The nurse is sending an arterial blood gas (ABG) specimen to the laboratory for analysis. What information should the nurse include on the laboratory requisition? Select all that apply.
- A. Ventilator settings
- B. A list of client allergies
- C. The client's temperature
- D. The date and time the specimen was drawn
- E. Any supplemental oxygen the client is receiving
- F. Extremity from which the specimen was obtained
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: An ABG requisition usually contains information about the date and time the specimen was drawn, the client's temperature, whether the specimen was drawn on room air or using supplemental oxygen, and the ventilator settings if the client is on a mechanical ventilator. The client's allergies and the extremity from which the specimen was drawn do not have a direct bearing on the laboratory results.
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The nurse assessing the vital signs of a 3-year-old child hospitalized with a diagnosis of croup notes that the respiratory rate is 28 breaths per minute. Based on this finding, which nursing action is appropriate?
- A. Begin administering supplemental oxygen.
- B. Document the findings according to facility policies.
- C. Notify the child's primary health care provider immediately.
- D. Reassess the respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth in 15 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The normal respiratory rate for a 3-year-old child is approximately 20 to 30 breaths per minute. Because the respiratory rate is normal, options 1, 3, and 4 are unnecessary actions. The nurse would document the findings.
The client is prescribed sotalol 80 mg orally twice daily. Which assessment finding indicates that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?
- A. Dry mouth
- B. Palpitations
- C. Diaphoresis
- D. Difficulty swallowing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sotalol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that may be prescribed to treat chronic angina pectoris. Adverse effects include palpitations, bradycardia, an irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, signs of heart failure, and cold hands and feet. Gastrointestinal disturbances, anxiety and nervousness, and unusual tiredness and weakness can also occur. Options 1, 3, and 4 are not adverse effects of this medication.
The nurse analyzed an electrocardiogram (ECG) strip (refer to figure) for a client demonstrating left-sided heart failure and interprets the ECG strip as which rhythm?
- A. Atrial fibrillation
- B. Sinus dysrhythmia
- C. Ventricular fibrillation
- D. Third-degree heart block
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by rapid, chaotic atrial depolarization. Ventricular rates may be less than 100 beats per minute (controlled) or greater than 100 beats per minute (uncontrolled). The ECG reveals chaotic or no identifiable P waves and an irregular ventricular rhythm. A sinus dysrhythmia has a normal P wave and PR interval and QRS complex. In ventricular fibrillation, there are no identifiable P waves, QRS complexes, or T waves.
A client has developed oral mucositis as a result of radiation to the head and neck. Which measure should the nurse teach the client to incorporate in a daily home care routine to help manage this condition?
- A. A glass of wine per day will introduce useful bacterial to the oral cavity.
- B. High-protein foods such as peanut butter should be incorporated in the diet.
- C. Clean teeth and rinse mouth with a weak saline and water solution before and after each meal.
- D. Oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, should be performed in the morning and evening.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oral mucositis (irritation, inflammation, and/or ulceration of the mucosa) also known as stomatitis, commonly occurs in clients receiving radiation to the head and neck. Measures need to be taken to soothe the mucosa and provide effective cleansing of the oral cavity. A combination of a weak saline and water solution is an effective cleansing agent. Oral hygiene should be performed more frequently than in the morning and evening. Alcohol would dry and irritate the mucosa and not affect the oral bacteria. Peanut butter has a thick consistency and will stick to the irritated mucosa.
The nurse in an ambulatory care clinic takes a client's blood pressure (BP) in the left arm; it is 200/118 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse implement next?
- A. Notify the primary health care provider.
- B. Inquire about the presence of kidney disorders.
- C. Check the client's blood pressure in the right arm.
- D. Recheck the pressure in the same arm within 30 seconds.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a high BP reading is noted, the nurse takes the pressure in the opposite arm to see if the blood pressure is elevated in one extremity only. The nurse would also recheck the blood pressure in the same arm but would wait at least 2 minutes between readings. The nurse would inquire about the presence of kidney disorders that could contribute to the elevated blood pressure. The nurse would notify the primary health care provider because immediate treatment may be required, but this would not be done without obtaining verification of the elevation.