Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with heart failure who has a magnesium level of 0.75 mEq/L (0.375 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Monitor the client for irregular heart rhythms.
- B. Encourage the intake of antacids with phosphate.
- C. Teach the client to avoid foods high in magnesium.
- D. Provide a diet of ground beef, eggs, and chicken breast.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The normal magnesium level ranges from 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L); therefore, this client is experiencing hypomagnesemia. The client should be monitored for dysrhythmias because magnesium plays an important role in myocardial nerve cell impulse conduction; thus, hypomagnesemia increases the client's risk of ventricular dysrhythmias. The nurse avoids administering phosphate in the presence of hypomagnesemia because it aggravates the condition. The nurse instructs the client to consume foods high in magnesium; ground beef, eggs, and chicken breast are low in magnesium.
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A child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. The nurse expects to note documentation of which manifestation in the medical record? Select all that apply.
- A. Edema
- B. Proteinuria
- C. Hypertension
- D. Abdominal pain
- E. Increased weight
- F. Hypoalbuminemia
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E,F
Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome refers to a kidney disorder characterized by edema, proteinuria, and hypoalbuminemia. The child also experiences anorexia, fatigue, abdominal pain, respiratory infection, and increased weight. The child's blood pressure is usually normal or slightly below normal.
A client undergoes transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Which solution should the nurse have available postoperatively for continuous bladder irrigation (CBI)?
- A. Sterile water
- B. Sterile normal saline
- C. Sterile Dakin's solution
- D. Sterile water with 5% dextrose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Continuous bladder irrigation is done after TURP using sterile normal saline, which is isotonic. Sterile water is not used because the solution could be absorbed systemically, precipitating hemolysis and possibly kidney failure. Dakin's solution contains hypochlorite and is used only for wound irrigation in selected circumstances. Solutions containing dextrose are not introduced into the bladder.
The nurse is analyzing an electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm strip on an assigned client. What should the nurse record as the client's PR interval?
- A. 0.12 second
- B. 0.20 second
- C. 0.24 second
- D. 0.40 second
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Standard ECG graph paper measurements are 0.04 second for each small box on the horizontal axis (measuring time) and 1 mm (measuring voltage) for each small box on the vertical axis.
The pediatric nurse specialist teaches nursing students about mumps. Which clinical manifestation will the specialist identify as the most common complication of this disease?
- A. Pain
- B. Nuchal rigidity
- C. Impaired hearing
- D. A red swollen testicle
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most common complication of mumps is aseptic meningitis, with the virus being identified in the cerebrospinal fluid. Common signs include nuchal rigidity, lethargy, and vomiting. Muscular pain, parotid pain, or testicular pain may occur, but pain does not indicate a sign of a common complication. Although mumps is one of the leading causes of unilateral nerve deafness, it does not occur frequently. A red swollen testicle may be indicative of orchitis. Although this complication appears to cause most concern among parents, it is not the most common complication.
A client experiencing a severe major depressive episode is unable to address activities of daily living (ADL). Which nursing intervention best meets the client's current needs therapeutically?
- A. Have the client's peers approach the client about how noncompliance in addressing ADL affects the milieu.
- B. Structure the client's day so that adequate time can be devoted to the client's assuming responsibility for ADL.
- C. Offer the client choices and describe the consequences for the failure to comply with the expectation of maintaining her or his own ADL.
- D. Feed, bathe, and dress the client as needed until the client's condition improves so that she or he can perform these activities independently.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The symptoms of major depression include depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death. Often, the client does not have the energy or interest to complete activities of daily living. Option 1 will increase the client's feelings of poor self-esteem and of unworthiness. Option 2 is incorrect because the client still lacks the energy and motivation to do these independently. Option 3 may lead to increased feelings of worthlessness as the client fails to meet expectations.