The nurse is caring for a client with suspected acute rheumatic fever. Which of the following questions would be most important for the nurse to ask the client?
- A. Do you typically take all of your antibiotics when they are prescribed?
- B. Has anyone in your family had rheumatic fever?
- C. What has your temperature been over the past several days?
- D. Have you recently had a streptococcal throat infection?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Recent streptococcal infection (D) is the primary trigger for rheumatic fever, making it the most important question. Antibiotic compliance (A), family history (B), and fever (C) are relevant but less critical.
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Laboratory Reference Ranges
Sodium
136-145 mEq/L
(136-145 mmol/L)
The medical-surgical nurse cares for a group of clients. Which client situations would prompt the nurse to notify the health care provider during the middle of the night? Select all that apply.
- A. Client develops right-sided upper and lower extremity drift
- B. Client found lying unconscious on the floor
- C. Client has order for heparin with surgery planned for the morning
- D. Client has serum sodium of 124 mEq/L (124 mmol/L)
- E. Client refuses a prescribed, routine pain medication
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: Extremity drift (A), unconsciousness (B), heparin before surgery (C), and severe hyponatremia (D) are urgent and require notification. Refusing pain medication (E) is not critical.
Thirty-six hours after major surgery, a client has a temperature of 100°F. What is the most likely cause of the temperature elevation?
- A. Dehydration
- B. Atelectasis
- C. Wound infection
- D. Bladder infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atelectasis, due to reduced lung expansion post-surgery, is a common cause of low-grade fever within 24–48 hours. Dehydration, wound infection (typically later), or bladder infection are less likely without specific symptoms.
The nursing assistant is caring for an adult who has a fractured femur and is in Buck's extension traction awaiting surgery. The nurse is observing the nursing assistant administer morning care. Which action by the nursing assistant needs correction?
- A. The nursing assistant leaves the weights in place while bathing the client.
- B. The nursing assistant turns the client's head to the side while administering oral hygiene.
- C. The nursing assistant makes the bed from head to foot.
- D. The nursing assistant turns the client on the side for back care.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Turning the client on the side disrupts Buck's traction alignment, which requires constant pull. Weights should stay in place, head turning is safe, and bed-making direction is irrelevant.
While assisting a doctor with a sterile dressing change, the nurse notices that the doctor has contaminated his left hand. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Hand the doctor another pair of gloves.
- B. Tell the doctor that he has contaminated his gloves.
- C. Say nothing because the client will be placed on prophylactic antibiotics.
- D. Report the incident to the infection control nurse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Telling the doctor about the contamination maintains sterility and patient safety. Handing gloves assumes he noticed. Antibiotics are not a substitute for sterility. Reporting is secondary to immediate action.
The nurse is planning an approach to decrease urinary incontinence in an elderly client. Which activity will do the most to help prevent incontinence?
- A. Restrict fluids until continence has been achieved and then hydrate well.
- B. Offer the bedpan at two-hour intervals during the day and every four hours at night.
- C. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently and have the client do deep breathing exercises.
- D. Encourage fluids during the day and offer the bedpan every two hours.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Adequate hydration and frequent toileting (every two hours) promote bladder health and reduce incontinence. Fluid restriction or unrelated exercises are ineffective.
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