Nokea
What intervention has the highest priority for a client with a fourth-degree midline laceration following the vaginal delivery of an 8-pound 10-ounce infant?
- A. Administer a prescribed stool softener
- B. Administer prescribed PRN sleep medications
- C. Encourage breastfeeding to promote uterine involution
- D. Encourage the use of prescribed analgesic perineal sprays
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering a prescribed stool softener is the highest priority intervention for a client with a fourth-degree midline laceration to prevent straining during bowel movements, which could potentially harm the healing laceration. Stool softeners help in maintaining soft stools, reducing the risk of injury to the suture line. Administering PRN sleep medications, encouraging breastfeeding, or promoting the use of analgesic perineal sprays are important aspects of care but are not the priority in this situation. Stool softeners play a crucial role in preventing complications and promoting healing in such cases, making it the most urgent intervention.
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A client is scheduled for a sigmoidoscopy and expresses anxiety about the procedure. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Offer information about the procedure steps
- B. Administer an anxiolytic before the procedure
- C. Encourage the client to discuss their fears
- D. Reassure the client that the procedure is common and safe
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse when a client expresses anxiety about a procedure is to encourage the client to discuss their fears. By allowing the client to express their concerns, the nurse can provide personalized support, address specific worries, and offer tailored information. This approach helps to establish trust, reduce anxiety, and promote a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Offering information about the procedure steps (Choice A) may be helpful but should come after addressing the client's fears. Administering an anxiolytic (Choice B) should not be the first action as it focuses on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying cause of anxiety. Reassuring the client that the procedure is common and safe (Choice D) is important but should follow active listening and addressing the client's fears.
During the shift change report at an acute care hospital, the charge nurse assigns the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to care for a client. Which task is within the LPN's scope?
- A. Administering IV medication
- B. Conducting initial client assessments
- C. Providing wound care for a stage III pressure ulcer
- D. Teaching a diabetic client about insulin administration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. LPNs are trained to provide basic nursing care such as wound care. Providing wound care for a stage III pressure ulcer falls within the LPN's scope of practice. Administering IV medication (choice A) requires a higher level of skill and is usually the responsibility of registered nurses. Conducting initial client assessments (choice B) demands more advanced training and is typically performed by registered nurses. Teaching a diabetic client about insulin administration (choice D) involves patient education and is usually within the scope of registered nurses or other healthcare professionals with specific training in diabetic care.
A client who is 24 weeks pregnant presents with a complaint of feeling dizzy when lying on her back. What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. Advise the client to lie on her side
- B. Encourage the client to drink more fluids
- C. Suggest the client elevate her legs when lying down
- D. Recommend the client take short walks throughout the day
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to lie on her side. Lying on the side can prevent the compression of the vena cava, which can cause dizziness in pregnant women. Encouraging the client to drink more fluids (Choice B) may be beneficial for other conditions but is not the best response for dizziness when lying on her back. Suggesting the client elevate her legs when lying down (Choice C) is not directly related to the issue described by the client. Recommending the client take short walks throughout the day (Choice D) may be helpful for other pregnancy-related symptoms but is not the most appropriate action for dizziness when lying on her back.
The client with high blood pressure is being taught by the nurse to avoid adding salt during cooking. What effect does sodium have on blood pressure?
- A. It decreases the viscosity of blood
- B. It leads to increased fluid retention
- C. It causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels
- D. It enhances the excretion of potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'It causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels.' Sodium can lead to vasoconstriction, which narrows the blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and subsequently raising blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Sodium does not decrease blood viscosity, but it can lead to fluid retention, which increases blood volume and pressure. It does not enhance the excretion of potassium; instead, high sodium intake can lead to potassium excretion by the kidneys.
A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is taking lithium. What is the most important information the nurse should provide?
- A. Take the medication on an empty stomach
- B. Monitor sodium intake
- C. Report any signs of weight gain
- D. Avoid excessive caffeine intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sodium levels can affect lithium levels in the body, so it is crucial to monitor sodium intake to prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic levels. Lithium is typically taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption, making choice A more accurate than the original 'Take the medication with food.' Reporting weight gain, as mentioned in choice C, is important for monitoring side effects but is not as critical as ensuring proper lithium levels through sodium intake monitoring. Choice D, avoiding excessive caffeine intake, is not a priority concern directly related to lithium therapy.