The nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control. Which intervention is most important to include in this client's plan of care?
- A. Monitor serum calcium levels
- B. Obtain a baseline electrocardiogram
- C. Implement seizure precautions
- D. Encourage a low-protein diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Implement seizure precautions. This is the most important intervention because phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug, and its purpose is to control seizures. Seizure precautions aim to prevent injury during a seizure, ensuring the client's safety. Monitoring serum calcium levels (A) is not directly related to phenytoin therapy. Obtaining a baseline electrocardiogram (B) is not a priority unless there are specific cardiac concerns. Encouraging a low-protein diet (D) is not necessary for phenytoin therapy.
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The nurse is administering total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central line at 75 ml/hour to a client who had a bowel resection 4 days ago. Which laboratory finding requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Blood glucose of 140 mg/dL
- B. White blood cell count of 8000/mm³
- C. Serum potassium of 3.8 mEq/L
- D. Serum calcium of 7.8 mg/dL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum calcium of 7.8 mg/dL. This finding indicates hypocalcemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Low calcium levels can be caused by TPN administration or poor calcium absorption following bowel resection. Immediate intervention may include administering IV calcium gluconate.
A: Blood glucose of 140 mg/dL is within the normal range and not an immediate concern.
B: White blood cell count of 8000/mm³ is within the normal range and does not require immediate intervention.
C: Serum potassium of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not pose an immediate threat.
When administering an intramuscular injection containing 3 ml of a painful medication, which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Instill the medication quickly
- B. Insert the needle slowly
- C. Select a large, deep muscle mass
- D. Use a short, small gauge needle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Select a large, deep muscle mass. This is because using a large, deep muscle mass ensures proper absorption and distribution of the medication, reducing the risk of tissue damage or irritation.
Rationale:
1. Instilling the medication quickly (Choice A) can cause discomfort and increase the risk of tissue trauma.
2. Inserting the needle slowly (Choice B) can also lead to pain and discomfort for the patient.
3. Using a short, small gauge needle (Choice D) may not reach the deep muscle mass and can cause inadequate absorption of the medication.
In summary, selecting a large, deep muscle mass ensures optimal medication delivery and minimizes discomfort and tissue damage compared to the other choices.
A nurse is planning care for a client who is newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client¢â‚¬â„¢s teaching plan?
- A. Avoid all forms of sugar
- B. Check blood glucose levels once a week
- C. Rotate insulin injection sites
- D. Monitor urine ketone levels
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rotate insulin injection sites. This instruction is crucial to prevent lipohypertrophy, which can lead to inconsistent insulin absorption. By rotating injection sites, the client ensures proper insulin absorption and prevents complications. Checking blood glucose levels once a week (B) is not frequent enough for proper diabetes management. Avoiding all forms of sugar (A) is an outdated approach, as moderation is key. Monitoring urine ketone levels (D) is not as reliable as blood ketone testing for assessing diabetic ketoacidosis risk.
A client who has a flaccid bladder is placed on a bladder training program. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's teaching plan?
- A. Use manual pressure to express urine
- B. Perform the Crede maneuver
- C. Apply an external urinary drainage device
- D. Take a warm sitz bath twice a day
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform the Crede maneuver. This is the appropriate instruction for a client with a flaccid bladder on a bladder training program. The Crede maneuver involves applying manual pressure on the bladder to assist with urine elimination. This technique helps to promote bladder emptying and prevent urinary retention.
A: Using manual pressure to express urine is not recommended as it can lead to urinary tract infections and damage to the bladder.
C: Applying an external urinary drainage device is not part of bladder training and does not address the issue of bladder emptying.
D: Taking a warm sitz bath twice a day does not directly address the client's flaccid bladder and is not a component of bladder training.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula. The client reports difficulty breathing. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Increase the oxygen flow rate
- B. Instruct the client to breathe deeply and cough
- C. Check the client's oxygen saturation level
- D. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Check the client's oxygen saturation level. This is the first action the nurse should take to assess the effectiveness of the current oxygen therapy and determine the client's oxygenation status. A: Increasing the oxygen flow rate without assessing the client's oxygen saturation level may lead to potential oxygen toxicity. B: Instructing the client to breathe deeply and cough may not address the underlying issue of hypoxemia. D: Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position may help with breathing but does not address the immediate concern of the client's difficulty breathing. Checking the oxygen saturation level provides crucial information for appropriate interventions.