The nurse reviews the client's vital signs in the client's chart. Based on these data findings, what is the client's pulse pressure? Fill in the blank.
Correct Answer: 74 mm Hg
Rationale: The difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure is the pulse pressure. Therefore, if the client has a blood pressure of 146/72 mm Hg, then the pulse pressure is 74.
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A client is scheduled for hydrotherapy for a burn dressing change. Which action should the nurse take to ensure that the client is comfortable during the procedure?
- A. Ensure that the client is appropriately dressed.
- B. Administer an opioid analgesic 30 to 60 minutes before therapy.
- C. Schedule the therapy at a time when the client generally takes a nap.
- D. Assign an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to stay with the client during the procedure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client should receive pain medication approximately 30 to 60 minutes before a burn dressing change. This will help the client tolerate an otherwise painful procedure. None of the remaining options addresses the issue of pain effectively.
A prenatal client has a suspected diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. On assessment, which finding should the nurse expect to note as a result of this condition?
- A. Dehydration
- B. Overhydration
- C. A high hematocrit level
- D. A low hemoglobin level
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pathological anemia of pregnancy is primarily caused by iron deficiency. When the hemoglobin level is below 11 mg/dL (110 mmol/L), iron deficiency is suspected. An indirect index of the oxygen-carrying capacity is determined via a packed red blood cell volume or hematocrit level. Dehydration and overhydration are not specifically associated with iron deficiency anemia.
The nurse has a prescription to administer hydroxyzine to a client by the intramuscular route. Before administering the medication, what information should the nurse share with the client?
- A. Excessive salivation is a side effect.
- B. There will be some pain at the injection site.
- C. There should be relief from nausea within 5 minutes.
- D. The client may experience increased agitation for about 2 hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hydroxyzine is an antiemetic and sedative/hypnotic that may be used in conjunction with opioid analgesics for added effect. The injection can be painful. Hydroxyzine causes dry mouth and drowsiness as side effects. Agitation is not a usual side effect. Medications administered by the intramuscular route generally take 20 to 30 minutes to become effective.
When a client experiences frequent runs of ventricular tachycardia, the primary health care provider prescribes flecainide. Because of the effects of the medication, which nursing intervention is specific to this client's safety?
- A. Monitor the client's urinary output.
- B. Assess the client for neurological problems.
- C. Ensure that the bed rails remain in the up position.
- D. Monitor the client's vital signs and electrocardiogram (ECG) frequently.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Flecainide is an antidysrhythmic medication that slows conduction and decreases excitability, conduction velocity, and automaticity. However, the nurse must monitor for the development of a new or worsening dysrhythmia. Options 1, 2, and 3 are components of standard care but are not specific to this medication.
The nurse has just finished assisting the primary health care provider in placing a central intravenous (IV) line. Which is a priority intervention to assure the client's safety?
- A. Assessing the client's pain level
- B. Assessing the client's temperature
- C. Preparing the client for a chest x-ray
- D. Monitoring the client's blood pressure (BP)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A major risk associated with central line placement is the possibility of a pneumothorax developing from an accidental puncture of the lung. Assessing the results of a chest radiograph is one of the best methods to determine if this complication has occurred and verify catheter tip placement before initiating IV therapy. A temperature elevation related to central line insertion would not likely occur immediately after placement. Pain management is important but is not the priority at this point. Although BP assessment is always important in assessing a client's status after an invasive procedure, fluid volume overload is not a concern until IV fluids are started.