The nurse is assessing a client with Addison's disease who is weak, dizzy, disoriented, and has dry oral mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, and sunken eyes. Vital signs are blood pressure 94/44, heart rate 123 beats/minute, respiration 22 breaths/minute. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Assess extremity strength and resistance
- B. Report a sodium level of 132 mEq/L or mmol/L (SI units)
- C. Measure and record the cardiac QRS complex
- D. Check current finger stick glucose
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's symptoms suggest possible adrenal crisis or hypoglycemia. Checking glucose is a priority to rule out hypoglycemia, which requires immediate intervention. The client is presenting with symptoms indicative of hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Assessing extremity strength, reporting sodium levels, or measuring the cardiac QRS complex are not the most urgent actions in this scenario.
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The nurse enters the room of a client who is awaiting surgery for appendicitis. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) has helped the client to a position of comfort with the right leg flexed and has applied a heating pad to the client's abdomen to relieve the client's pain. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Remove the heating pad.
- B. Reposition the client's right leg.
- C. Monitor for signs of inflammation.
- D. Assess the client's pain level.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement first is to remove the heating pad. Heating pads should not be used for suspected appendicitis as they can mask symptoms and potentially worsen inflammation. Choice B is not the priority as the position of comfort chosen by the UAP may be appropriate. Monitoring for signs of inflammation (Choice C) is important but not the initial action to address the immediate issue of the heating pad. Assessing the client's pain level (Choice D) can be done after removing the heating pad to evaluate the effectiveness of pain relief measures.
Which situation is a violation of client confidentiality, as described in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
- A. A sign-in sheet kept at the front desk listing clients' last names and the time of their arrival
- B. A nurse's handwritten notes from a telephone report discarded in the office wastebasket
- C. A computer monitor screen located at the nurse's station in a high-traffic area
- D. Privileged Health Information (PHI) given to an ambulance driver for the transfer of a client
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is a violation of client confidentiality as it exposes patient information to unauthorized individuals due to its location in a high-traffic area. HIPAA regulations require that electronic protected health information (ePHI) be safeguarded against unauthorized access, making the situation described in choice C a violation. Choices A, B, and D do not directly involve the exposure of patient information to unauthorized individuals. While choices A and B may pose some risks, they are not as severe as the direct exposure described in choice C. Choice D involves sharing information with an ambulance driver for a legitimate purpose, which does not violate HIPAA if done securely and in compliance with regulations.
The nurse instructs an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to turn an immobilized elderly client with an indwelling urinary catheter every two hours. What additional action should the nurse instruct the UAP to take each time the client is turned?
- A. Empty the urinary drainage bag
- B. Feed the client a snack
- C. Offer the client oral fluids
- D. Assess the breath sounds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct additional action the nurse should instruct the UAP to take each time the immobilized elderly client with an indwelling urinary catheter is turned is to empty the urinary drainage bag. This action helps to prevent backflow of urine, reduces the risk of infection, and prevents bladder distention, which are crucial for the client's comfort and health. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to the care of a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. Feeding a snack, offering oral fluids, or assessing breath sounds are important aspects of care but not the immediate action needed when turning a client with an indwelling urinary catheter to prevent complications.
After undergoing an uncomplicated gastric bypass surgery, a client is experiencing difficulty managing their diet. What dietary instruction is most important for the nurse to explain to the client?
- A. Chew food slowly and thoroughly before attempting to swallow
- B. Plan volume-controlled evenly spaced meals throughout the day
- C. Sip fluid slowly with each meal and between meals
- D. Eliminate or reduce intake of fatty and gas-forming foods
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Thoroughly chewing food is crucial for clients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery to aid in digestion and prevent complications. Proper chewing helps break down food into smaller particles, making it easier for the digestive system to process. This instruction is essential to prevent issues such as food blockages or inadequate nutrient absorption. Choices B and C are also important for post-gastric bypass clients to maintain proper nutrition and hydration, but they are not as critical as ensuring thorough chewing. Choice D addresses dietary concerns but is not as immediately crucial as ensuring the client chews food properly to support digestion and prevent complications.
A 3-year-old boy was successfully toilet trained prior to his admission to the hospital for injuries sustained from a fall. His parents are very concerned that the child has regressed in his toileting behaviors. Which information should the nurse provide to the parents?
- A. Children usually resume their toileting behaviors when they leave the hospital
- B. A retraining program will need to be initiated when the child returns home
- C. Diapering will be provided since hospitalization is stressful to preschoolers
- D. A potty chair should be brought from home so he can maintain his toileting skills
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Children often regress in toileting behaviors during hospitalization due to stress and changes in routine. However, they usually resume normal behaviors once they are discharged and back in their familiar environment. Providing reassurance to the parents that the child is likely to return to his previous toileting habits after leaving the hospital can help alleviate their concerns. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the normal pattern of behavior regression and recovery in toileting skills associated with hospitalization.