What action should the nurse take to prevent tracheal tissue damage in a client with a tracheostomy?
- A. Secure the tracheostomy ties firmly.
- B. Change the tracheostomy tube daily.
- C. Use the minimal leak technique when inflating the cuff.
- D. Clean the stoma with hydrogen peroxide.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action to prevent tracheal tissue damage in a client with a tracheostomy is to use the minimal leak technique when inflating the cuff (Choice C). This technique helps maintain proper cuff pressure, preventing excessive pressure on the tracheal tissue. Securing the tracheostomy ties firmly (Choice A) may cause pressure ulcers on the neck. Changing the tracheostomy tube daily (Choice B) is unnecessary and may introduce infection. Cleaning the stoma with hydrogen peroxide (Choice D) can be too harsh and damaging to the delicate tracheal tissue.
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A client with a history of chronic alcohol use is admitted with confusion and an unsteady gait. Which deficiency should the nurse suspect?
- A. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- B. Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- C. Folic acid
- D. Vitamin D
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Thiamine (Vitamin B1). Chronic alcohol use can lead to thiamine deficiency, causing neurological symptoms like confusion and unsteady gait (Wernicke's encephalopathy). Thiamine is crucial for brain function and alcohol interferes with its absorption. Vitamin B12 (choice B) deficiency can also cause neurological symptoms but is less likely in this case. Folic acid (choice C) deficiency can lead to anemia and neural tube defects, not directly related to the symptoms described. Vitamin D (choice D) deficiency typically presents with bone pain and muscle weakness, not confusion and gait issues.
A client with cirrhosis of the liver is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help relieve the client's symptoms?
- A. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- B. Apply lotion to the skin.
- C. Encourage a high-protein diet.
- D. Provide a warm bath.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply lotion to the skin. Pruritus in cirrhosis is often due to dry skin. Applying lotion helps hydrate the skin, reducing itching. Acetaminophen (A) can worsen liver damage. High-protein diet (C) is not directly related to pruritus relief. Warm bath (D) may further dry the skin.
The client has been prescribed metformin (Glucophage) for type 2 diabetes. Which instruction should the nurse include in discharge teaching?
- A. Take the medication at bedtime.
- B. Take the medication with meals.
- C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
- D. Take the medication as needed for high blood sugar.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take the medication with meals. Metformin is typically taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Food helps in the absorption and tolerance of the medication. Taking it on an empty stomach can lead to stomach upset. Taking it at bedtime may also cause nighttime disruptions. Taking it as needed for high blood sugar is not appropriate as metformin is usually taken regularly to control blood sugar levels.
The healthcare provider is caring for a patient who is taking warfarin (Coumadin). Which laboratory value should the healthcare provider monitor closely?
- A. Platelet count.
- B. Prothrombin time (PT).
- C. Hemoglobin level.
- D. White blood cell count.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prothrombin time (PT). Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting clotting factors. Monitoring PT is essential to ensure the patient's blood is clotting within the desired range to prevent both bleeding and clotting events. Platelet count (A) assesses the quantity of platelets, not the clotting function. Hemoglobin level (C) evaluates red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying capacity. White blood cell count (D) assesses immune function and infection risk, not clotting ability. PT is directly related to warfarin's mechanism of action, making it the most crucial parameter to monitor.
A client who has just started taking levodopa-carbidopa (Sinemet) for Parkinson's disease reports experiencing nausea. What should the nurse recommend to the client?
- A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
- B. Consume a low-protein snack with the medication.
- C. Increase your intake of dairy products.
- D. Stop taking the medication and notify your healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consume a low-protein snack with the medication. This is because levodopa absorption is improved when taken with a low-protein snack, reducing the risk of nausea. Choice A is incorrect as taking the medication on an empty stomach can exacerbate nausea. Choice C is incorrect as increasing dairy intake can interfere with levodopa absorption. Choice D is incorrect as abruptly stopping the medication can worsen Parkinson's symptoms.
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