The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of pneumonia who has been febrile for 24 hours. Which data is most important for the nurse to obtain in determining the client's fluid status?
- A. Daily intake and output
- B. Skin turgor
- C. Daily weight
- D. Vital signs every 4 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Daily weight. Daily weight is the most important data to assess fluid status in a client with pneumonia as weight changes can indicate fluid retention or loss, a crucial aspect in managing pneumonia. Skin turgor (B) is more indicative of hydration status, not overall fluid balance. Daily intake and output (A) is important but does not provide a direct measure of fluid status. Vital signs (D) are important for monitoring overall health but do not directly assess fluid status.
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When administering an intramuscular injection containing 3 ml of a painful medication, which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Instill the medication quickly
- B. Insert the needle slowly
- C. Select a large, deep muscle mass
- D. Use a short, small gauge needle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Select a large, deep muscle mass. This is because using a large, deep muscle mass ensures proper absorption and distribution of the medication, reducing the risk of tissue damage or irritation.
Rationale:
1. Instilling the medication quickly (Choice A) can cause discomfort and increase the risk of tissue trauma.
2. Inserting the needle slowly (Choice B) can also lead to pain and discomfort for the patient.
3. Using a short, small gauge needle (Choice D) may not reach the deep muscle mass and can cause inadequate absorption of the medication.
In summary, selecting a large, deep muscle mass ensures optimal medication delivery and minimizes discomfort and tissue damage compared to the other choices.
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of heparin. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?
- A. Platelet count
- B. Prothrombin time (PT)
- C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- D. Hemoglobin level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Partial thromboplastin time (PTT). PTT measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy by assessing the clotting time. With heparin being an anticoagulant, monitoring PTT helps ensure the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent clot formation. A - Platelet count assesses risk of bleeding, not heparin effectiveness. B - Prothrombin time (PT) is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. D - Hemoglobin level monitors for anemia, not heparin effectiveness.
The nurse is caring for a laboring 22-year-old primigravida following administration of regional anesthesia. In planning care for this client, what nursing intervention has the highest priority?
- A. Raising the side rails and placing the call bell within reach
- B. Teaching the client how to push effectively to decrease the length of the second stage of labor
- C. Timing and recording uterine contractions
- D. Positioning the client for proper distribution of anesthesia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because raising the side rails and placing the call bell within reach ensures the safety and immediate accessibility of the client, which is the highest priority in nursing care. This intervention helps prevent falls or other accidents and allows the client to call for assistance if needed.
Choice B is incorrect because teaching pushing techniques is important but not the highest priority at this moment. Choice C, timing and recording uterine contractions, is also important but not the highest priority compared to ensuring the client's safety. Choice D, positioning for anesthesia distribution, is relevant but not as critical as ensuring immediate access to assistance in case of emergency.
When the nurse enters the room to change the dressing of a male client with cancer, he asks, 'Have you ever been with someone when they died?' What is the nurse's best response to him?
- A. Yes, I have. Do you have some questions about dying?
- B. Several times. Now, let's get your dressing changed.
- C. A few times. It was peaceful and there was no pain.
- D. Yes, but you're doing great. Are you concerned about dying?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows empathy and encourages open communication. The nurse acknowledges the client's question and offers support by asking if they have any concerns. This response demonstrates active listening and shows the nurse is willing to address the client's emotional needs.
Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the client's question and focuses solely on the task at hand, lacking empathy. Choice C is incorrect as it provides a general statement about previous experiences without directly addressing the client's inquiry. Choice D is incorrect as it deflects the question and does not actively engage with the client's emotional concerns.
A college student who is diagnosed with a vaginal infection and vulva irritation describes the vaginal discharge as having a 'cottage cheese' appearance. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?
- A. Cleanse the perineum with warm soapy water 3 times per day
- B. Instill the first dose of nystatin (Mycostatin) vaginally per applicator
- C. Perform a glucose measurement using a capillary blood sample
- D. Obtain a blood specimen for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Instill the first dose of nystatin (Mycostatin) vaginally per applicator. This is the appropriate action for a college student with symptoms of a vaginal infection with a 'cottage cheese' appearance discharge, which is indicative of a yeast infection (most likely caused by Candida). Nystatin is an antifungal medication effective against Candida, hence addressing the root cause of the infection. It is essential to start with the treatment first to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications.
Incorrect choices:
A: Cleansing the perineum with warm soapy water may provide some comfort but does not address the underlying infection.
C: Performing a glucose measurement is not necessary at this stage as the symptoms suggest a yeast infection, not diabetes.
D: Obtaining a blood specimen for STDs is not the priority in this case as the symptoms are indicative of a yeast infection, not an STD.