What is the first nursing action for a patient admitted with chest pain from acute coronary syndrome?
- A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
- B. Check the patient's urine output
- C. Administer IV fluids
- D. Obtain cardiac enzymes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer sublingual nitroglycerin. This is the priority action for a patient admitted with chest pain from acute coronary syndrome. Nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow to the heart, and relieve chest pain. Checking the patient's urine output (Choice B) is not the priority in this situation. Administering IV fluids (Choice C) may not be necessary unless indicated by the patient's condition. Obtaining cardiac enzymes (Choice D) is important but is not the initial action needed to address the patient's acute symptoms.
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What is the priority dietary modification for a patient with pre-dialysis end-stage kidney disease?
- A. Limit phosphorus intake to 700 mg/day
- B. Increase potassium intake to 3 g/day
- C. Eat three large meals per day
- D. Restrict protein intake to 1 g/kg/day
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Limit phosphorus intake to 700 mg/day. In patients with pre-dialysis end-stage kidney disease, restricting phosphorus intake is crucial to manage their condition. Excessive phosphorus can lead to mineral and bone disorders, which are common in kidney disease. Choice B, increasing potassium intake, is not the priority and can be harmful as kidney disease often leads to hyperkalemia. Choice C, eating three large meals per day, is not recommended as smaller, frequent meals are usually better tolerated. Choice D, restricting protein intake to 1 g/kg/day, is important in later stages of kidney disease but is not the priority at the pre-dialysis stage.
A patient has been diagnosed with a thrombotic stroke. What are the expected manifestations?
- A. Gradual loss of function on one side of the body
- B. Sudden loss of consciousness
- C. Seizures and confusion
- D. Loss of sensation in the affected limb
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Gradual loss of function on one side of the body.' Thrombotic strokes lead to slow and progressive symptoms as a result of decreased blood flow to a specific area of the brain. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because sudden loss of consciousness, seizures, confusion, and loss of sensation in the affected limb are not typical manifestations of a thrombotic stroke.
What is the first medication to give to a patient with an allergic reaction causing wheezing?
- A. Albuterol 3 ml via nebulizer
- B. Methylprednisolone 100 mg IV
- C. Cromolyn 20 mg via nebulizer
- D. Aminophylline 500 mg IV
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Albuterol 3 ml via nebulizer. Albuterol is a fast-acting bronchodilator that helps relieve wheezing by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it the first-line treatment for wheezing caused by bronchospasms in allergic reactions. Methylprednisolone (Choice B) is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory properties and is typically given after bronchodilators. Cromolyn (Choice C) is a mast cell stabilizer that is used for the prevention of asthma symptoms, not for immediate relief. Aminophylline (Choice D) is a bronchodilator that is less commonly used nowadays due to its narrow therapeutic window and potential for toxicity.
What is the initial nursing action for a patient with chest pain and acute coronary syndrome?
- A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
- B. Check the patient's urine output
- C. Check cardiac enzymes
- D. Obtain IV access
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering sublingual nitroglycerin is the priority initial action for a patient with chest pain and acute coronary syndrome. Nitroglycerin helps vasodilate coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle and reducing chest pain. Checking the patient's urine output (choice B) and cardiac enzymes (choice C) are important assessments but are not the first priority when managing acute chest pain. Obtaining IV access (choice D) is essential for administering medications and fluids, but administering sublingual nitroglycerin takes precedence in the initial management of chest pain in acute coronary syndrome.
A patient with ventricular tachycardia and a pulse needs electrical intervention. What is the appropriate action?
- A. Defibrillation
- B. Synchronized cardioversion
- C. Pacing
- D. Medication administration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a patient with ventricular tachycardia and a pulse, the appropriate action is synchronized cardioversion. Defibrillation is used for pulseless ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Pacing is typically used for bradycardias. Medication administration may be considered in stable ventricular tachycardia cases but electrical intervention is preferred for immediate correction in this scenario.