The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing status epilepticus and does not have a peripheral venous access device. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer rectal diazepam.
- B. Transport the client for a CT scan.
- C. Obtain a blood specimen for complete blood count.
- D. Check the client for neck stiffness and Brudzinski sign.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rectal diazepam is a first-line treatment for status epilepticus when IV access is unavailable, as it rapidly terminates seizures to prevent brain damage.
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The family of a young man who has been declared brain dead following an accident tells the nurse that the doctors said their son would be a good organ donor. They ask the nurse if donating his organs would mean that they could not have a regular funeral. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
- A. Donating organs does deface the body, so a closed casket is necessary.
- B. Ask the physician which organs would be donated.
- C. Organ donation involves a surgical incision but should not interfere with any type of funeral.
- D. Donating organs is a wonderful service to humanity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Organ donation involves surgical incisions but allows for open-casket funerals with proper preparation, addressing the family's concern accurately.
Following a typanoplasty, the nurse should maintain the client in which position?
- A. Semi-Fowler's with the operative ear facing down
- B. Low Trendelenburg with the head in neutral position
- C. Flat with the head turned to the side with the operative ear facing up
- D. Supine with a small neck roll to allow for drainage
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After tympanoplasty, the client should be positioned flat with the head turned to the side and the operative ear facing up to promote healing and prevent pressure on the surgical site. Answer A is incorrect because the operative ear should face up, not down. Answer B is incorrect because low Trendelenburg is not indicated. Answer D is incorrect because a neck roll may not ensure proper positioning of the operative ear.
The nurse has been interacting for several weeks with a client on the psychiatric unit. The nurse is to be transferred to another unit. Which comment by the client indicates separation anxiety?
- A. We had a good time at the party last night. You should have been here.'
- B. Some of us are going to the museum next week. Too bad you can't go.'
- C. I was thinking about my friend last night; the one who died in the car crash.'
- D. I was telling my wife what a good nurse you are.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Expressing regret about the nurse missing a future event suggests attachment and anxiety about the nurse's departure, indicating separation anxiety. Other comments lack this emotional connection.
The nurse is caring for assigned clients. The nurse should first check the client
- A. with hypothyroidism who is reporting constipation, weakness, and peripheral edema
- B. with chronic pancreatitis who is reporting upper abdominal pain and voluminous, foul-smelling, fatty stools
- C. who has bacterial pneumonia, is receiving IV antibiotic therapy, and is reporting a cough productive of blood-tinged sputum
- D. who has an external fixation device, a temperature of 101.8°F (38.8°C), and is reporting redness and pain around the pin sites
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Fever, redness, and pain around pin sites suggest a possible infection at the external fixation site, which is a priority due to the risk of osteomyelitis or systemic infection.
The nurse is reinforcing teaching with an adolescent client who has acne vulgaris. Which of the following information should the nurse reinforce? Select all that apply.
- A. A well-balanced diet can help support healthy skin.
- B. Antibacterial soap is harsh and can make your acne worse.
- C. Scrub whiteheads vigorously when washing your face twice daily.
- D. Squeezing or picking the lesions may increase the risk for infection and scarring.
- E. Use skin care products labeled as noncomedogenic to avoid clogging your skin pores.
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: A balanced diet (A), avoiding harsh soaps (B), not picking lesions (D), and using noncomedogenic products (E) promote skin health and prevent acne exacerbation.