The nurse is giving home care to an elderly client with angina pectoris and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which observation is of most concern and should be reported immediately?
- A. The client reports chest discomfort yesterday while taking a walk.
- B. The nurse observes several brown spots on the client's arms and legs.
- C. The client reports an ingrown toenail that is getting more painful.
- D. The client reports shortness of breath when climbing stairs.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chest discomfort in a client with angina suggests possible cardiac ischemia, requiring immediate reporting to prevent myocardial infarction. Brown spots, toenail pain, or exertional dyspnea are less urgent.
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During morning rounds, the nurse notices that a client who was admitted 3 days ago with hepatic encephalopathy is sleepy and confused. The client is scheduled for discharge later today. Which interventions are appropriate for the nurse to implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Compare current mental status to previous findings
- B. Encourage the client to ambulate in the hallway
- C. Hold the client's morning dose of lactulose
- D. Monitor the client's ammonia level
- E. Observe the client's hand movements with the arms extended
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: Comparing mental status, monitoring ammonia, and observing for asterixis (hand flapping) assess worsening encephalopathy, delaying discharge. Ambulation is unsafe, and holding lactulose may worsen symptoms.
Laboratory results
Glucose (fasting)
70–110 mg/dL
(3.9–6.1 mmol/L) 126 mg/dL
(7.0 mmol/L)
The nurse in the outpatient clinic is caring for a 40-year-old client with acromegaly. Which of the following findings would be most important to report to the health care provider?
- A. Dark, leathery skin
- B. Fasting blood glucose level
- C. Presence of S3 and S4 heart sounds
- D. Reports of knee pain when walking
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: S3 and S4 heart sounds indicate heart failure, a serious complication of acromegaly due to cardiac hypertrophy, requiring urgent reporting. Skin changes, glucose levels, and knee pain are expected but less critical.
The nurse in the outpatient clinic is talking with a client who was diagnosed with hypertension 6 months ago. The client’s current blood pressure is 170/94 mm Hg. Which of the following questions would be most important for the nurse to ask?
- A. Are you feeling overwhelmed at home or work?
- B. Can you describe your daily eating habits to me?
- C. Do you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products?
- D. How often do you take your antihypertensive medications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Medication adherence is the most critical factor to assess in uncontrolled hypertension (170/94 mm Hg), as non-compliance is a common cause. Stress, diet, and smoking are secondary.
A client who had a bowel resection 5 days ago says, 'I felt like I split open when I coughed.' The nurse finds the incision edges separated and bowel protruding through the wound. Which of the following actions are appropriate? Select all that apply.
- A. Administer 1 oral tablet of oxycodone prescribed PRN for pain
- B. Collect a full set of vital signs
- C. Cover the viscera with sterile dressings saturated in normal saline solution
- D. Notify the health care provider immediately
- E. Place the client in the low Fowler position with knees slightly flexed
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: Vital signs, sterile saline dressings, provider notification, and low Fowler with flexed knees manage dehiscence and evisceration. Oxycodone is inappropriate during this emergency.
The nurse in the long-term care facility discovers a client with dementia wandering in the hallway during the night. Which of the following statements would be most appropriate for the nurse to make?
- A. What are you doing in the hallway? It is not time to wake up yet
- B. You should stop walking in the hallway at night because you might fall
- C. You are in the long-term care facility. Let us go back to your room together
- D. Ask a staff member to accompany you the next time you wish to leave your room
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Orienting the client and gently redirecting them to their room is calming and safe. Questioning, warning, or instructing may confuse or agitate a client with dementia.
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