The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
Progress Notes
Emergency Department
0900: The client is brought to the emergency department by a family member after being found confused and lethargic. On arrival, the client is obtunded and does not respond to verbal stimuli.
Medical history includes major depressive disorder and chronic neck and back pain after a motor vehicle collision 2 years ago. The family member states that the client takes multiple medications but does not know which kind. The client was divorced a few months ago.
Physical examination shows 1-mm pupils, shallow breathing, and reduced bowel sounds. Fingerstick blood glucose is 78 mg/dL (4.3 mmol/L). ECG reveals normal sinus rhythm. Breath alcohol test is negative.
Vital signs: T 98.1 F (36.7 C), P 62, RR 8, BP 80/40, SpO, 94% on room air.
What condition should the nurse suspect?
- A. Bacterial meningitis
- B. Opioid intoxication
- C. Transient ischemic attack
- D. Wernicke encephalopathy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Opioid intoxication is indicated by pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, obtundation, and hypotension, consistent with the client's history of chronic pain and positive opioid urine screen. Meningitis typically involves fever and neck stiffness, TIA involves focal neurological deficits, and Wernicke's involves confusion with ocular abnormalities and ataxia.
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The nurse is caring for a client on the medical-surgical unit.
History
Admission
0500: The client is admitted with an abscess and cellulitis of the right leg. The abscess is noted on the lateral aspect of the right calf, with redness, swelling, and warmth extending from the knee to the ankle. The abscess was incised in the emergency department, and a moderate amount of purulent, yellowish-green drainage was noted. The leg was wrapped with gauze, and the client received the first dose of IV antibiotics and opioids for pain control.
The client reports chronic lower back pain and gastrosophageal reflux disease, and he was admitted to the hospital once last year for gastrointestinal bleeding. He is currently prescribed daily pantoprazole but takes it only a few times a week.
Vital signs: T 100.9 F (38.3 C), P 82, RR 14, BP 130/80, SpO, 95% on room air
Progress Notes
Medical-Surgical Unit
2300:
The client reports nausea, headache, and insomnia. The client is trembling, diaphoretic, and restless.
The client states, "I would sleep better if those mice and cats would stop climbing up and down the walls."
The upper portion of the clients dressing is saturated with yellowish-green drainage. The peripheral V was removed by the client, and dried blood is noted at the IV site. The IV catheter is on the floor. The client yelled and pushed the nurse's hands away during inspection of the IV site.
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, RR 18, BP 170/96, SpO≥ 95% on room air
The client is preparing for discharge after treatment for cellulitis and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The client expresses motivation to stop using alcohol and is prescribed naltrexone. Which of the following client statements indicate progress toward the goal of abstinence and long-term recovery? Select all that apply.
- A. Drinking alcohol contributed to my divorce and the loss of my job.
- B. I am planning to join a recovery program.
- C. I will be in control now and will drink only on special occasions.
- D. My friends encouraged me to drink more than usual.
- E. When cravings occur, I will call my sponsor.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: A: Acknowledging alcohol's negative impact shows insight. B: Joining a recovery program supports sobriety. E: Having a plan to manage cravings (e.g., calling a sponsor) indicates commitment. C is incorrect as it suggests continued drinking, and D blames others without addressing personal responsibility.
The nurse is caring for a 25-year-old female client.
History and Physical
Body System
General
Client reports jitteriness, anxiety, and palpitations for the past 2 months. Fine hand tremor is noted. Client reports insomnia for approximately 1 week.
Integumentary
Client is diaphoretic.
Eye, Ear, Nose, andThroat (EENT)
Exophthalmos is noted. Goiter is present.
Gastrointestinal
Client reports 10 lb (4.5 kg) weight loss over the past month. Bowel sounds are normoactive. Client reports diarrhea for the past few days.
Reproductive
Last menstrual period was 3 months ago.
Vital Signs
T 99.2 F (37.3 C)
P 164
RR 22
BP 156/92
Nurses' Notes
Outpatient Clinic
0930:
Client received radioactive iodine therapy 6 months ago. Client reports absence of heart palpitations and anxiety. No evidence of fine hand tremor.
Client reports weight gain of 10.5 lbs (4.8 kg) within the past 3 months. Client reports feeling more fatigued during the day and requests to speak to the health care provider about feeling depressed.
Following a routine laboratory draw, the nurse suspects that the client is experiencing primary hypothyroidism as evidenced by........... and ........
- A. Increased TSH
- B. Decreased TSH
- C. Increased T3 and T4 levels
- D. Decreased T3 and T4 levels
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: Primary hypothyroidism is characterized by increased TSH due to the pituitary gland's attempt to stimulate the thyroid and decreased T3 and T4 levels due to reduced thyroid hormone production.
The nurse in the surgical unit is caring for a 57-year-old client who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy.
Progress Notes
1 Day Postoperative
0800:
The client underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and tumor debulking 1 day ago for treatment of ovarian cancer. She has had four episodes of vomiting with bilious emesis over the past 12 hours, which have continued despite V antiemetic administration. The client has been receiving V broad-spectrum antibiotics since the procedure. The skin is warm. A low transverse abdominal incision is present; staples are clean and dry. Chest expansion is symmetric; respirations are unlabored: diminished breath sounds are auscultated in bilateral lower lobes. Radial pulses 2+ bilaterally, capillary refill <3 seconds in all four extremities; no peripheral edema is noted. The client reports frequent hot flashes occurring roughly every hour, starting last night. The abdomen is markedly distended and tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are absent in all four quadrants; the client reports no flatus. Urine is clear yellow with moderate output. The client reports incontinence with coughing or during episodes of vomiting.
Prescriptions
0820:
• 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride at 75 m/hr continuous
• 50% dextrose 25 mg IV push as needed for blood glucose <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
• Ketorolac 15 mg IV push every 6 hours as needed for severe pain
• Ondansetron 8 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for nausea
• Pantoprazole 40 mg PO daily
• Potassium chloride 40 mEq/100 mL IVPB once
• Sips of clear liquids, advance diet as tolerated
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range: 1 day postoperative
WBC count:
5000-10.000/mm3 (5-10 × 10%L): 12,000/mm3 (12 × 10°/L)
Urea nitrogen (BUN)
10-20 mg/dL (3.6-7.1 mmol/L): 24 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L)
Creatinine
Male: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL(53-106 umol/L):
1.6 mg/dL (141.4 pmol/L)
Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL (44-97 umol/L):
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L (3.5--5.0 mmol/L): 3.3 mEq/L (3.3 mmol/L)
Sodium
135-145 mEq/L (135-145 mmol/L): 137 mEq/L (137 mmol/L)
Blood glucose level
74-106 mg/dL (4.1-5.9 mmol/L): 75 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L)
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Prescriptions and Laboratory Results. The nurse is planning care with the registered nurse. Select 2 prescriptions the nurse should anticipate initiating first.
- A. 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride at 75 m/hr continuous
- B. 50% dextrose 25 mg IV push as needed for blood glucose <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
- C. Ketorolac 15 mg IV push every 6 hours as needed for severe pain
- D. Ondansetron 8 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for nausea
- E. Pantoprazole 40 mg PO daily
- F. Potassium chloride 40 mEq/100 mL IVPB once
- G. Sips of clear liquids, advance diet as tolerated
Correct Answer: A, F
Rationale: IV fluids (A) are critical to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, especially with vomiting and ileus. Potassium chloride (F) addresses the low potassium level (3.3 mEq/L). Dextrose is not needed with normal glucose (75 mg/dL). Ketorolac and ondansetron are as-needed, and pantoprazole is daily but less urgent. Clear liquids may exacerbate ileus.
The nurse is caring for an 8-year-old client who was brought to the emergency department after
becoming short of breath at school.
History and Physical
General
Well-nourished child; currently sitting in the tripod position; patches of dry, scaly, reddened skin are present in the creases of bilateral elbows and behind both knees; client reports that these areas itch
Neurological
Alert and oriented to person, place, and time
Eye, Ear, Nose, andThroat (EENT)
Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation; client reports no nasal congestion
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 34, SpO 92% on room air, airway patent, intercostal retractions noted during inspiration; expiratory wheezes auscultated bilaterally; dry, spasmodic cough is noted; no stridor; difficulty speaking in complete sentences
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 98.8 F (37.1 C), P 110, BP 94/60; S1 and S2 heard on auscultation; nom murmurs noted; peripheral pulses 2+; capillary refill 3 seconds; no edema
Gastrointestinal
Abdomen soft; bowel sounds normal
Psychosocial
Client appears anxious and is crying, client speaks in short phrases, stating, "left my medicine at a friend's house" and "feels like I can't breathe"; client cannot remember the name of the prescribed home medication; client's parents were notified and are en route to hospital
Progress Notes
0910:
Client's parents were spoken to over the phone. Last evening, the client spent the night at a friend's housewhere some family members smoke cigarettes and have a pet cat that lives in the home.
Medical history:
No accidents or injuries were reported, vaccinations are up to date, mild persistent asthma was diagnosed at age 7, and client has atopic dermatitis.
Allergies: No known allergies.
Family history:
Client is an only child. Parents report having no known medical conditions. Paternal grandfather died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and maternal grandmother has heart disease.
Social history:
Client lives with parents; they do not smoke cigarettes. There are no pets in the client's home.
Current medications:
Beclomethasone inhaler 2 puffs twice a day, albuterol (salbutamol) inhaler 2 puffs
every 4 hours as needed for quick relief of symptoms.
The nurse receives the following prescriptions. Which 3 actions should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Administer albuterol (salbutamol) with ipratropium bromide via nebulizer
- B. Administer initial dose of PO prednisone once
- C. Initiate maintenance IV fluids
- D. Initiate NPO status except oral medication
- E. Titrate oxygen to achieve an oxygen saturation of >95%
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: A: Nebulized albuterol and ipratropium are first-line treatments for acute asthma exacerbation to relieve bronchospasm. B: Prednisone reduces inflammation and prevents worsening. E: Titrating oxygen to >95% corrects hypoxia, a critical concern with SpO2 at 92%.
The nurse is caring for a client at a women’s health clinic.
History & Physical
Labor and delivery unit
0800:
A 28-year-old nulliparous female comes to the clinic for confirmation of suspected pregnancy due to amenorrhea and a positive home pregnancy test. The client's current exercise regimen includes indoor cycling and outdoor running. The client reports nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness. She has a 28-day menstrual cycle, and her last menstrual period was March 10- 17. The health care provider notes a bluish-purple vaginal mucosa and cervix during pelvic examination and confirms a 12-week intrauterine pregnancy by sonography. A fetal heart rate of 155/min is detected with handheld Doppler.
For each client finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with presumptive, probable, or positive signs of pregnancy. Note: Each row must have one response option selected
- A. Amenorrhea
- B. Chadwick sign
- C. Fetal heart rate
- D. Nausea/vomiting
- E. Breast tenderness
- F. Home pregnancy test
- G. Fetus visible on ultrasound
Correct Answer: A: Presumptive, B: Probable, C: Positive, D: Presumptive, E: Presumptive, F: Probable, G: Positive
Rationale: Presumptive signs are subjective and may have other causes (e.g., amenorrhea, nausea/vomiting, breast tenderness). Probable signs are objective but not definitive (e.g., Chadwick sign, positive home pregnancy test). Positive signs confirm pregnancy (e.g., fetal heart rate, fetus visible on ultrasound).
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