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The nurse is preparing to administer an opioid to a client via an epidural catheter. Before administering the medication, the nurse aspirates and obtains 5 mL of clear fluid. Based on this finding, which action should the nurse take?
- A. Inject the opioid slowly.
- B. Notify the anesthesiologist.
- C. Inject the aspirate back into the catheter and administer the opioid.
- D. Flush the catheter with 6 mL of sterile water before injecting the opioid.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aspiration of clear fluid of less than 1 mL is indicative of epidural catheter placement. More than 1 mL of clear fluid or bloody return means that the catheter may be in the subarachnoid space or a vessel. Therefore, the nurse would not inject the medication and would notify the anesthesiologist. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect actions.
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A clinic nurse is assessing a prenatal client who has been diagnosed with heart disease. The nurse carefully assesses the client's vital signs, weight, and fluid and nutritional status to detect for complications caused by which pregnancy-related concern?
- A. Rh incompatibility
- B. Fetal cardiomegaly
- C. The increase in circulating blood volume
- D. Hypertrophy and increased contractility of the heart
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pregnancy taxes the circulating system of every woman because the blood volume increases, which causes the cardiac output to increase. Stroke volume × heart rate = cardiac output (SV × HR = CO). Options 1, 2, and 4 are not directly associated with pregnancy in a client with a cardiac condition.
A client is experiencing acute cardiac and cerebral symptoms as a result of an excess fluid volume. Which nursing measure should the nurse implement to increase the client's comfort until specific therapy is prescribed by the primary health care provider?
- A. Cover the client with warm blankets.
- B. Minimize visual and auditory stimuli present.
- C. Elevate the client's head to at least 45 degrees.
- D. Administer oxygen at 4 L per minute by nasal cannula.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Excess fluid volume can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and cerebral edema, which can be alleviated by elevating the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees to promote venous drainage and reduce intracranial pressure. This is a safe and effective nursing intervention to increase comfort until specific medical therapy is prescribed.
Tretinoin gel has been prescribed for a client with acne. What is the nurse's response when the client calls and reports that her skin has become very red and is beginning to peel?
- A. Discontinue the medication immediately.
- B. Come to the clinic immediately for an assessment.
- C. I'll notify your primary health care provider of these results.
- D. This is a normal occurrence with the use of this medication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Tretinoin decreases cohesiveness of the epithelial cells, increasing cell mitosis and turnover. It is potentially irritating, particularly when used correctly. Within 48 hours of use, the skin generally becomes red and begins to peel. Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect statements to the client.
The ambulatory care nurse is assessing a client with chronic sinusitis. The nurse determines that which manifestations reported by the client are related to this problem? Select all that apply.
- A. Anosmia
- B. Chronic cough
- C. Blurry vision
- D. Nasal stuffiness
- E. Purulent nasal discharge
- F. Headache that worsens in the evening
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: Chronic sinusitis is characterized by anosmia (loss of smell), a chronic cough resulting from nasal discharge, nasal stuffiness, persistent purulent nasal discharge, and headache that is worse upon arising after sleep. Blurred vision is not associated directly to this condition.
A newborn infant is diagnosed with esophageal atresia. Which assessment finding supports this diagnosis?
- A. Slowed reflexes
- B. Continuous drooling
- C. Diaphragmatic breathing
- D. Passage of large amounts of frothy stool
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In esophageal atresia, the esophagus terminates before it reaches the stomach, ending in a blind pouch. This condition prevents the passage of swallowed mucus and saliva into the stomach. After fluid has accumulated in the pouch, it flows from the mouth and the infant then drools continuously. Responsiveness of the infant to stimulus would depend on the overall condition of the infant and is not considered a classic sign of esophageal atresia. Diaphragmatic breathing is not associated with this disorder. The inability to swallow amniotic fluid in utero prevents the accumulation of normal meconium, and lack of stools results.