The nurse is caring for a client in atrial fibrillation. The atrial heart rate is 250, and the ventricular rate is controlled at 75. Which of the following findings is cause for the most concern?
- A. Diminished bowel sounds
- B. Loss of appetite
- C. A cold, pale lower leg
- D. Tachypnea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A cold, pale lower leg is the most concerning finding as it indicates poor blood flow, potentially suggesting a serious circulatory problem that requires immediate attention. Diminished bowel sounds, loss of appetite, and tachypnea may be relevant but are not as indicative of a critical circulatory issue as a cold, pale lower leg.
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After a client was taken off the ventilator following surgery, they have a nasogastric tube draining bile-colored liquids. Which nursing measure will provide the most comfort to the client?
- A. Allow the client to suck on ice chips
- B. Provide mints to freshen the breath
- C. Perform frequent oral care with a tooth sponge
- D. Swab the mouth with glycerin swabs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Performing frequent oral care with a tooth sponge is the most appropriate nursing measure to provide comfort to a client with a nasogastric tube draining bile-colored liquids. This measure helps to maintain oral hygiene, prevent dryness, and enhance overall comfort. Allowing the client to suck on ice chips may not address oral hygiene needs, providing mints focuses more on breath freshness rather than comfort, and swabbing the mouth with glycerin swabs may not effectively address oral care needs.
The nurse is caring for a client undergoing the placement of a central venous catheter line. Which of the following would require the nurse's immediate attention?
- A. Pallor
- B. Increased temperature
- C. Dyspnea
- D. Involuntary muscle spasms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dyspnea indicates a potential complication such as pneumothorax or incorrect catheter placement, requiring immediate attention. Pallor may indicate anemia but is not as urgent as dyspnea in this context. Increased temperature could be a sign of infection but is not as critical as respiratory distress. Involuntary muscle spasms are not directly related to central venous catheter placement and are of lower priority compared to respiratory issues.
The nurse is caring for a client with clinical depression who is receiving a MAO inhibitor. When providing instructions about precautions with this medication, which action should the nurse stress to the client as important?
- A. Avoid chocolate and cheese
- B. Take frequent naps
- C. Take the medication with milk
- D. Avoid walking without assistance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid chocolate and cheese. MAO inhibitors can interact with tyramine-rich foods like these, potentially leading to severe hypertension. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking frequent naps, taking the medication with milk, and avoiding walking without assistance are not relevant precautions associated with MAO inhibitors.
Which information is a priority for the client to reinforce after intravenous pyelography?
- A. Eat a light diet for the rest of the day
- B. Rest for the next 24 hours as the preparation and test are tiring.
- C. During waking hours, drink at least 1 8-ounce glass of fluid every hour for the next 2 days
- D. Measure urine output for the next day and immediately notify the healthcare provider if it decreases.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After intravenous pyelography, monitoring urine output is crucial to assess kidney function and detect any early signs of complications. Decreased urine output could indicate a problem with kidney function or potential complications from the procedure. While rest and hydration are important, the priority lies in monitoring urine output for any abnormalities. Eating a light diet may be recommended, but it is not the priority post-procedure instruction.
The health care provider order reads 'aspirate nasogastric feeding (NG) tube every 4 hours and check pH of aspirate.' The pH of the aspirate is 10. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Hold the tube feeding and notify the provider
- B. Administer the tube feeding as scheduled
- C. Irrigate the tube with diet cola soda
- D. Apply intermittent suction to the feeding tube
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A pH of 10 indicates improper placement of the NG tube, requiring notification of the provider and holding the feeding. Choice B is incorrect because administering the tube feeding could lead to complications due to the improper placement. Choice C is incorrect as irrigating the tube with diet cola soda is not a standard practice for addressing this issue. Choice D is incorrect as applying intermittent suction does not address the problem of improper placement indicated by the high pH level.