A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an exacerbation of heart failure. Which of the following findings indicate potential improvement?
- A. Hgb 8.4 g/dL (12 to 18 g/dL)
- B. Hct 42% (37% to 47%)
- C. WBC count 9
- D. Potassium 4.3 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Potassium 4.3 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L). In heart failure exacerbation, potassium levels can be affected due to medications or fluid shifts. A potassium level within the normal range indicates electrolyte balance, which is crucial for cardiac function. Hemoglobin (Choice A) and hematocrit (Choice B) are indicators of oxygen-carrying capacity and volume status, not directly related to heart failure improvement. White blood cell count (Choice C) is not specific to heart failure exacerbation. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it reflects a positive change in electrolyte balance, essential for cardiac function.
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A nurse working in an outpatient clinic is planning a community education program about reproductive cancers. The nurse should identify which of the following manifestations as a possible indication of cervical cancer?
- A. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- B. Frequent diarrhea
- C. Urinary hesitancy
- D. Unexplained weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Abnormal vaginal bleeding. This is a possible indication of cervical cancer because it can be a symptom of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer. Bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or post-menopausal bleeding may indicate cervical cancer. Frequent diarrhea (B), urinary hesitancy (C), and unexplained weight gain (D) are not typically associated with cervical cancer. Diarrhea and urinary hesitancy are more commonly linked to gastrointestinal or urinary issues, while unexplained weight gain may be indicative of hormonal imbalances or other health conditions unrelated to cervical cancer.
A nurse working in the emergency department is caring for a client who has a burn injury. After securing the client's airway, which of the following interventions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer analgesic medication.
- B. Increase the room temperature.
- C. Cleanse the client's wounds.
- D. Start an IV with a large bore needle.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Start an IV with a large bore needle. This intervention is crucial for fluid resuscitation in burn victims to prevent hypovolemic shock. Starting an IV allows for prompt administration of fluids and medications. Administering analgesics (A) can wait until after fluids are started. Increasing room temperature (B) is not a priority. Cleansing wounds (C) can be delayed until the patient is stabilized. Starting an IV is more urgent than other interventions in the initial management of burn injuries.
A nurse is caring for a client who has moderate Alzheimer's disease. During weekly home visits, the nurse notices that the client's caregiver is tired, irritable, and impatient with the client. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend to the caregiver?
- A. Pursue local protective services.
- B. Consider respite care services.
- C. Take a nonprescription sleeping medication.
- D. Contact hospice services for end-of-life care.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consider respite care services. Respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers, allowing them to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities. This is important for the caregiver's well-being and can prevent burnout. It also ensures the client receives continuous care. Pursuing local protective services (A) may escalate the situation unnecessarily. Taking nonprescription sleeping medication (C) is not a long-term solution and may have adverse effects. Contacting hospice services for end-of-life care (D) is premature and not appropriate for a client with moderate Alzheimer's disease.
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Hyperalbuminemia
- B. Proteinuria
- C. Decreased serum lipid levels
- D. Decreased coagulation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proteinuria. In nephrotic syndrome, there is increased permeability of the glomerular filtration membrane, leading to excessive loss of proteins in the urine, specifically albumin. This results in proteinuria. Choice A, hyperalbuminemia, is incorrect as nephrotic syndrome actually causes hypoalbuminemia due to protein loss. Choice C, decreased serum lipid levels, is incorrect because nephrotic syndrome causes hyperlipidemia due to increased hepatic synthesis of lipoproteins. Choice D, decreased coagulation, is incorrect as nephrotic syndrome is associated with hypercoagulability due to loss of anticoagulant proteins in the urine.
A nurse is caring for a client who has cervical cancer and is receiving internal radiation therapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Check if the radioactive device is in the correct position.
- B. Limit time for visitors to 2 hours per day.
- C. Ask visitors to remain 3 feet from the client.
- D. Keep lead-lined aprons in the client's room.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to check if the radioactive device is in the correct position. This is crucial to ensure that the radiation therapy is being delivered accurately and effectively. By verifying the position of the radioactive device, the nurse can prevent potential harm to the client and ensure the success of the treatment.
Choice B is incorrect because limiting visitors' time does not directly relate to the safety and effectiveness of the radiation therapy. Choice C is incorrect as asking visitors to remain 3 feet away does not address the primary concern of verifying the device's position. Choice D is also incorrect as lead-lined aprons are typically used by healthcare providers during procedures, not by the client.