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The nurse is caring for a client with a traumatic brain injury who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which assessment finding indicates that the client may be experiencing increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
- A. Client becomes increasingly lethargic
- B. Client's respiratory rate is 16 breaths per minute
- C. Client responds to verbal stimuli
- D. Client's pupils are equal and reactive
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased lethargy is a sign of worsening intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening in clients with brain injuries. As ICP rises, it can lead to decreased level of consciousness, such as lethargy or even coma. Choices B, C, and D are not indicative of increased ICP. A normal respiratory rate, response to verbal stimuli, and equal reactive pupils do not specifically point towards increased intracranial pressure.
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A pregnant client complains of heartburn. What instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Eat spicy food to help digestion.
- B. Eat small meals throughout the day to avoid a full stomach.
- C. Drink carbonated beverages to ease digestion.
- D. Avoid drinking fluids after meals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for a pregnant client experiencing heartburn is to eat small meals throughout the day to avoid a full stomach. This helps prevent the stomach from becoming overly full, reducing the likelihood of heartburn during pregnancy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Eating spicy food can exacerbate heartburn, carbonated beverages may trigger heartburn due to gas, and avoiding fluids after meals does not directly address the issue of heartburn.
The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with chronic venous insufficiency. Which recommendation should the nurse include to help prevent complications?
- A. Use a heating pad on the legs
- B. Wear compression stockings
- C. Massage the legs daily
- D. Elevate legs for 10 minutes every hour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct recommendation for a client with chronic venous insufficiency to prevent complications is to wear compression stockings. Compression stockings help improve venous circulation and prevent the worsening of symptoms. While elevating the legs is also beneficial, the priority intervention in preventing complications is wearing compression stockings. Using a heating pad on the legs can actually worsen the condition by dilating blood vessels, and massaging the legs daily can potentially damage fragile skin in clients with chronic venous insufficiency.
A client is admitted with a large pleural effusion. Which procedure should the nurse prepare the client for?
- A. Thoracentesis.
- B. Endotracheal intubation.
- C. Chest tube insertion.
- D. Bronchoscopy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: The correct procedure for a client with a large pleural effusion is thoracentesis. Thoracentesis is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to remove fluid from the pleural space, which can help relieve symptoms associated with pleural effusion. Choice B (Endotracheal intubation) is incorrect as it is a procedure to secure the airway by placing a tube into the trachea. Choice C (Chest tube insertion) is incorrect as it is typically done to drain air or fluid from the pleural space over a longer period. Choice D (Bronchoscopy) is incorrect as it is a procedure used to visualize the airways and diagnose lung conditions, not specifically for pleural effusion removal.
An older client who had a subtotal parathyroidectomy is preparing for discharge. What finding requires immediate provider notification?
- A. Afebrile with a normal pulse.
- B. No bowel movement since surgery.
- C. No appetite for breakfast.
- D. A positive Chvostek's sign.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia, a complication after parathyroid surgery that requires immediate attention. This sign is manifested by facial muscle twitching when the facial nerve in front of the ear is tapped, indicating neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels. Afebrile with a normal pulse (Choice A) is a normal finding and does not require immediate notification. No bowel movement since surgery (Choice B) is common postoperatively due to anesthesia effects and pain medications and usually resolves within a few days; it does not require immediate notification unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms. No appetite for breakfast (Choice C) is a common postoperative finding and does not require immediate notification unless it persists and leads to dehydration or malnutrition.
What is the most important assessment for a nurse to conduct on a child diagnosed with intussusception?
- A. Monitor for signs of infection.
- B. Measure abdominal girth and monitor for pain.
- C. Check for bowel movement and changes in stool.
- D. Assess hydration status and monitor urine output.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Check for bowel movement and changes in stool.' Intussusception can cause obstruction in the bowel, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and 'currant jelly' stools. Monitoring for changes in bowel movement, especially the passage of 'currant jelly' stools, is crucial for early detection of worsening conditions. Choices A, B, and D are important assessments in pediatric care but are not as specific or crucial as checking for changes in bowel movement in a child diagnosed with intussusception.