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The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital with lower extremity edema and shortness of breath. Which electrocardiogram finding indicates the client is at risk for an alteration in perfusion?
- A. P wave smooth and round
- B. Absent U wave
- C. PR interval 0.30 seconds
- D. ST segment isoelectric
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An isoelectric ST segment on an electrocardiogram can indicate myocardial ischemia or injury, which can lead to a decrease in perfusion to the heart muscle. This finding suggests an increased risk of inadequate blood flow to the heart, potentially resulting in further complications such as a myocardial infarction or altered perfusion to other organs. In a client with lower extremity edema and shortness of breath, identifying this ECG finding is crucial for early intervention and monitoring to prevent further deterioration in perfusion status.
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During an assessment, the nurse decides to assess a patient’s calcium level. Which action will the nurse take to identify a low calcium level?
- A. Palpate turgor of skin
- B. Observe the color of the skin
- C. Conduct a Trousseau’s sign test
- D. Save urine to measure 17-ketosteroids
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Trousseau’s sign test is used to identify low calcium levels in a patient. This test involves inflating a blood pressure cuff on the patient's arm above systolic pressure for a few minutes, which can trigger a carpal spasm (wrist and hand flexion) in patients with low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). This is due to increased neuromuscular irritability caused by low calcium levels. Therefore, conducting a Trousseau’s sign test is the appropriate action to identify a low calcium level in a patient. Palpating turgor of skin, observing the color of the skin, and saving urine to measure 17-ketosteroids are not relevant actions for assessing calcium levels.
The nurse is providing care to a client who has experienced several episodes of angina. Which agent does the nurse anticipate being ordered to reduce the intensity and frequency of an angina episode?
- A. The client will experience relief of chest pain with therapeutic lifestyle changes.
- B. The client will experience relief of chest pain with statin therapy.
- C. The client will experience relief of chest pain with nitrate therapy.
- D. The client will experience relief of chest pain with anticoagulant therapy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nitrates are commonly prescribed for the management of angina. These agents work by dilating blood vessels, which leads to improved blood flow to the heart muscle and decreased workload on the heart. This results in reduced intensity and frequency of angina episodes by increasing oxygen supply to the heart and decreasing its demand. Nitrates can be administered sublingually, orally, or topically to provide prompt relief of chest pain during an angina episode. Thorough patient education should be provided regarding the proper use of nitrates and potential side effects.
A patient with a compound, open fracture of the femur is scheduled for immediate surgery. Which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate in the immediate postoperative period?
- A. Risk for Falls
- B. Risk for Infection
- C. Impaired Transfer Ability
- D. Risk for Post-Trauma Syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Given that the patient has a compound, open fracture of the femur and is undergoing immediate surgery, the most critical nursing diagnosis in the immediate postoperative period would be the risk for infection. Open fractures are particularly susceptible to infection due to the exposure of the fracture site to external contaminants. Postoperative care should prioritize infection prevention measures like sterile dressing changes, administration of prophylactic antibiotics, and close monitoring for signs of infection such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or drainage from the wound. Mitigating the risk of infection is crucial to prevent complications and promote optimal healing of the fracture. While the other diagnoses are relevant, addressing the risk for infection takes precedence in this scenario.
The nurse is concerned that a client admitted for a total hip replacement is at risk for thrombus formation. Which assessment finding caused the nurse to draw this conclusion?
- A. Body mass index (BMI) 35.8
- B. Former cigarette smoker
- C. Blood pressure 132/88 mmHg
- D. Age 45 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A former cigarette smoker is at increased risk for thrombus formation due to the damage smoking causes to the blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of blood clots. Smoking can also contribute to inflammation and increased platelet activation, further promoting clot formation. This risk factor is particularly concerning in a client undergoing a total hip replacement surgery, as immobility and surgery itself can also increase the risk of blood clots forming. Monitoring and addressing this risk factor is important in preventing potential complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism in this client population. While the other assessment findings are important to consider for overall health, the former cigarette smoking status is specifically associated with thrombus formation in this scenario.
The nurse has a 7-year-old client recovering from partial-thickness burns to the arms and hands. This client has shown sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights, and at times if she is overstimulated she won't speak to or look at anyone but her parents until she calms down. The nurse considers the best teaching environment for this client to be the
- A. client's room.
- B. pediatric ward waiting area.
- C. hospital cafeteria.
- D. pediatric ward play area.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: For a 7-year-old client recovering from partial-thickness burns with sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights, along with a tendency to become overstimulated, the best teaching environment would be the client's room. This setting provides a familiar and comforting space where the client feels secure and less exposed to external stimuli that may trigger discomfort or anxiety. Being in her own room allows the client to focus better, feel more at ease, and have better communication with the nurse without distractions from bright lights, loud noises, or other people around. This controlled and peaceful environment contributes to a more effective teaching and learning experience for the client, promoting better understanding and retention of information.