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The nurse is assessing a 3-day-old preterm neonate with a diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Which assessment finding indicates that the neonate's respiratory condition is improving?
- A. Edema of the hands and feet
- B. Urine output of 3 mL/kg/hour
- C. Presence of a systolic murmur
- D. Respiratory rate between 60 and 70 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: RDS is a serious lung disorder caused by immaturity and the inability to produce surfactant, resulting in hypoxia and acidosis. Lung fluid, which occurs in RDS, moves from the lungs into the bloodstream as the condition improves and the alveoli open. This extra fluid circulates to the kidneys, which results in increased voiding. Therefore, normal urination is an early sign that the neonate's respiratory condition is improving (normal urinary output is 2 to 5 mL/kg/hour). Edema of the hands and feet occurs within the first 24 hours after the development of RDS as a result of low protein concentrations, a decrease in colloidal osmotic pressure, and transudation of fluid from the vascular system to the tissues. Systolic murmurs usually indicate the presence of a patent ductus arteriosus, which is a common complication of RDS. Respiratory rates above 60 are indicative of tachypnea, which is a sign of respiratory distress.
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A hospitalized client awaiting repair of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm is frequently assessed by the nurse. Which assessment finding should the nurse identify as an early indication that the aneurysm has ruptured?
- A. Widened pulse pressure
- B. Unilateral motor weakness
- C. Unilateral slowing of pupil response
- D. A decline in the level of consciousness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rupture of a cerebral aneurysm usually results in increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The first sign of pressure in the brain is a change in the level of consciousness. This change in consciousness can be as subtle as drowsiness or restlessness. Because centers that control blood pressure are located lower in the brain than those that control consciousness, blood pressure alteration is a later sign. Slowing of pupil response and motor weakness are also late signs.
A client has been admitted with a diagnosis of acute glomerulonephritis. During history taking, the nurse should ask the client about a recent history of which event?
- A. Bleeding ulcer
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Deep vein thrombosis
- D. Streptococcal infection
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The predominant cause of acute glomerulonephritis is infection with beta-hemolytic Streptococcus 3 weeks before the onset of symptoms. In addition to bacteria, other infectious agents that could trigger the disorder include viruses, fungi, and parasites. Bleeding ulcer, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis are not precipitating causes.
A child is admitted to the pediatric unit with a diagnosis of celiac disease. Based on this diagnosis, the nurse expects that the child's stools will have which characteristic?
- A. Malodorous
- B. Dark in color
- C. Unusually hard
- D. Abnormally small in amount
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Celiac disease is a disorder characterized by intolerance to gluten, leading to malabsorption and gastrointestinal symptoms. The stools of a child with celiac disease are typically malodorous, bulky, frothy, and pale due to steatorrhea (excess fat in the stool) caused by impaired nutrient absorption. Dark-colored stools, hard stools, or small amounts are not characteristic of celiac disease.
An anxious client enters the emergency department seeking treatment for a laceration of the finger. The client's vital signs are pulse 106 beats per minute, blood pressure (BP) 158/88 mm Hg, and respirations 28 breaths per minute. After cleansing the injury and reassuring the client, the nurse rechecks the vital signs and notes a pulse of 82 beats per minute, BP 130/80 mm Hg, and respirations 20 breaths per minute. Which factor likely accounts for the change in vital signs?
- A. Cooling effects of the cleansing agent
- B. Client's adaptation to the air conditioning
- C. Early clinical indicators of cardiogenic shock
- D. Decline in sympathetic nervous system discharge
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Physical or emotional stress triggers sympathetic nervous system stimulation. Increased epinephrine and norepinephrine cause tachycardia, high blood pressure, and tachypnea. Stress reduction then returns these parameters to baseline as the sympathetic discharge falls.
The nurse is assessing the respiratory status of the client after a thoracentesis has been performed. The nurse would become concerned with which assessment finding?
- A. Equal bilateral chest expansion
- B. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute
- C. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side
- D. Few scattered wheezes, unchanged from baseline
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After thoracentesis, the nurse assesses vital signs and breath sounds. The nurse especially notes increased respiratory rates, dyspnea, retractions, diminished breath sounds, or cyanosis, which could indicate pneumothorax. Any of these manifestations should be reported to the primary health care provider. Options 1 and 2 are normal findings. Option 4 indicates a finding that is unchanged from the baseline.