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The nurse monitors a patient with acute pancreatitis. Which assessment finding indicates that paralytic ileus has developed?
- A. Inability to pass flatus
- B. Loss of anal sphincter control
- C. Severe, constant pain with rapid onset
- D. Firm, nontender mass palpable at the lower right costal margin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An inflammatory reaction such as acute pancreatitis can cause paralytic ileus, the common form of nonmechanical obstruction. Inability to pass flatus is a clinical manifestation of paralytic ileus. Loss of sphincter control is not a sign of paralytic ileus. Pain is associated with paralytic ileus, but the pain usually presents as a more constant generalized discomfort. Pain that is severe, constant, and rapid in onset is more likely caused by strangulation of the bowel. Option 4 is the description of the physical finding of liver enlargement.
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A client diagnosed with left pleural effusion has just been admitted for treatment. The nurse should plan to have which procedure tray available for use at the bedside?
- A. Intubation
- B. Paracentesis
- C. Thoracentesis
- D. Central venous line insertion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client with a significant pleural effusion is usually treated by thoracentesis. This procedure allows drainage of the fluid from the pleural space, which may then be analyzed to determine the precise cause of the effusion. The nurse ensures that a thoracentesis tray is readily available in case that the client's symptoms should rapidly become more severe. A paracentesis tray is needed for the removal of abdominal effusion. Options 1 and 4 are not specifically indicated for this procedure.
The nurse who practices culturally sensitive nursing care incorporates which concepts into client care? Select all that apply.
- A. The expression of pain is affected by learned behaviors.
- B. Physiologically, all individuals experience pain in a similar manner.
- C. Ethnic culture has an effect on the physiological response to pain medications.
- D. Clients should be assessed for pain regardless of a lack of overt symptomatology.
- E. The use of a standardized pain assessment tool ensures unbiased pain assessment.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Pain and its expression are often affected by an individual's ethnic culture in ways that include learned means of pain expression, the physiological response to pain medications, and attitudes regarding acceptable ways of dealing with pain. Physiologically not all individuals, even those of the same ethnic culture, will respond to pain in a similar manner, and so a standardized pain assessment tool is not effective in measuring pain in all clients.
A client experiencing a severe major depressive episode is unable to address activities of daily living (ADL). Which nursing intervention best meets the client's current needs therapeutically?
- A. Have the client's peers approach the client about how noncompliance in addressing ADL affects the milieu.
- B. Structure the client's day so that adequate time can be devoted to the client's assuming responsibility for ADL.
- C. Offer the client choices and describe the consequences for the failure to comply with the expectation of maintaining her or his own ADL.
- D. Feed, bathe, and dress the client as needed until the client's condition improves so that she or he can perform these activities independently.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The symptoms of major depression include depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death. Often, the client does not have the energy or interest to complete activities of daily living. Option 1 will increase the client's feelings of poor self-esteem and of unworthiness. Option 2 is incorrect because the client still lacks the energy and motivation to do these independently. Option 3 may lead to increased feelings of worthlessness as the client fails to meet expectations.
The nurse is caring for an obese client on a weight loss program. Which method should the nurse use to most accurately assess the program's effectiveness?
- A. Monitor the client's weight.
- B. Monitor the client's intake and output.
- C. Calculate the client's daily caloric intake.
- D. Frequently check the client's serum protein levels.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most accurate measurement of weight loss is weighing of the client. This should be done at the same time of the day, in the same clothes, and using the same scale. Options 2, 3, and 4 measure nutrition and hydration status but are not associated with effectiveness of the weight loss program.
A client is brought to the emergency department reporting chest pain. Assessment shows vital signs that include a blood pressure (BP) of 150/90 mm Hg, pulse (P) 88 beats per minute (BPM), and respirations (R) 20 breaths per minute. The nurse administers nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingually. The treatment is found to be effective when the reassessment of vital signs shows which data?
- A. BP 150/90 mm Hg, P 70 BPM, R 24 breaths per minute
- B. BP 100/60 mm Hg, P 96 BPM, R 20 breaths per minute
- C. BP 100/60 mm Hg, P 70 BPM, R 24 breaths per minute
- D. BP 160/100 mm Hg, P 120 BPM, R 16 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nitroglycerin dilates both arteries and veins, causing blood to pool in the periphery. This causes a reduced preload and therefore a drop in cardiac output. This vasodilation causes the blood pressure to fall. The drop in cardiac output causes the sympathetic nervous system to respond and attempt to maintain cardiac output by increasing the pulse. Beta blockers, such as propranolol, are often used in conjunction with nitroglycerin to prevent this rise in heart rate. If chest pain is reduced and cardiac workload is reduced, the client will be more comfortable; therefore, a rise in respirations should not be seen.