The nurse is caring for an obese client on a weight loss program. Which method should the nurse use to most accurately assess the program's effectiveness?
- A. Monitor the client's weight.
- B. Monitor the client's intake and output.
- C. Calculate the client's daily caloric intake.
- D. Frequently check the client's serum protein levels.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most accurate measurement of weight loss is weighing of the client. This should be done at the same time of the day, in the same clothes, and using the same scale. Options 2, 3, and 4 measure nutrition and hydration status but are not associated with effectiveness of the weight loss program.
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The nurse is admitting a client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. What assessment should the nurse perform to obtain data related to this diagnosis?
- A. Inspect facial features.
- B. Auscultate lung sounds.
- C. Percuss the thyroid gland.
- D. Inspect ability to ambulate safely.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Inspection of facial features will reveal the characteristic coarse features, presence of edema around the eyes and face, and the blank expression that are characteristics of hypothyroidism. The assessment techniques in options 2, 3, and 4 will not reveal information related to the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
On assessment of a newborn being admitted to the nursery, the nurse palpates the anterior fontanel and notes that it feels soft. The nurse determines that this finding indicates which condition?
- A. Dehydration
- B. A normal finding
- C. Increased intracranial pressure
- D. Decreased intracranial pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The anterior fontanel is normally 2 to 3 cm in width, 3 to 4 cm in length, and diamond-like in shape. It can be described as soft, which is normal, or full and bulging, which could indicate increased intracranial pressure. Conversely a depressed fontanel could mean that the infant is dehydrated.
The nurse provides information to a client diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What information should the nurse include when discussing foods that contribute to decreased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and thus worsen the condition? Select all that apply.
- A. Alcohol
- B. Fatty foods
- C. Citrus fruits
- D. Baked potatoes
- E. Caffeinated beverages
- F. Tomatoes and tomato products
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E,F
Rationale: GERD occurs as a result of the backward flow (reflux) of gastrointestinal contents into the esophagus. The most common cause of GERD is inappropriate relaxation of the LES, which allows the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus and exposes the esophageal mucosa to gastric contents. Factors that influence the tone and contractility of the LES and lower LES pressure include alcohol; fatty foods; citrus fruits; caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola; tomatoes and tomato products; chocolate; nicotine in cigarette smoke; calcium channel blockers; nitrates; anticholinergics; high levels of estrogen and progesterone; peppermint and spearmint; and nasogastric tube placement. Baked potatoes would not contribute to worsening the problem.
The nurse is assigned to give a child a tepid tub bath to treat hyperthermia. After the bath, which action should the nurse take?
- A. Leave the child uncovered for 15 minutes.
- B. Assist the child to put on a cotton sleep shirt.
- C. Take the child's axillary temperature in 2 hours.
- D. Place the child in bed and cover the child with a blanket.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cotton is a lightweight material that will protect the child from becoming chilled after the bath. Option 1 is incorrect because the child should not be left uncovered. Option 3 is incorrect because the child's temperature should be reassessed a half hour after the bath. Option 4 is incorrect because a blanket is heavy and may increase the child's body temperature.
A client is brought to the emergency department reporting chest pain. Assessment shows vital signs that include a blood pressure (BP) of 150/90 mm Hg, pulse (P) 88 beats per minute (BPM), and respirations (R) 20 breaths per minute. The nurse administers nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingually. The treatment is found to be effective when the reassessment of vital signs shows which data?
- A. BP 150/90 mm Hg, P 70 BPM, R 24 breaths per minute
- B. BP 100/60 mm Hg, P 96 BPM, R 20 breaths per minute
- C. BP 100/60 mm Hg, P 70 BPM, R 24 breaths per minute
- D. BP 160/100 mm Hg, P 120 BPM, R 16 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nitroglycerin dilates both arteries and veins, causing blood to pool in the periphery. This causes a reduced preload and therefore a drop in cardiac output. This vasodilation causes the blood pressure to fall. The drop in cardiac output causes the sympathetic nervous system to respond and attempt to maintain cardiac output by increasing the pulse. Beta blockers, such as propranolol, are often used in conjunction with nitroglycerin to prevent this rise in heart rate. If chest pain is reduced and cardiac workload is reduced, the client will be more comfortable; therefore, a rise in respirations should not be seen.