When a client experiences frequent runs of ventricular tachycardia, the primary health care provider prescribes flecainide. Because of the effects of the medication, which nursing intervention is specific to this client's safety?
- A. Monitor the client's urinary output.
- B. Assess the client for neurological problems.
- C. Ensure that the bed rails remain in the up position.
- D. Monitor the client's vital signs and electrocardiogram (ECG) frequently.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Flecainide is an antidysrhythmic medication that slows conduction and decreases excitability, conduction velocity, and automaticity. However, the nurse must monitor for the development of a new or worsening dysrhythmia. Options 1, 2, and 3 are components of standard care but are not specific to this medication.
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The nurse is caring for a client receiving bolus feedings via a nasogastric (NG) tube. The nurse should place the client in which position to administer the feeding?
- A. Supine
- B. Semi-Fowler's
- C. Trendelenburg's
- D. Lateral recumbent
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients are at high risk for aspiration during an NG tube feeding because the tube bypasses a protective mechanism, the gag reflex. The head of the bed is elevated 35 to 40 degrees (Semi-Fowler's) to prevent this complication by facilitating gastric emptying. The remaining options increase the risk of aspiration by blunting the effect of gravity on gastric emptying.
A low dose of ondansetron is prescribed for a client receiving chemotherapy. The nurse anticipates that the primary health care provider will prescribe the medication by which route?
- A. Oral
- B. Intranasal
- C. Intravenous
- D. Subcutaneous
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ondansetron is an antiemetic used to control nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. It is available for administration by the oral, intramuscular (IM), or intravenous (IV) routes. The IV route is the route used when relief of nausea is needed in the client receiving chemotherapy. The IM route may be used when the medication is used as an adjunct to anesthesia. Option 1 should not be used in clients who are nauseated. Options 2 and 4 are not routes of administration of this medication.
A client in labor has a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. Which action will the nurse take to assist in preventing the client from experiencing a sickling crisis during labor?
- A. Being reassuring
- B. Administering oxygen
- C. Preventing bearing down
- D. Maintaining strict asepsis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the labor process, the client with sickle cell anemia is at high risk for being unable to meet the oxygen demands of labor. Administering oxygen will prevent sickle cell crisis during labor. Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy will also reduce the risk of a sickle cell crisis.
The nurse assists the primary health care provider with the removal of a chest tube. During the procedure, the nurse instructs the client to perform which action?
- A. Inhale deeply.
- B. Breathe normally.
- C. Breathe out forcefully.
- D. Take a deep breath and hold it.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client is instructed to take a deep breath and hold it for chest tube removal. This maneuver will increase intrathoracic pressure, thereby lessening the potential for air to enter the pleural space. Therefore, options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect.
A client scheduled for pneumonectomy tells the nurse that a friend had lung surgery that required chest tubes. The client asks how long to expect chest tubes to be in place. Which statement by the nurse appropriately educates the client about the presence of a chest tube postpneumonectomy?
- A. They are generally removed after 36 to 48 hours.
- B. Not every lung surgery requires chest tubes to be used.
- C. They usually remain in place for a full week after surgery.
- D. Your type of surgery rarely requires chest tubes to be inserted after surgery.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pneumonectomy involves removal of the entire lung, usually caused by extensive disease such as bronchogenic carcinoma, unilateral tuberculosis, or lung abscess. Chest tubes are not inserted because the cavity is left to fill with serosanguineous fluid, which later solidifies.