When administering ceftriaxone sodium (Rocephin) intravenously to a client, which assessment finding requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Stridor
- B. Nausea
- C. Headache
- D. Pruritus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stridor. Stridor is a high-pitched, noisy breathing sound that indicates a potential airway obstruction, which can be caused by an allergic reaction. This finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse to ensure the client's airway is patent and to prevent respiratory distress. Nausea, headache, and pruritus are potential side effects of ceftriaxone sodium but do not pose immediate life-threatening risks compared to airway obstruction indicated by stridor.
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A client with a nasogastric tube in place following gastric surgery reports nausea. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Irrigate the NG tube with 30 ml of normal saline.
- B. Administer an antiemetic as prescribed.
- C. Assess the NG tube for patency and reposition if necessary.
- D. Provide sips of water and reassess the client's symptoms.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing the NG tube for patency and repositioning it if necessary is the most appropriate action to relieve the client's nausea. Nausea in a client with a nasogastric tube can be due to the tube's malposition or blockage. Irrigating the NG tube with normal saline (Choice A) without assessing for patency or repositioning may worsen the situation. Administering an antiemetic (Choice B) can help manage symptoms but does not address the potential issue with the NG tube. Providing sips of water and reassessing symptoms (Choice D) may be contraindicated if there is a problem with the NG tube and could exacerbate the nausea.
The nurse is assessing the thorax and lungs of a client who is experiencing respiratory difficulty. Which finding is most indicative of respiratory distress?
- A. Contractions of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
- B. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min
- C. Downward movement of diaphragm with inspiration
- D. A pulse oximetry reading of SpO2 95%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Contractions of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Contractions of the sternocleidomastoid muscle suggest that the client is using accessory muscles to breathe, which is a clear sign of respiratory distress. This finding indicates that the client is working harder to breathe, typically seen in conditions like asthma, COPD, or respiratory failure. Choices B, C, and D are not the most indicative of respiratory distress. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min falls within the normal range. Downward movement of the diaphragm with inspiration is a normal finding indicating effective diaphragmatic breathing. A pulse oximetry reading of SpO2 95% is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate respiratory distress.
An adult male with schizophrenia who has been noncompliant in taking oral antipsychotic medications refuses a prescribed IM medication. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's refusal
- B. Attempt to convince the client to take the medication
- C. Administer the medication without the client's consent
- D. Document the refusal and take no further action
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action is to notify the healthcare provider of the client's refusal. It is important for the healthcare provider to be informed so that they can decide on the next steps in the client's treatment, which may involve exploring alternative options or strategies. Attempting to convince the client to take the medication may not be effective, especially if the client is refusing. Administering the medication without the client's consent would violate the client's autonomy and rights. Simply documenting the refusal without further action may not address the client's treatment needs.
A nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) in a client. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Assess the client's history for nasal trauma or surgery
- B. Ask the client to cough and deep breathe.
- C. Measure the length of the tube to be inserted.
- D. Explain the procedure to the client and obtain consent.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when preparing to insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) in a client is to explain the procedure to the client and obtain consent. It is crucial to ensure that the client is informed about the procedure, understands it, and consents to it before proceeding. Assessing the client's history for nasal trauma or surgery (Choice A) is important but can be done after obtaining consent. Asking the client to cough and deep breathe (Choice B) is not directly related to the initial step of preparing for NGT insertion. Measuring the length of the tube to be inserted (Choice C) is a necessary step but should come after explaining the procedure and obtaining consent.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of myocardial infarction who is experiencing chest pain. Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate preparing the client for first?
- A. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- B. Chest X-ray
- C. Arterial blood gases (ABGs)
- D. Echocardiogram
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: An electrocardiogram (ECG) should be performed first to assess for cardiac ischemia in a client with a history of myocardial infarction and chest pain. An ECG provides immediate information about the heart's electrical activity, helping to identify changes indicative of cardiac ischemia or infarction. Chest X-ray (Choice B) is not the initial diagnostic test for assessing chest pain related to myocardial infarction. Arterial blood gases (Choice C) are used to assess oxygenation and acid-base balance but are not the primary diagnostic test for myocardial infarction. An echocardiogram (Choice D) may provide valuable information about cardiac structure and function, but it is not the first-line diagnostic test for acute chest pain in a client with a history of myocardial infarction.