Nokea
The nurse in the emergency room is caring for a client with multiple rib fractures and a pulmonary contusion. Assessment reveals a respiratory rate of 38, a heart rate of 136, and restlessness. Which associated assessment finding would require immediate intervention?
- A. Occasional small amounts of hemoptysis
- B. Midline trachea with wheezing on auscultation
- C. Subcutaneous air and absent breath sounds
- D. Pain when breathing deeply, with rales in the upper lobes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subcutaneous air and absent breath sounds suggest pneumothorax, requiring immediate intervention (e.g., chest tube). Hemoptysis (A), wheezing (B), and pain/rales (D) are concerning but less urgent.
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Diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine sulfate (Lomotil) is prescribed for the client with ulcerative colitis. Which of the following nursing observations indicates that the drug is having a therapeutic effect?
- A. There is an absence of peristalsis.
- B. The number of diarrhea stools decreases.
- C. Cramping in the abdomen has increased.
- D. Abdominal girth size increases.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lomotil, an antidiarrheal, slows intestinal motility, reducing diarrhea frequency in ulcerative colitis. Decreased diarrhea stools (B) indicates therapeutic effect. Absent peristalsis (A), increased cramping (C), or girth (D) suggest complications or ineffectiveness.
Which of the following nursing care goals has the highest priority for a child with epiglottitis?
- A. Sleep or lie quietly 10 hr/day.
- B. Consume foods from all four food groups.
- C. Be afebrile throughout her hospital stay.
- D. Participate in play activities 4 hr/day.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Of these four goals, maintenance of a calm, quiet atmosphere to reduce anxiety and to allow for rest is the most important. Although nutrition is important, the child needs fluids to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance more than solid foods. In addition, the child may not be able to swallow solid foods owing to epiglottic swelling. This goal is unrealistic because fever is a common symptom of the infection associated with epiglottitis. If overexerted, the child will need more O2 and energy than available, and these requirements may exacerbate the condition.
A client with a history of a heart failure is receiving Furosemide (Lasix). The nurse should monitor the client for:
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hyperglycemia
- C. Hypertension
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, causes potassium loss, risking hypokalemia, requiring monitoring. Hyperglycemia, hypertension, and weight gain are not primary concerns.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of a stroke who has dysphagia. The nurse should:
- A. Offer thin liquids
- B. Position the client flat for meals
- C. Thicken liquids
- D. Use a straw for fluids
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Thickening liquids reduces aspiration risk in dysphagia post-stroke. Thin liquids, flat positioning, and straws increase aspiration risk.
A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which medication would the nurse expect to administer?
- A. Ibuprofen (Advil)
- B. Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- C. Aspirin
- D. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, reduces acid production, aiding ulcer healing. Ibuprofen (A) and aspirin (C) worsen ulcers, and acetaminophen (D) addresses pain but not acid.