The practical nurse is collecting data on a client receiving methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Which finding associated with this drug is most important for the nurse to report to the registered nurse?
- A. Hair loss
- B. Nausea
- C. Petechiae
- D. Stomatitis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Petechiae indicate thrombocytopenia, a serious adverse effect of methotrexate, risking bleeding and requiring immediate reporting for dose adjustment or discontinuation.
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An adult client is receiving oxygen at 6 L/min. The client asks the nurse why the oxygen is running through bubbling water. What should be included in the nurse's reply?
- A. The water cools the oxygen and makes it more comfortable.
- B. Oxygen is very drying to tissues; the water humidifies it.
- C. The water prevents fires when oxygen is in use.
- D. The water helps to prevent infections from developing in the tubing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bubbling water in oxygen delivery systems humidifies the oxygen, preventing mucosal drying. It doesn't cool oxygen, prevent fires, or reduce infections.
The nurse is caring for a preschool-age child whose grandparent died 3 days ago. Which intervention is inappropriate?
- A. Assign the same nurses and caregivers to the child each day
- B. Avoid mentioning the loved one's death in the child's presence
- C. Explain the importance of being with the child to the parents
- D. Schedule time each day for age-appropriate play
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Avoiding discussion of the grandparent's death may confuse the child or hinder grieving. Open, age-appropriate communication supports emotional processing.
Laboratory reference ranges
Glucose (random)
71-200 mg/dL
(3.9–11.1 mmol/L)
The nurse is caring for assigned clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse check first?
- A. client who had a cholecystectomy and is reporting incisional pain as 5 on a scale of 1-10
- B. client who had an open reduction of the right femur and is reporting nausea
- C. client with type 1 diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L)
- D. client with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL (13.9 mmol/L)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL indicates severe hypoglycemia, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention to prevent seizures or coma.
The nurse reviews a client's medical record and notes the following PRN medication prescriptions: acetaminophen, haloperidol, and benztropine. The nurse would administer a dose of benztropine on assessing which client behavior?
- A. Muscle rigidity and shuffling gait
- B. Nihilistic delusions
- C. Tangential speech
- D. Waxy flexibility
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Benztropine is an anticholinergic used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), such as muscle rigidity and shuffling gait, which are side effects of antipsychotics like haloperidol.
The nurse receives news of a local mass shooting. Stable clients need to be discharged to make room for newly admitted clients. Which client would the nurse identify as safe to recommend for discharge?
- A. Client on chemotherapy who started antibiotics today for cellulitis of the leg
- B. Client with asthma exacerbation who has not required oxygen or a nebulizer in 12 hours
- C. Client with diabetes who has nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting
- D. Client with ulcerative colitis and diarrhea who has developed fever and vomiting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client with resolved asthma exacerbation, not requiring oxygen or nebulizers for 12 hours, is stable and safe for discharge, unlike the others with active complications.
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