The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving tobramycin sulfate intravenously every 8 hours. Which result should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?
- A. A total bilirubin of 0.5 mg/dL (8.5 mcmol/L)
- B. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 15 mm/hour
- C. A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 30 mg/dL (10.8 mmol/L)
- D. A white blood cell count (WBC) of 6000 mm³ (6 × 10â¹/L)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tobramycin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Adverse effects or toxic effects of tobramycin sulfate include nephrotoxicity as evidenced by an increased BUN and serum creatinine; irreversible ototoxicity as evidenced by tinnitus, dizziness, ringing or roaring in the ears, and reduced hearing; and neurotoxicity as evidenced by headaches, dizziness, lethargy, tremors, and visual disturbances. The normal BUN ranges from 10 to 20 mg/dL (3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L), depending on the laboratory. The normal total bilirubin level ranges from 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL (5.1 to 17 mcmol/L). The normal sedimentation rate for a male is ≤15 mm/hr and for a female is ≤20 mm/hr. A normal WBC count is 5000 to 10,000 mm³ (5 to 10 × 10â¹/L).
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A pregnant client at 32 weeks' gestation is admitted to the obstetrical unit for observation after a motor vehicle crash. When the client begins experiencing slight vaginal bleeding and mild cramps, which action should the nurse take to support the viability of the fetus?
- A. Insert an intravenous line and begin an infusion at 125 mL per hour.
- B. Administer oxygen to the woman via a face mask at 7 to 10 L per minute.
- C. Position and connect the ultrasound transducer to the external fetal monitor.
- D. Position and connect a spiral electrode to the fetal monitor for internal fetal monitoring.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: External fetal monitoring will allow the nurse to determine any change in the fetal heart rate and rhythm that would indicate that the fetus is in jeopardy. The amount of bleeding described is insufficient to require intravenous fluid replacement. Because fetal distress has not been determined at this time, oxygen administration is premature. Internal monitoring is contraindicated when there is vaginal bleeding, especially in preterm labor.
To monitor for a temporary but common postsurgical complication of a transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary gland, the nurse should regularly perform which assessment?
- A. Pulse rate
- B. Temperature
- C. Urine output
- D. Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A common complication of surgery on the pituitary gland is temporary diabetes insipidus. This results from a deficiency in antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion as a result of surgical trauma. The nurse measures the client's urine output to determine whether this complication is occurring. Polyuria of 4 to 24 L per day is characteristic of this complication. Options 1, 2, and 4 are not specifically related to a common complication after this surgery.
The nurse is teaching a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) how to do pursed-lip breathing. Evaluation of understanding is evident if the client performs which action?
- A. Breathes in and then holds the breath for 30 seconds
- B. Loosens the abdominal muscles while breathing out
- C. Inhales with puckered lips and exhales with the mouth open wide
- D. Breathes so that expiration is two to three times as long as inspiration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: COPD is a disease state characterized by airflow obstruction. Prolonging expiration time reduces air trapping caused by airway narrowing that occurs in COPD. The client is not instructed to breathe in and hold the breath for 30 seconds; this action has no useful purpose for the client with COPD. Tightening (not loosening) the abdominal muscles aids in expelling air. Exhaling through pursed lips (not with the mouth wide open) increases the intraluminal pressure and prevents the airways from collapsing.
What is the smallest gauge catheter that the nurse can use to administer blood?
- A. 12 gauge
- B. 20 gauge
- C. 22 gauge
- D. 24 gauge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An intravenous catheter used to infuse blood should be at least 20 gauge or larger to help prevent additional hemolysis of red blood cells and to allow infusion of the blood without occluding the IV catheter.
The nurse assesses the client diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) for early signs of Kaposi's sarcoma. What characteristics would be consistent with that lesion? Select all that apply.
- A. Flat
- B. Raised
- C. Resembling a blister
- D. Light blue in color
- E. Brownish and scaly in appearance
- F. Color varies from pink to dark violet or black
Correct Answer: A,F
Rationale: Kaposi's sarcoma generally starts with an area that is flat and pink that changes to a dark violet or black color. The lesions are usually present bilaterally. They may appear in many areas of the body and are treated with radiation, chemotherapy, and cryotherapy. None of the other options are associated with this type of lesion.