The nurse is obtaining the health history of an 87-year-old woman. Which of the following areas of questioning would be most useful at this time?
- A. Obstetrical history
- B. Childhood illnesses
- C. General health for the past 20 years
- D. Current health promotion activities
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Current health promotion activities are important to assess the patient's preventive measures.
2. At 87 years old, focusing on current habits can help identify areas for improvement.
3. Obstetrical history is irrelevant as the patient is postmenopausal.
4. Childhood illnesses are less relevant compared to current health status.
5. General health for the past 20 years may not reflect current health behaviors.
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A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
- A. Hypoglycemia.
- B. Hyperkalemia.
- C. Hypotension.
- D. Hyperglycemia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperglycemia. In diabetes, hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are too high. This can lead to various complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial to prevent these serious complications.
A: Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar and can also occur in diabetes, but it is not the primary complication to monitor for in this case.
B: Hyperkalemia is high potassium levels and is not a common complication of diabetes unless there are other underlying issues.
C: Hypotension is low blood pressure, which can be a complication of diabetes but is not as directly related to glucose management as hyperglycemia.
In summary, monitoring for hyperglycemia is essential in diabetes care to prevent serious complications associated with high blood sugar levels.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of hypertension and heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of worsening heart failure?
- A. Increased urine output and weight loss.
- B. Swelling in the legs and shortness of breath.
- C. Decreased blood pressure and dizziness.
- D. Fatigue and constipation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Swelling in the legs and shortness of breath. In heart failure, fluid can build up in the body causing swelling, particularly in the legs. Shortness of breath is a common symptom due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Increased urine output and weight loss (A) are not indicative of worsening heart failure as they suggest fluid loss. Decreased blood pressure and dizziness (C) can be seen in other conditions like dehydration. Fatigue and constipation (D) are not specific signs of heart failure worsening.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
- A. Pulmonary embolism.
- B. Pneumothorax.
- C. Hypercapnia.
- D. Asthma attack.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, hypercapnia. In COPD, impaired lung function leads to inadequate oxygen exchange, causing increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood (hypercapnia). This can result in respiratory acidosis and further exacerbate respiratory distress. Monitoring for hypercapnia is crucial in COPD management to prevent respiratory failure.
Incorrect choices:
A: Pulmonary embolism - While patients with COPD are at increased risk for blood clots, pulmonary embolism is not a direct complication of COPD.
B: Pneumothorax - Although individuals with COPD may develop pneumothorax due to weakened lung tissue, it is not a common complication.
D: Asthma attack - Asthma and COPD are distinct conditions with different pathophysiology. Asthma attacks are not a typical complication of COPD.
A First Nations woman has come to the clinic for diabetes follow-up teaching. During the interview, the nurse notices that the patient never makes eye contact and speaks mostly looking down at the floor. Which of the following statements about this situation is true?
- A. She is nervous and embarrassed.
- B. She has something to hide and is ashamed.
- C. She is showing inconsistent verbal and nonverbal behaviours.
- D. She is showing that she is listening carefully to what the nurse is saying.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient's behavior of not making eye contact and looking down can be a sign of active listening and respect in some cultures, including many First Nations cultures. This behavior may indicate that the patient is focusing on what the nurse is saying and showing attentiveness. Making eye contact may be considered disrespectful or challenging in some cultures, so the lack of eye contact does not necessarily mean the patient has something to hide, is ashamed, or is nervous. Choice A assumes the patient is nervous or embarrassed without evidence. Choice B is an assumption without any basis, and choice C does not consider cultural differences in communication styles.
A patient with heart failure is experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?
- A. Pulmonary embolism.
- B. Renal failure.
- C. Liver failure.
- D. Worsening heart failure.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Worsening heart failure. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and leg swelling are common symptoms of heart failure. Monitoring for signs of worsening heart failure, such as increased dyspnea, weight gain, and decreased exercise tolerance, is crucial. Pulmonary embolism (A) presents with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, not typically associated with chronic heart failure. Renal failure (B) may present with decreased urine output and electrolyte imbalances. Liver failure (C) may present with jaundice and changes in mental status. However, given the symptoms presented by the patient, monitoring for worsening heart failure is the most appropriate choice.