What is the most important assessment for the LPN/LVN to perform on a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receiving oxygen therapy at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula?
- A. Assess the client's respiratory rate and effort.
- B. Measure the client's oxygen saturation level.
- C. Monitor the client's arterial blood gas levels.
- D. Check the client's blood pressure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Measuring the client's oxygen saturation level is the most important assessment in this scenario. Oxygen saturation level reflects how well the client is oxygenating, which is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of oxygen therapy for a client with COPD. Monitoring the respiratory rate and effort (Choice A) is important but assessing oxygenation with saturation levels takes precedence. While arterial blood gas levels (Choice C) provide comprehensive information, checking oxygen saturation is a quicker and more immediate way to assess oxygenation status. Checking blood pressure (Choice D) is not the priority when evaluating the effectiveness of oxygen therapy in COPD.
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When measuring a client's blood pressure, which approach is the priority for a nurse caring for a client with hypertension?
- A. Obtain the blood pressure under the same conditions each time
- B. Use a different arm for each measurement
- C. Measure the blood pressure while the client is standing
- D. Take multiple readings at different times of the day
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct approach when measuring a client's blood pressure, especially for a client with hypertension, is to obtain the blood pressure under the same conditions each time. Consistency in measurement conditions helps ensure accurate and comparable blood pressure readings. Using a different arm for each measurement (Choice B) is not ideal as it can lead to variations in readings. Measuring the blood pressure while the client is standing (Choice C) is not the standard practice and may not provide accurate results. Taking multiple readings at different times of the day (Choice D) may be useful for monitoring blood pressure trends but is not the priority when ensuring accurate individual readings.
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is receiving metformin (Glucophage). Which laboratory test should the LPN/LVN monitor while the client is taking this medication?
- A. Complete blood count (CBC)
- B. Liver function tests
- C. Serum electrolytes
- D. Renal function tests
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver function tests. While a client is taking metformin, monitoring liver function tests is crucial to assess for potential hepatic side effects. Metformin is primarily eliminated by the liver, and monitoring liver function tests helps in early detection of any liver-related complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) is not specifically required for monitoring metformin therapy. Serum electrolytes are not directly impacted by metformin, making it less relevant for monitoring this medication. Renal function tests are important for some other diabetes medications, but in the case of metformin, liver function tests take precedence due to its hepatic metabolism.
A nurse is preparing to administer 0.5 mL of oral single-dose liquid medication to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Gently shake the container of medication prior to administration
- B. Transfer the medication to a medicine cup
- C. Place the client in a semi-Fowler's position for medication administration
- D. Verify the dosage by measuring the liquid before administering it
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to gently shake the container of liquid medication before administration. Shaking the container ensures proper mixing of the medication, which is important to maintain uniformity of the dose. Transferring the medication to a medicine cup (choice B) may not be necessary for a small volume like 0.5 mL. Placing the client in a semi-Fowler's position (choice C) is not directly related to administering liquid medication orally. Verifying the dosage by measuring the liquid (choice D) is important but does not address the specific action needed to prepare the medication for administration.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is immobile and needs to be turned every 2 hours. The patient has poor lower extremity circulation, and the nurse is concerned about irritation of the patient's toes. Which device will the nurse use?
- A. Hand rolls
- B. A foot cradle
- C. A trapeze bar
- D. A trochanter roll
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A foot cradle is the correct choice for this situation. A foot cradle is used to reduce pressure on the tips of a patient's toes in individuals with poor lower extremity circulation. Hand rolls are not designed to address toe irritation specifically. A trapeze bar is used to assist patients with repositioning in bed, and a trochanter roll is used to support the hips and prevent external rotation of the legs, neither of which directly address toe irritation in this scenario.
During the initial morning assessment, a male client denies dysuria but reports that his urine appears dark amber. Which intervention should the LPN/LVN implement?
- A. Provide additional coffee on the client's breakfast tray.
- B. Exchange the client's grape juice for cranberry juice.
- C. Bring the client additional fruit at mid-morning.
- D. Encourage additional oral intake of juices and water.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Encouraging additional oral intake of juices and water is the appropriate intervention in this scenario. Dark amber urine can indicate concentrated urine due to dehydration or other factors. By encouraging more fluids, the LPN/LVN can help dilute the urine, reducing the concentration of pigments causing the dark color. Providing additional coffee (Choice A) would not necessarily increase hydration and could potentially have a diuretic effect. Exchanging grape juice for cranberry juice (Choice B) does not address the core issue of hydration. Bringing additional fruit (Choice C) may provide some fluid, but encouraging specific fluids like juices and water would be more effective in diluting the urine.