The nurse preceptor is orienting a new graduate nurse to the critical care unit. The preceptor asks the new graduate to state symptoms that most likely indicate the beginning of a shock state in a critically ill client. What findings should the new graduate nurse identify?
- A. Tachycardia, mental status change, and low urine output
- B. Warm skin, hypertension, and constricted pupils
- C. Bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory acidosis
- D. Mottled skin, tachypnea, and hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia, mental status change, and low urine output are early signs of shock. Tachycardia is the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain perfusion, mental status changes can indicate decreased cerebral perfusion, and low urine output reflects poor renal perfusion. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Warm skin, hypertension, and constricted pupils are not typical findings in the early stages of shock. Bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory acidosis are more indicative of late-stage shock. Mottled skin, tachypnea, and hyperactive bowel sounds can be seen in various conditions but are not specific early signs of shock.
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The nurse working in an emergency center collects physical evidence 6 hours following a reported sexual assault. After placing the samples in sealed containers, which action is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Maintain possession of the evidence collection kit at all times until submitted to law enforcement
- B. Provide discharge instructions for prophylactic antibiotics, pregnancy, and HIV prevention medication
- C. Document the characteristics of the various sites of sample collection
- D. Assist the client with toileting, hygiene, and dressing with clean clothes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Maintaining possession of the evidence collection kit at all times until submitted to law enforcement is crucial to ensure the integrity of the chain of custody. This step helps prevent tampering or contamination of the evidence, which is vital for the legal process. Providing discharge instructions for medications, documenting sample characteristics, and assisting the client with personal care are important aspects of care but not the immediate priority when handling forensic evidence in a sexual assault case.
A client diagnosed with a deep vein thrombus (DVT) followed by a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is receiving heparin via an infusion pump at a rate of 1400 u/hour. The client tells the nurse, 'I wish this medicine would hurry up and dissolve this clot in my lung so that I can go home'. What response is best for the nurse to provide?
- A. Heparin prevents future clot formation, but your risk of bleeding needs to be monitored closely
- B. You seem to be concerned about the length of time it takes for Heparin to dissolve this clot
- C. Let me contact your surgeon and find out if Heparin IV therapy can be administered to you at home
- D. Why are you so anxious to leave the hospital when you know you are not well enough yet?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the best response because it educates the client about the role of heparin in preventing future clot formation rather than dissolving the existing clot. This helps the client understand the medication's function and the importance of closely monitoring for signs of bleeding, a common side effect of heparin therapy. Choice B acknowledges the client's concern but does not provide accurate information about heparin's mechanism of action. Choice C is premature as it suggests transitioning to home therapy without addressing the client's concerns or explaining heparin's purpose. Choice D does not address the client's statement and instead questions their desire to leave the hospital.
The nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include?
- A. Encourage the client to use sunscreen
- B. Apply lotion to the radiated area
- C. Keep the area dry and clean
- D. Encourage the client to exercise the arm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Keeping the radiated area dry and clean is crucial to prevent skin irritation and infection. Radiation therapy can cause skin changes, making it susceptible to irritation and infection. Using sunscreen (Choice A) is not usually recommended on the radiated area as it can further irritate the skin. Applying lotion (Choice B) may not be suitable as it can trap moisture and cause skin breakdown. While encouraging exercise (Choice D) is important, keeping the area dry and clean takes precedence to prevent complications during radiation therapy.
A nurse is assessing the learning needs of a client who is diagnosed with Addison's disease. Which statement indicates that the client needs further teaching?
- A. I should take my medications daily to replace necessary hormones
- B. I need to eat a diet high in protein and carbohydrates
- C. I should avoid drinking fluids with caffeine
- D. I should notify my healthcare provider if I start feeling dizzy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A diet high in protein and carbohydrates is not specifically required for Addison's disease. The focus should be on maintaining a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and adequate protein sources. Choice A is correct as adherence to medication therapy is crucial in managing Addison's disease. Choice C is correct as caffeine can exacerbate symptoms of Addison's disease. Choice D is correct as dizziness can be a sign of adrenal crisis in Addison's disease, and prompt notification of healthcare providers is essential.
The nurse is planning care for a 2-year-old child who is scheduled for an infusion of immune globulin for treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority for this child?
- A. Risk for infection
- B. Risk for injury
- C. Altered oral mucous membranes
- D. Risk for fluid volume deficit
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Risk for infection.' When caring for a child with ITP scheduled for immune globulin infusion, the highest priority is to prevent infection. This is crucial due to the risk of bleeding associated with ITP and the immunosuppression that can be caused by the condition and its treatment. The other options, such as 'Risk for injury,' 'Altered oral mucous membranes,' and 'Risk for fluid volume deficit,' are not as high a priority as preventing infection in this particular situation.