Nokea
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.
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A seventh grader lost consciousness after being hit in the head with a basketball. In the emergency room his vital signs are stable, and he demonstrates no neurologic deficit. He will not be admitted to the hospital. It is most important that you advise his mother to:
- A. Encourage him to drink plenty of fluids
- B. Expect him to have nausea with vomiting
- C. Keep him awake for the next 12 hours
- D. Wake him up every 1-2 hours during the night
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If the child cannot be awakened from sleep after head injury, it is an indication of serious increase in ICP. The mother should call an ambulance right away.
A client is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis. The emergency room nurse should anticipate the administration of:
- A. Humulin N
- B. Humulin R
- C. Humulin U
- D. Humulin L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regular insulin is rapid acting and indicated in an emergency situation.
Which of the following risk factors associated with breast cancer would a nurse consider most significant in a client's history?
- A. Menarche after age 13
- B. Nulliparity
- C. Maternal family history of breast cancer
- D. Early menopause
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Women who begin menarche late (after 13 years old) have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who have begun earlier. Average age for menarche is 12.5 years. Women who have never been pregnant have an increased risk for breast cancer, but a positive family history poses an even greater risk. A positive family history puts a woman at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. It is recommended that mammography screening begin 5 years before the age at which an immediate female relative was diagnosed with breast cancer. Early menopause decreases the risk of developing breast cancer.
A client is taking Deltasone (prednisone) each morning to treat his systemic lupus erythematosus. Which statement best explains the reason for taking the prednisone in the morning?
- A. There is less chance of forgetting the medication if taken in the morning.
- B. There will be less fluid retention if taken in the morning.
- C. The medication is absorbed best with the breakfast meal.
- D. Morning administration mimics the body's natural secretion of corticosteroid.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prednisone is taken in the morning to mimic the body’s natural cortisol peak, which occurs early in the day, minimizing adrenal suppression and side effects. Timing does not primarily affect forgetting, fluid retention, or absorption.
Four days after admission for cirrhosis of the liver, the nurse observes the following when assessing a male client: increased irritability, asterixis, and changes in his speech pattern. Which of the following foods would be appropriate for his bedtime snack?
- A. Fresh fruit
- B. A milkshake
- C. Saltine crackers and peanut butter
- D. A ham and cheese sandwich
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While fresh fruit is low in protein, a milkshake is a better choice as it provides carbohydrates and some protein in a form that is easier to digest, which is crucial for clients with cirrhosis to avoid ammonia buildup. A milkshake is appropriate as it provides carbohydrates, which are needed to prevent protein catabolism, and has lower protein content compared to options like peanut butter or ham, reducing the risk of ammonia accumulation. (C, D) Both saltine crackers with peanut butter and a ham and cheese sandwich are high in protein, which can increase ammonia levels, exacerbating hepatic encephalopathy.