Nokea
The nurse is providing care for a client with a new tracheostomy. Which of these assessments is a priority?
- A. Checking the client's oxygen saturation level
- B. Monitoring the client's pain level
- C. Checking the tracheostomy site for signs of infection
- D. Monitoring the client's level of consciousness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When caring for a client with a new tracheostomy, the priority assessment is checking the tracheostomy site for signs of infection. This is essential to detect early signs of complications such as infection, which can lead to serious issues. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but not as critical as ensuring the tracheostomy site is free from infection. Pain assessment and level of consciousness are also important but secondary to assessing for signs of infection in this scenario.
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To prevent unnecessary hypoxia during suctioning of a tracheostomy, what must the nurse do?
- A. Apply suction for no more than 10 seconds
- B. Maintain a sterile technique
- C. Lubricate 3 to 4 inches of the catheter tip
- D. Withdraw the catheter in a circular motion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To prevent unnecessary hypoxia during suctioning of a tracheostomy, the nurse must apply suction for no more than 10 seconds. Prolonged suctioning can lead to hypoxia by removing too much oxygen from the patient. Maintaining a sterile technique (choice B) is important to prevent infection but does not directly relate to preventing hypoxia. Lubricating the catheter tip (choice C) helps with the insertion process but does not specifically address hypoxia prevention. Withdrawing the catheter in a circular motion (choice D) is not a standard practice during tracheostomy suctioning and does not contribute to preventing hypoxia.
While caring for a client who was admitted with myocardial infarction (MI) 2 days ago, the nurse notes today's temperature is 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit (38.5 degrees Celsius). The appropriate nursing intervention is to
- A. Call the health care provider immediately
- B. Administer acetaminophen as ordered as this is normal at this time
- C. Send blood, urine, and sputum for culture
- D. Increase the client's fluid intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should administer acetaminophen as ordered because a slight fever is normal after an MI. This intervention can help manage the fever unless other complications are present. Calling the health care provider immediately is not necessary for a slight fever post-MI. Sending blood, urine, and sputum for culture is not indicated solely based on a slight fever without other symptoms or signs of infection. Increasing fluid intake may be beneficial for various reasons but is not the priority in this situation where managing the fever with acetaminophen is appropriate.
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Decreased deep-tendon reflexes
- B. Skeletal muscle weakness
- C. Hypoactive bowel sounds
- D. Tingling of the lips
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, tingling of the lips (perioral tingling). This is a common symptom of hypocalcemia due to increased neuromuscular excitability. Choice A, decreased deep-tendon reflexes, is more indicative of hypercalcemia. Choice B, skeletal muscle weakness, is associated with hypokalemia. Choice C, hypoactive bowel sounds, is not a typical finding in hypocalcemia.
When reassigned to the emergency department, a nurse should understand that gastric lavage is a priority in which situation?
- A. An infant who has been identified to have botulism
- B. A toddler who ate a number of ibuprofen tablets
- C. A preschooler who swallowed powdered plant food
- D. A school-aged child who took a handful of vitamins
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because gastric lavage is a priority for infants with botulism to remove toxins from the stomach. Botulism is a serious condition caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Gastric lavage helps in removing the toxin from the stomach. Choice B is incorrect because gastric lavage is not typically indicated for ibuprofen ingestion. Choice C is incorrect because gastric lavage is not the first-line treatment for ingesting powdered plant food. Choice D is incorrect because gastric lavage is not routinely performed for vitamin ingestion.
A client with heart failure has a prescription for digoxin. The nurse is aware that sufficient potassium should be included in the diet because hypokalemia in combination with this medication:
- A. Can predispose to dysrhythmias
- B. May lead to oliguria
- C. May cause irritability and anxiety
- D. Sometimes alters consciousness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia increases the risk of dysrhythmias when taking digoxin, making potassium intake crucial. Digoxin toxicity is more likely in patients with low potassium levels, leading to an increased risk of dysrhythmias. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypokalemia in combination with digoxin is primarily associated with dysrhythmias rather than oliguria, irritability, anxiety, or alteration of consciousness.