Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient who has had severe vomiting. The patient's serum sodium level is 130 mEq/L. The nurse will expect the patient's provider to order which treatment?
- A. Diuretic therapy
- B. Intravenous hypertonic 5% saline
- C. Intravenous normal saline 0.9%
- D. Oral sodium supplements
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the patient has hyponatremia with a serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L. For a serum sodium level between 125 and 135 mEq/L, the appropriate treatment is intravenous normal saline 0.9%. Normal saline helps to increase the sodium content in the vascular fluid. Diuretic therapy would exacerbate sodium and fluid depletion, which is not suitable for a patient already dehydrated from severe vomiting. Intravenous hypertonic 5% saline is typically reserved for severe hyponatremia with a serum sodium level below 120 mEq/L. Oral sodium supplements are not feasible in this case as the patient is vomiting and may not be able to tolerate oral intake easily.
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A client without a history of respiratory disease has a pulse oximeter in place after surgery. The nurse monitors the pulse oximeter readings to ensure that oxygen saturation remains above:
- A. 85%
- B. 89%
- C. 95%
- D. 100%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method of continuously monitoring the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SaO2). In the absence of underlying respiratory disease, the expected oxygen saturation level is at least 95%. Oxygen saturation levels below 95% may indicate hypoxemia, which can compromise tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery to vital organs. Therefore, maintaining oxygen saturation above 95% is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation post-surgery. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent oxygen saturation levels that are below the expected value for a client without a history of respiratory disease, which should be at least 95%.
A young adult asks the nurse about the normal cholesterol level. The nurse tells the client that the total cholesterol level should be maintained at less than:
- A. 140 mg/dL
- B. 200 mg/dL
- C. 250 mg/dL
- D. 300 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 200 mg/dL. A normal cholesterol value ranges between 140 and 199 mg/dL. Total cholesterol levels should ideally be maintained at 200 mg/dL or less to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they exceed the recommended normal range for total cholesterol levels and may increase the risk of developing heart-related issues.
A client is unsure of the decision to undergo peritoneal dialysis (PD) and wishes to discuss the advantages of this treatment with the nurse. Which statements by the nurse are accurate regarding PD? (Select all that apply.)
- A. You will not need vascular access to perform PD.
- B. There is less restriction of protein and fluids.
- C. You have flexible scheduling for the exchanges.
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, as all the statements are accurate advantages of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Peritoneal dialysis does not require vascular access, offers less restriction on protein and fluids, and provides flexibility in scheduling for the exchanges. Choice A is correct because one of the advantages of PD is not needing vascular access, which is required in hemodialysis. Choice B is correct because PD allows for less dietary restriction compared to hemodialysis. Choice C is correct because PD allows for flexible scheduling of exchanges, providing more independence to the individual undergoing treatment.
A nurse is teaching a nursing student how to measure a carotid pulse. The nurse should tell the student to measure the pulse on only one side of the client's neck primarily because:
- A. It is unnecessary to use both hands
- B. Feeling dual pulsations may lead to an incorrect measurement
- C. Palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously could occlude the trachea
- D. Palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously could cause the heart rate and blood pressure to drop
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Applying pressure to both carotid arteries at the same time is contraindicated. Excess pressure to the baroreceptors in the carotid vessels could cause the heart rate and blood pressure to reflexively drop. Palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously could also interfere with the flow of blood to the brain, possibly causing dizziness and syncope. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. It is necessary to use both hands to measure the carotid pulse accurately. Feeling dual pulsations does not lead to an incorrect measurement, and palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously does not occlude the trachea.
A nurse has a prescription to insert a nasogastric tube into the stomach of an assigned client. Which action should the nurse take to insert the tube safely and easily?
- A. Placing the tube in warm water
- B. Hyperextending the head while inserting the tube
- C. Removing the tube if any resistance to insertion is met
- D. Asking the client to swallow as the tube is being advanced
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take to insert a nasogastric tube safely and easily is asking the client to swallow as the tube is being advanced. This action helps facilitate the passage of the tube through the esophagus into the stomach. Placing the tube in warm water (Choice A) is not a recommended practice for nasogastric tube insertion. Hyperextending the head (Choice B) can cause discomfort and is not necessary for safe insertion. Removing the tube if resistance is met (Choice C) is incorrect as it may cause harm or discomfort to the client. Asking the client to swallow helps the tube pass more smoothly and comfortably.