Nokea
The nurse is conducting a home visit to assess an elderly client with advanced heart failure who lives alone. When the nurse asks about sodium intake, the client becomes angry and says, 'I'm so tired of people telling me what to do! I'm going to eat what I want, so leave me alone!' Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. I can tell that you want me to go, so I will call in a few days to see how you are doing.
- B. I know you are frustrated with losing control of your life.
- C. It sounds like you are angry. Tell me what's bothering you.
- D. Okay. I'll just check your blood pressure and then go.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's anger and inviting them to express their feelings promotes therapeutic communication, helping to de-escalate the situation and address underlying concerns.
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Laboratory reference ranges
Glucose (fasting)
70-110 mg/dL
(3.9-6.1 mmol/L)
The nurse is assisting with the care of four clients with diabetes mellitus. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the health care provider?
- A. 10 units regular insulin IV push for serum glucose level >250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L)
- B. 14 units glargine insulin subcutaneous injection every night at 2000
- C. 18 units aspart insulin subcutaneous injection 15 minutes before breakfast
- D. 20 units NPH insulin IV push administered every morning at 700
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NPH insulin is not administered IV, as it is a suspension and can cause embolism or erratic absorption. This prescription requires clarification.
An older adult is seen in clinic. During the assessment process, all of the following are expressed or noted. Which is of most immediate concern to the nurse?
- A. The client's daughter says that the client has become increasingly forgetful.
- B. The client has a productive cough.
- C. The client ambulates slowly.
- D. The client says, 'My arms aren't long enough for me to read the paper.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A productive cough suggests a respiratory infection, potentially serious in an older adult, requiring immediate evaluation. Forgetfulness, slow ambulation, or presbyopia are less urgent.
A 35 year-old client with sickle cell crisis is talking on the telephone but stops as the nurse enters the room to request something for pain. The nurse should
- A. Administer a placebo
- B. Encourage increased fluid intake
- C. Administer the prescribed analgesia
- D. Recommend relaxation exercises for pain control
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Administer the prescribed analgesia. Pain relief is a priority in sickle cell crisis, and prescribed analgesics are appropriate.
A client with a partial bowel obstruction has a Miller-Abbot tube inserted to decompress the bowel. While the tube is in place, the nurse should give priority to:
- A. Using only normal saline to irrigate the tube every 4 hours
- B. Advancing the tube 3-4 inches as ordered by the physician
- C. Changing the tape securing the tube to the client's face daily to prevent skin breakdown
- D. Attaching the tube to high constant suction
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Preventing skin breakdown by changing the tape daily is critical to avoid tissue damage around the insertion site. Irrigation and suction settings depend on physician orders, and advancing the tube is not a nursing priority without specific instructions.
The client is admitted with hypokalemia. An IV of normal saline is infusing at $80 \mathrm{ml} /$ hour with 10 meq of $\mathrm{KCl} /$ hour. Prior to beginning the infusion, the nurse should:
- A. Check the sodium level.
- B. Check the magnesium level.
- C. Check the creatinine level.
- D. Check the calcium level.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia is often associated with hypomagnesemia, which can impair potassium correction. Checking the magnesium level ensures effective treatment. Sodium , creatinine , and calcium levels are less directly related to potassium infusion safety.