepare to assist with suture placement.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple bruises at various stages suggest possible abuse, so talking privately with the client (B) is the priority to assess safety. Social services (A) may follow, but immediate safety assessment comes first. Treating injuries (C, D) is secondary.
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The nurse is caring for a client who was recently prescribed methadone for chronic, severe back pain. The client indicates taking extra tablets in the last 6 hours when the pain recurred. Which findings during discharge require the client to be monitored longer in the hospital setting? Select all that apply.
- A. Falls asleep when the nurse is talking
- B. Frequently scratches from pruritus
- C. Has third emesis since taking medication
- D. Monitor shows occasional premature ventricular contractions
- E. Pulse oximetry reading is 92%
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Falling asleep (A), vomiting (C), and premature ventricular contractions (D) indicate possible methadone overdose or toxicity, requiring extended monitoring. Pruritus (B) is a common side effect, and 92% oxygen saturation (E) is not critical.
The nurse monitoring a client with appendicitis will expect the client to give which description of the associated abdominal pain?
- A. A burning sensation; in the upper abdomen
- B. An 8 out of 10; on the left side below the belly button
- C. Excruciating; in the lower abdomen above the right hip
- D. Intermittent; in the abdomen and right shoulder
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Appendicitis typically causes severe pain in the right lower quadrant (C). Upper abdominal burning (A) suggests gastritis, left-sided pain (B) is atypical, and shoulder pain (D) may indicate referred pain from other conditions.
The nurse is caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which statement by the unlicensed assistive personnel would require immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. I will raise the head of the bed so it is easier to see the television.
- B. I will turn down the lights when I leave.
- C. Let me move your belongings closer so you can reach them
- D. You should do deep breathing and coughing exercises.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Raising the head of the bed (A) without medical guidance can alter ICP dangerously. Dimming lights (B), moving belongings (C), and breathing exercises (D) are generally safe or neutral.
A non-stress test has been ordered for a pregnant client with diabetes mellitus. Non-stress testing is a part of the diabetic's prenatal care because:
- A. Fetal movement is adversely affected by diabetes.
- B. Maternal insulin levels can have a negative effect on fetal energy.
- C. Diabetes can adversely affect development of placental vessels.
- D. Fetal lung maturity is most easily determined by non-stress testing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diabetes can impair placental vessel development, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus, necessitating non-stress testing to monitor fetal well-being. Fetal movement and lung maturity are assessed differently, and insulin's effect is indirect.
The nurse admits a 2 year-old child who has had a seizure. Which of the following statement by the child's parent would be important in determining the etiology of the seizure?
- A. He has been taking long naps for a week.'
- B. He has had an ear infection for the past 2 days.'
- C. He has been eating more red meat lately.'
- D. He seems to be going to the bathroom more frequently.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: He has had an ear infection for the past 2 days.' Contributing factors to seizures in children include those such as age (more common in first 2 years), infections (late infancy and early childhood), fatigue, not eating properly and excessive fluid intake or fluid retention.