The nurse is caring for a client following a myelogram. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Complaint of headaches and stiff neck.
- B. Complaint of dizziness and nausea.
- C. Increased pain at the puncture site.
- D. Mild redness around the puncture site.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Complaint of headaches and stiff neck. Headaches and stiff neck following a myelogram may indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak or other complications that require prompt medical attention. Reporting this finding immediately is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may warrant monitoring and intervention, they are not as indicative of a potentially serious complication as the symptoms described in choice A.
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A male client is having abdominal pain after a left femoral angioplasty and stent, and is asking for additional pain medication for right lower quadrant pain (9/10). Two hours ago, he received hydrocodone/acetaminophen 7.5/325 mg. His vital signs are elevated from previous readings: temperature 97.8°F, heart rate 102 beats/minute, respiration 20 breaths/minute. His abdomen is swollen, the groin access site is tender, peripheral pulses are present, but the left is greater than the right. What data is needed to make this report complete?
- A. Client's lungs are clear bilaterally, and oxygen saturation is 97%.
- B. Surgeon needs to see the client immediately to evaluate the situation.
- C. Left peripheral pulses were present only by Doppler pre-procedure.
- D. Client's history includes multiple back surgeries and chronic pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In this scenario, the client is experiencing abdominal pain after a left femoral angioplasty and stent, with signs of potential complications such as a swollen abdomen, tenderness at the groin access site, and unequal peripheral pulses. The client's vital signs are also elevated, indicating a worsening condition. Given these findings, the immediate evaluation by the surgeon is crucial to assess for serious complications like internal bleeding or ischemia. Choice A is incorrect as the focus should be on the urgent need for surgical evaluation rather than lung sounds and oxygen saturation. Choice C is irrelevant to the immediate management of the client's current situation. Choice D, while providing background information, is not essential for the urgent intervention required in this case.
A nurse is caring for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. Which intervention is most important to include in the client's plan of care?
- A. Ensure the catheter is below the level of the bladder at all times.
- B. Change the catheter bag every 48 hours.
- C. Cleanse the perineal area daily.
- D. Perform catheter care daily.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the catheter is always below the level of the bladder. Placing the catheter tubing above the level of the bladder can lead to backflow of urine, causing urinary tract infections. Changing the catheter bag every 48 hours is important but not as crucial as maintaining proper catheter positioning. Cleaning the perineal area daily and performing catheter care are essential tasks but do not directly address the prevention of complications associated with catheter placement.
A client with a history of myocardial infarction is admitted with chest pain. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. White blood cell count
- B. Serum creatinine
- C. Troponin level
- D. Hemoglobin level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Troponin level. Troponin levels should be closely monitored in a client with chest pain and a history of myocardial infarction to assess for ongoing myocardial injury. Troponin is a specific marker for myocardial damage. Monitoring white blood cell count (choice A) is not directly related to myocardial infarction. Serum creatinine (choice B) is more indicative of renal function rather than cardiac status. Hemoglobin level (choice D) is important but does not directly reflect ongoing myocardial injury.
A client with type 2 diabetes is admitted with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). Which clinical finding is most concerning?
- A. Serum glucose of 500 mg/dl
- B. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
- C. Serum osmolarity of 320 mOsm/kg
- D. Serum pH of 7.30
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A serum osmolarity of 320 mOsm/kg is the most concerning finding in a client with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). This level of osmolarity indicates severe dehydration and hyperosmolarity, putting the client at risk of complications like organ failure. Immediate intervention is crucial to address the dehydration and restore fluid balance. The other options, while important in the overall assessment of a client with HHS, do not directly indicate the severity of dehydration and hyperosmolarity seen with a high serum osmolarity level.
A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast. Which laboratory value should the nurse review before the procedure?
- A. Serum creatinine
- B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- C. Serum potassium
- D. Serum glucose
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum creatinine. Before a CT scan with contrast, the nurse should review the serum creatinine level. This is crucial in patients with CKD because contrast agents can potentially worsen kidney function and lead to contrast-induced nephropathy. Monitoring serum creatinine helps assess kidney function and determine the risk of complications. Choices B, C, and D are less relevant in this scenario. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is another marker of kidney function, but serum creatinine is a more specific indicator. Serum potassium levels are important in assessing electrolyte balance but are not directly related to the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Serum glucose levels are not typically a primary concern before a CT scan with contrast in a patient with CKD.