What should a nurse base their response on when a client asks about an increase in opioid dose for chronic pain?
- A. Body has developed tolerance, requiring more drug
- B. The client is preoccupied with the drug
- C. Addiction is the term for physical dependence
- D. Dual diagnosis of substance abuse and chronic pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because tolerance is a physiological phenomenon where the body adapts to a drug, requiring higher doses for the same effect. This is a common occurrence with opioids in chronic pain management. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to drug-seeking behavior, not tolerance. Choice C is incorrect because addiction and physical dependence are different concepts. Choice D is incorrect as it relates to a specific scenario of substance abuse alongside chronic pain, not the mechanism behind the need for increased opioid doses in chronic pain management.
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The nurse is caring for a patient who is a recent immigrant and has limited English proficiency. Which of the following is the best action the nurse should take?
- A. Use medical jargon to explain the procedure to ensure the patient understands.
- B. Speak loudly and slowly to make sure the patient understands.
- C. Use a professional interpreter or translation services to communicate effectively.
- D. Ask the patient's family to translate for the nurse.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use a professional interpreter or translation services to communicate effectively. This is the best action because it ensures accurate communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient. Professional interpreters are trained to accurately convey information while respecting cultural nuances.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Using medical jargon can confuse the patient further and hinder effective communication.
B: Speaking loudly and slowly can come across as patronizing and does not address the language barrier.
D: Relying on the patient's family for translation can lead to miscommunication or breaches of patient confidentiality.
A nurse is teaching a patient with chronic hypertension about lifestyle changes. Which of the following is the most appropriate teaching for this patient?
- A. "You should increase your sodium intake to maintain good blood pressure."
- B. "It is important to increase physical activity and reduce stress."
- C. "Take your medications only when your blood pressure increases."
- D. "You should monitor your blood pressure every week."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because increasing physical activity and reducing stress are important lifestyle changes for managing chronic hypertension. Exercise helps lower blood pressure and stress reduction techniques can help control hypertension. Option A is incorrect as reducing sodium intake, not increasing it, is recommended. Option C is incorrect as medications for hypertension should be taken as prescribed, not only when blood pressure increases. Option D is incorrect as monitoring blood pressure should be done regularly, but not necessarily every week.
Which technique should the nurse use to determine the presence of crepitus during a physical examination?
- A. Percussion
- B. Auscultation
- C. Palpation
- D. Auscultation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct technique to determine the presence of crepitus during a physical examination is palpation. Crepitus is a crackling or grating sensation that is felt when there is air trapped in the subcutaneous tissue. Palpation involves using the hands to feel for abnormalities such as crepitus. Percussion involves tapping on the body to produce sounds that can help assess underlying structures, not to determine the presence of crepitus. Auscultation is listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope, which is not relevant for detecting crepitus.
Which quadrant of the abdomen is tender in suspected appendicitis?
- A. upper right
- B. upper left
- C. lower right
- D. lower left
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct quadrant for tenderness in suspected appendicitis is the lower right quadrant (Choice C). This is because the appendix is located in the lower right abdomen. Appendicitis typically presents with pain starting around the navel and then localizing to the lower right quadrant. The other choices, upper right (Choice A), upper left (Choice B), and lower left (Choice D) are incorrect as they do not correspond to the typical location of the appendix. Upper right quadrant is where the liver and gallbladder are situated, upper left quadrant contains the stomach and spleen, and lower left quadrant has the colon and left ovary/testis.
What is the best way to assess a client's nutritional status?
- A. Obtain a dietary history
- B. Monitor serum albumin levels
- C. Monitor the client's weight
- D. Provide a meal plan
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring serum albumin levels. This is because serum albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver that reflects long-term protein intake and overall nutritional status. Low levels indicate malnutrition or inflammation. Obtaining a dietary history (choice A) is important but may not always reflect the actual nutritional status. Monitoring weight (choice C) is helpful but may not provide a comprehensive view of the client's nutritional status. Providing a meal plan (choice D) is a proactive approach but does not directly assess the client's current nutritional status.