Nokea
The nurse is monitoring a client diagnosed with a ruptured appendix for signs of peritonitis. The nurse should assess for which manifestations of this complication? Select all that apply.
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Distended abdomen
- C. Subnormal temperature
- D. Rigid, boardlike abdomen
- E. Diminished bowel sounds
- F. Inability to pass flatus or feces
Correct Answer: B,D,E,F
Rationale: Peritonitis is an acute inflammation of the visceral and parietal peritoneum, the endothelial lining of the abdominal cavity. Clinical manifestations include distended abdomen; a rigid, boardlike abdomen; diminished bowel sounds; inability to pass flatus or feces; abdominal pain (localized, poorly localized, or referred to the shoulder or thorax); anorexia, nausea, and vomiting; rebound tenderness in the abdomen; high fever; tachycardia; dehydration from the high fever; decreased urinary output; hiccups; and possible compromise in respiratory status.
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A primary health care provider prescribes acetaminophen liquid 450 mg orally every 4 hours PRN for pain. The medication label reads 160 mg/5 mL. The nurse prepares how many milliliters (mL) to administer one dose? Fill in the blank and record your answer to the nearest whole number.
Correct Answer: 14 mL
Rationale: Use the formula for calculating medication dosages. Formula: Desired × Volume / Available = mL per dose. 450 mg × 5 mL / 160 mg = 14 mL.
A client experiencing empyema is to have a bedside thoracentesis performed. The nurse plans to have which equipment available in the event that the procedure is not effective?
- A. Code cart
- B. A small-bore needle
- C. Extra-large drainage bottle
- D. Chest tube and drainage system
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Empyema is the collection of pus within the pleural cavity. If the exudate is too thick for drainage via thoracentesis, the client may require placement of a chest tube to adequately drain the purulent effusion. A small-bore needle would not effectively allow exudate to drain. Options 1 and 3 are also unnecessary.
A client has not ingested any food or liquids for 4 hours after two episodes of nausea and vomiting. What will the nurse offer the client initially now that she or he is no longer nauseated?
- A. Toast
- B. Gelatin
- C. Dry cereal
- D. Ginger ale
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clear liquids are best tolerated first after episodes of nausea and vomiting. If the client tolerates sips (20 to 30 mL at a time) of clear liquids, such as water or ginger ale (with the carbonation removed if better tolerated), then the amounts may be increased and gelatin, tea, and broth may be added. Once these are tolerated, solid foods such as toast, cereal, chicken, and other easily digested foods may be tried.
A client has a total serum calcium level of 7.5 mg/dL (1.88 mmol/L). Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to note on assessment of the client? Select all that apply.
- A. Constipation
- B. Muscle twitches
- C. Negative Chvostek's sign
- D. Positive Trousseau's sign
- E. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
- F. Prolonged ST interval on electrocardiogram (ECG)
Correct Answer: B,D,E,F
Rationale: Hypocalcemia is a total serum calcium level less than 9 mg/dL (2.25 mmol/L). Clinical manifestations include muscle twitches, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, positive Trousseau's sign, and prolonged ST interval on ECG. Negative Chvostek's sign and constipation are not associated with hypocalcemia.
A client admitted to the hospital has been prescribed pyridostigmine. When assessing the client for side effects of the medication, the nurse should ask the client about the presence of which occurrence?
- A. Mouth ulcers
- B. Muscle cramps
- C. Feelings of depression
- D. Unexplained weight gain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pyridostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder. Muscle cramps and small muscle contractions are side effects and occur as a result of overstimulation of neuromuscular receptors. Mouth ulcers, depression, and weight gain are not associated with this medication.