The nurse is caring for a patient who is being evaluated clianbiircba.clolmy/ tfeostr brain death by a primary care provider. Which assessment findings by the nurse sup port brain death?
- A. Absence of a corneal reflex
- B. Unequal, reactive pupils
- C. Withdrawal from painful stimuli
- D. Core temperature of 100.8° F
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, absence of a corneal reflex, because in brain death, all brainstem reflexes, including the corneal reflex, are absent. This indicates complete loss of brain function. Choice B, unequal reactive pupils, is incorrect as it suggests some level of brainstem function. Choice C, withdrawal from painful stimuli, is also incorrect as it is a spinal reflex and can occur even in the absence of brain function. Choice D, core temperature of 100.8° F, is irrelevant to assessing brain death.
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The patient is diagnosed with acute kidney injury and has been getting dialysis 3 days per week. The patient complains of general malaise and is tachypneic. An arterial blood gas shows that the patient’s pH is 7.19, with a PCO of 30 mm Hg and a bicarbonate level of 13 mEq/L. The nurse prepares to
- A. administer morphine to slow the respiratory rate.
- B. prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation.
- C. administer intravenous sodium bicarbonate.
- D. cancel tomorrow’s dialysis session.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: administer intravenous sodium bicarbonate. In this case, the patient has metabolic acidosis with a low pH and low bicarbonate levels. Administering sodium bicarbonate can help correct the acidosis by increasing the bicarbonate levels and improving the pH. This treatment is essential to address the underlying metabolic imbalance.
Choice A is incorrect because administering morphine would not address the root cause of the acidosis and could potentially worsen the respiratory status. Choice B is incorrect as intubation and mechanical ventilation are not indicated solely based on the acid-base imbalance. Choice D is also incorrect as canceling the dialysis session would not address the metabolic acidosis and could potentially worsen the patient's condition.
A client with osteoarthritis is given a new prescription for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The client asks the nurse, 'How is this medication different from the acetaminophen I have been taking?' Which information about the therapeutic action of NSAIDs should the nurse provide?
- A. Are less expensive.
- B. Provide anti-inflammatory response.
- C. Increase hepatotoxic side effects.
- D. Cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide anti-inflammatory response. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase, thereby reducing inflammation, pain, and fever. This is different from acetaminophen, which primarily acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer but lacks significant anti-inflammatory properties.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Are less expensive - Cost is not related to the therapeutic action of NSAIDs.
C: Increase hepatotoxic side effects - While NSAIDs can have adverse effects on the liver, hepatotoxicity is not a primary therapeutic action of these drugs.
D: Cause gastrointestinal bleeding - While NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, this is a potential side effect rather than the primary therapeutic action.
What does pulse oximetry measure?
- A. Arterial blood gases
- B. Hemoglobin values
- C. Oxygen consumption
- D. Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation in the blood by analyzing the absorption of light by hemoglobin. Oxygen saturation indicates the percentage of hemoglobin molecules carrying oxygen. This is essential for assessing respiratory function and oxygen delivery to tissues. Arterial blood gases (Choice A) directly measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not specifically oxygen saturation. Hemoglobin values (Choice B) provide information about the amount of hemoglobin present but not its oxygen-carrying capacity. Oxygen consumption (Choice C) is a measure of how much oxygen is used by tissues, not what pulse oximetry directly measures.
Her urine output for the past 2 hours totaled only 40 mL. She arrived from s urgery to repair an aortic aneurysm 4 hours ago and remains on mechanical ventilation. In the past 2 hours, her heart rate has increased from 80 to 100 beats per minute and he r blood pressure has decreased from 128/82 to 100/70 mm Hg. She is being given an infusaiboirnb .coofm n/toesrtm al saline at 100 mL per hour. Her right atrial pressure through the subclavian cen tral line is low at 3 mm Hg. Her urine is concentrated. Her BUN and creatinine levels have been stable and in normal range. Her abdominal dressing is dry with no indication of bleeding. My assessment suggests that Mrs. P. is hypovolemic and I would like you to consider in creasing her fluids or giving her a fluid challenge. Using the SBAR model for communication, the information the nurse gives about the patient’s history and vital signs is appropriate fo r what part of the model?
- A. Situation
- B. Background
- C. Assessment
- D. Recommendation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assessment. In the SBAR communication model, the nurse's information about the patient's history and vital signs falls under the Assessment component. This is because the nurse is providing a detailed evaluation of the patient's current condition based on objective data such as urine output, heart rate, blood pressure, and other key indicators. The nurse is analyzing the situation and forming a judgment that the patient is hypovolemic, indicating a fluid deficit. This assessment is crucial for informing further actions or interventions, such as increasing fluids or providing a fluid challenge.
Summary of other choices:
A: Situation - This choice would refer to a brief summary of the current situation without detailed analysis or interpretation.
B: Background - This choice would involve providing relevant background information about the patient, such as medical history or recent procedures, but not the current assessment of the patient's condition.
D: Recommendation - This choice would involve suggesting a course of action or treatment based on the assessment, which comes after
What must the patient must be able of in order to provide informed consent?
- A. Be capable of independent breathing.
- B. Have knowledge and competence to make the decision .
- C. Nod head to agree to the procedure.
- D. Both read and write in English.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because informed consent requires the patient to have knowledge and competence to make a decision. This involves understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed treatment. Choice A is incorrect as it pertains to a physical ability unrelated to decision-making. Choice C is incorrect as consent must be verbal or written, not just nodding. Choice D is incorrect as consent can be obtained in various ways, not specifically through reading and writing in English.