Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client with epilepsy who is being treated with carbamazepine (Tegretol). Which laboratory value might indicate a serious side effect of this drug?
- A. Uric acid of 5 mg/dL
- B. Hematocrit of 33%
- C. WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter
- D. Platelets 150,000 per cubic millimeter
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can suppress the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the white blood cell count. A laboratory value of WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter indicates a serious side effect of the drug. Choices A and D are within normal limits, while choice B is at the lower limit of normal. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect.
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A 6-month-old client is admitted with possible intussusception. Which question during the nursing history is least helpful in obtaining information regarding this diagnosis?
- A. "Tell me about his pain."?
- B. "What does his vomit look like?"?
- C. "Describe his usual diet."?
- D. "Have you noticed changes in his abdominal size?"?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The least helpful question in obtaining information regarding intussusception is "Describe his usual diet."? This question is least relevant to the specific symptoms and presentation of intussusception. Choices A, B, and D are more directly related to symptoms commonly associated with intussusception and can provide important diagnostic clues. Asking about pain, vomit appearance, and changes in abdominal size can help in assessing the severity and progression of the condition, making them more crucial questions to ask in this scenario. Pain is a cardinal symptom of intussusception, changes in vomit appearance may indicate gastrointestinal issues, and alterations in abdominal size can signify the presence of a mass or obstruction, all of which are pertinent in diagnosing and managing intussusception.
A client with cancer develops xerostomia. The nurse can help alleviate the discomfort associated with xerostomia by:
- A. Offering hard candy
- B. Administering analgesic medications
- C. Splinting swollen joints
- D. Providing saliva substitute
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Xerostomia is dry mouth, a common side effect in cancer patients. Providing a saliva substitute helps alleviate the discomfort associated with dry mouth by moistening the oral mucosa. Offering hard candy, as mentioned in choice A, can worsen xerostomia by increasing sugar content and potentially causing irritation. Administering analgesic medications, as in choice B, is not directly related to treating dry mouth. Splinting swollen joints, as in choice C, is irrelevant to xerostomia, which primarily affects the oral cavity.
A client with cancer is admitted to the oncology unit. Stat lab values reveal Hgb 12.6, WBC 6500, K+ 1.9, uric acid 7.0, Na+ 136, and platelets 178,000. The nurse evaluates that the client is experiencing which of the following?
- A. Hypernatremia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Myelosuppression
- D. Leukocytosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hypokalemia.' The potassium level of 1.9 indicates low potassium levels, a condition known as hypokalemia. The other lab values are within normal ranges: Hgb 12.6, WBC 6500, uric acid 7.0, Na+ 136, and platelets 178,000. Hypernatremia (choice A) refers to high sodium levels, which are not present in this case. Myelosuppression (choice C) is a decrease in bone marrow activity, which is not indicated by the lab values provided. Leukocytosis (choice D) is an increase in white blood cells, which is also not present based on the given values.
A client receiving preoperative instructions asks questions repeatedly about when to stop eating the night before the procedure. The nurse tries to refocus the client. The nurse notes that the client is frequently startled by noises in the hall. Assessment reveals rapid speech, trembling hands, tachypnea, tachycardia, and elevated blood pressure. The client admits to feeling nervous and having trouble sleeping. Based on the assessment, the nurse documents that the client has:
- A. mild anxiety.
- B. moderate anxiety.
- C. severe anxiety.
- D. a panic attack.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'severe anxiety.' In severe anxiety, a person focuses on small or scattered details and is unable to solve problems. The client's symptoms of rapid speech, trembling hands, tachypnea, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, feeling nervous, and having trouble sleeping indicate severe anxiety. Mild anxiety enhances the ability to learn and solve problems, while moderate anxiety narrows the perceptual field but allows the client to notice things brought to their attention. During a panic attack, a person is disorganized, hyperactive, or unable to speak or act, which is not the case in this scenario.
A nurse is teaching the mother of an 11-month-old infant how to clean the infant's teeth. The nurse tells the mother to take which action?
- A. Use a small amount of toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush
- B. Use water and a cotton swab and rub the teeth
- C. Use diluted fluoride and rub the teeth with a soft washcloth
- D. Dip the infant's pacifier in maple syrup so that the infant will suck
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action when cleaning an infant's teeth is to use water and a cotton swab to gently rub the teeth. This method helps in removing any food particles or plaque buildup without the risks associated with toothpaste ingestion. Using a small amount of toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush is not recommended for infants as they may swallow the toothpaste, leading to potential fluoride ingestion issues. Using diluted fluoride and rubbing the teeth with a soft washcloth is unnecessary at this age since infants typically receive fluoride through other sources like formula. Dipping the infant's pacifier in maple syrup is highly inappropriate and poses a significant risk of tooth decay due to the high sugar content, which can harm the infant's teeth.