Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of a tracheostomy. Which intervention is most important when suctioning the tracheostomy?
- A. Using sterile technique
- B. Applying suction for 20 seconds
- C. Instilling saline before suctioning
- D. Using a large-diameter catheter
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sterile technique during tracheostomy suctioning prevents infection, a critical concern. Suctioning should last 10-15 seconds, saline is optional, and catheter size should be appropriate.
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A child has a nursing diagnosis of fluid volume excess related to compromised regulatory mechanisms. Which of the following nursing interventions is the most accurate measure to include in his care?
- A. Weigh the child twice daily on the same scale.
- B. Monitor intake and output.
- C. Check urine specific gravity of each voiding.
- D. Observe for edema.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Although all of these interventions are important aspects of care, weight is the most sensitive indicator of fluid balance. Although monitoring intake and output is important, weight is a more accurate indicator of fluid status. Urine specific gravity does not necessarily indicate fluid volume excess. Edema may not be apparent, yet the client may have fluid volume excess.
The nurse is caring for a client with a T4 spinal cord injury. The client complains of a pounding headache. The nurse should:
- A. Check the client’s blood pressure
- B. Administer the client’s ordered pain medication
- C. Place the client in a sitting position
- D. Notify the physician immediately
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A pounding headache in a T4 spinal cord injury suggests autonomic dysreflexia, often triggered by bladder or bowel issues, causing severe hypertension. Checking blood pressure is the priority to confirm.
A client was admitted to the hospital for a TURP. Within 48 hours of admission and 12 hours postoperatively, both the blood pressure and pulse increased. He became agitated, thought snakes were crawling on his arms and legs, and generally became unmanageable. He pulled out his IV and urinary catheter in attempt to rid himself of the snakes. He was sweating profusely. The admission nurse's notes indicated that the client admitted to 'having a few drinks now and then.' He is probably experiencing which of the following?
- A. Major psychotic depression
- B. Delirium tremens
- C. Generalized anxiety disorder
- D. Adjustment disorder with mixed features
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms of psychotic depression must exist for at least 2 weeks, and the symptoms must represent a change from previous functioning. Delirium tremens occur approximately on the second or third day following cessation or reduction of alcohol intake. Symptoms would be all those described in the situation. Symptoms exhibited by this client are not exhibited in clients with anxiety disorders, who manifest excessive or unrealistic worry about life circumstances for at least 6 months. Symptoms for adjustment disorders with mixed emotional features (e.g., depression and anxiety) are different from those exhibited by the client in this situation.
A 30-year-old client in the third trimester of her pregnancy asks the nurse for advice about upper respiratory discomforts. She complains of nasal stuffiness and epistaxis, most noticeable on the left side. Which reply by the nurse is correct?
- A. It sounds as though you are coming down with a bad cold. I'll ask the doctor to prescribe a decongestant for relief of symptoms.'
- B. A good vaporizer will help; avoid the cool air kind. Also, try saline nose drops, and spend less time on your left side.'
- C. These discomforts are all a result of increased blood supply; one of the pregnancy hormones, estrogen, causes them.'
- D. This is most unusual. I'm sure your obstetrician will want you to see an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Decongestants may exaggerate the nasal stuffiness associated with pregnancy. Judicious use of decongestants and nasal sprays is advocated during pregnancy. Cool air vaporizers and saline drops may help to relieve the nasal stuffiness. Positioning on either lateral side does not decrease nasal stuffiness or prevent epistaxis. Increased estrogen levels result in nasal mucosa edema with subsequent nasal stuffiness. Estrogen also promotes vasodilation, which contributes to epistaxis. The nurse may recommend cool air vaporizers and saline drops to help with the nasal stuffiness. Increased estrogen levels result in nasal mucosa edema with subsequent nasal stuffiness. Estrogen also promotes vasodilation discomforts associated with pregnancy.
To appropriately monitor therapy and client progress, the nurse should be aware that increased myocardial work and O2 demand will occur with which of the following?
- A. Positive inotropic therapy
- B. Negative chronotropic therapy
- C. Increase in balance of myocardial O2 supply and demand
- D. Afterload reduction therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Inotropic therapy will increase contractility, which will increase myocardial O2 demand. Decreased heart rate to the point of bradycardia will increase coronary artery filling time. This should be used cautiously because tachycardia may be a compensatory mechanism to increase cardiac output. The goal in the care of the MI client with angina is to maintain a balance between myocardial O2 supply and demand. Decrease in systemic vascular resistance by drug therapy, such as IV nitroglycerin or nitroprusside, or intra-aortic balloon pump therapy, would decrease myocardial work and O2 demand.