The nurse is monitoring a client with chronic renal failure who is receiving hemodialysis. The nurse should report which of the following findings immediately?
- A. Clear dialysate outflow.
- B. Weight gain of 2 lbs (0.9 kg) since the last treatment.
- C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
- D. Pulse rate of 72 bpm.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Weight gain of 2 lbs (0.9 kg) since the last treatment is concerning in a client undergoing hemodialysis with chronic renal failure as it may indicate fluid overload. This finding requires immediate reporting and intervention to prevent complications such as fluid retention, pulmonary edema, or exacerbation of heart failure. Choices A, C, and D are not findings that require immediate attention in this context. Clear dialysate outflow is a normal finding during hemodialysis, a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within a normal range for many clients, and a pulse rate of 72 bpm is also within the expected range for most individuals.
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A client with chronic renal failure is receiving sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following?
- A. Hyponatremia.
- B. Hypokalemia.
- C. Hyperkalemia.
- D. Hypocalcemia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: The correct answer is C, 'Hyperkalemia.' Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is a medication used to treat high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, leading to potassium removal from the body. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for changes in potassium levels to assess the effectiveness of the medication and prevent potential complications related to hyperkalemia. Choice A, 'Hyponatremia,' is incorrect as Kayexalate does not primarily affect sodium levels. Choice B, 'Hypokalemia,' is incorrect as Kayexalate is used to treat high potassium levels, not low. Choice D, 'Hypocalcemia,' is incorrect as Kayexalate does not directly impact calcium levels.
A client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has cool and pale feet with diminished pulses. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Keep the legs elevated above the level of the heart.
- B. Encourage the client to exercise daily.
- C. Apply warm compresses to the affected area.
- D. Apply ice packs to the affected area.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), there is decreased blood flow to the extremities. Applying warm compresses helps dilate blood vessels, improve circulation, and relieve symptoms. Elevating the legs above the heart level may further compromise blood flow. Encouraging daily exercise is important in PAD management but may not be appropriate when the client has cool, pale feet with diminished pulses. Applying ice packs can worsen vasoconstriction and further reduce blood flow, exacerbating symptoms in PAD.
In a patient with asthma, which of the following is the most important indicator of respiratory function?
- A. Oxygen saturation.
- B. Respiratory rate.
- C. Arterial blood gases.
- D. Peak expiratory flow rate.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The peak expiratory flow rate is the most important indicator of respiratory function in asthma because it measures how quickly air can be exhaled, reflecting the severity of airflow limitation. Oxygen saturation (Choice A) is important in assessing oxygenation, but it does not directly reflect respiratory function. Respiratory rate (Choice B) can provide information on breathing patterns but does not quantify airflow limitation. Arterial blood gases (Choice C) give information about gas exchange but are not as specific for assessing asthma control and severity as peak expiratory flow rate.
A client with chronic heart failure is being taught by a nurse about the importance of daily weights. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Weigh yourself at the same time every day.
- B. Use the same scale for weighing each time.
- C. Record your weight in a journal or log.
- D. Report any weight gain of more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with chronic heart failure is to report any weight gain of more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day. This weight gain may indicate fluid retention, which is a critical sign of worsening heart failure. Weighing at the same time every day and using the same scale for consistency are good practices, but the crucial action is to promptly report significant weight gain, as stated in option D. Recording the weight in a journal or log can be helpful for tracking trends, but immediate reporting of weight gain is essential for timely intervention in heart failure management. Therefore, option D is the most appropriate instruction for this client.
A client arrived to the medical-surgical unit 4 hours after a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). A triple-lumen catheter for continuous bladder irrigation with normal saline is infusing, and the nurse observes dark, pink-tinged outflow with blood clots in the tubing and collection bag. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Monitoring catheter drainage
- B. Decreasing the flow rate
- C. Irrigating the catheter manually
- D. Discontinuing infusing the solution
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should choose option C - irrigating the catheter manually. This action can help clear the clots from the catheter and ensure proper bladder drainage. Monitoring catheter drainage (option A) alone may not address the issue of clots obstructing the flow. Decreasing the flow rate (option B) could potentially worsen clot formation. Discontinuing the infusing solution (option D) without addressing the clots first may lead to inadequate irrigation and increase the risk of complications.