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 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.
The nurse monitors a patient with acute pancreatitis. Which assessment finding indicates that paralytic ileus has developed?
- A. Inability to pass flatus
- B. Loss of anal sphincter control
- C. Severe, constant pain with rapid onset
- D. Firm, nontender mass palpable at the lower right costal margin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An inflammatory reaction such as acute pancreatitis can cause paralytic ileus, the common form of nonmechanical obstruction. Inability to pass flatus is a clinical manifestation of paralytic ileus. Loss of sphincter control is not a sign of paralytic ileus. Pain is associated with paralytic ileus, but the pain usually presents as a more constant generalized discomfort. Pain that is severe, constant, and rapid in onset is more likely caused by strangulation of the bowel. Option 4 is the description of the physical finding of liver enlargement.
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 who practices culturally sensitive nursing care incorporates which concepts into client care? Select all that apply.
- A. The expression of pain is affected by learned behaviors.
- B. Physiologically, all individuals experience pain in a similar manner.
- C. Ethnic culture has an effect on the physiological response to pain medications.
- D. Clients should be assessed for pain regardless of a lack of overt symptomatology.
- E. The use of a standardized pain assessment tool ensures unbiased pain assessment.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Pain and its expression are often affected by an individual's ethnic culture in ways that include learned means of pain expression, the physiological response to pain medications, and attitudes regarding acceptable ways of dealing with pain. Physiologically not all individuals, even those of the same ethnic culture, will respond to pain in a similar manner, and so a standardized pain assessment tool is not effective in measuring pain in all clients.
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.