Nokea
When administering intravenous electrolyte solution, which of the following precautions should the nurse take?
- A. Infuse hypertonic solutions cautiously.
- B. Mix no more than 60 mEq of potassium per liter of fluid.
- C. Prevent infiltration of calcium, which causes tissue necrosis and sloughing.
- D. Monitor the client's digitalis dosage for potential adjustments due to IV calcium administration.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When administering intravenous electrolyte solutions, it is crucial to prevent infiltration of calcium to avoid tissue necrosis and sloughing. Hypertonic solutions should be infused cautiously (Choice A) to prevent adverse effects. The correct amount of potassium to be mixed in a liter of fluid is no more than 60 mEq, making Choice B incorrect. While monitoring the client's digitalis dosage for potential adjustments due to IV calcium administration is important, the statement suggesting an increased dosage is incorrect as IV calcium diminishes digitalis's action, making Choice D incorrect.
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A client was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which the seat belt was not worn. The client is exhibiting crepitus, decreased breath sounds on the left, complains of shortness of breath, and has a respiratory rate of 34/min. Which of the following assessment findings should concern the nurse the most?
- A. temperature of 102°F and a productive cough
- B. arterial blood gases (ABGs) with a PaO2 of 92 mmHg and PaCO2 of 40 mmHg
- C. trachea deviating to the right
- D. barrel-chested appearance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'trachea deviating to the right.' A mediastinal shift is indicative of a tension pneumothorax, which is a dangerous complication seen in trauma patients with symptoms like crepitus, decreased breath sounds, shortness of breath, and tachypnea. Assessing for acute traumatic injuries is crucial in this context. Choice A, a temperature of 102°F and a productive cough, is common in pneumonia cases and not as concerning as a mediastinal shift. Choice B, ABGs with a PaO2 of 92 mmHg and PaCO2 of 40 mmHg, shows values within normal limits and does not suggest a tension pneumothorax. Choice D, a barrel-chested appearance, is typical of COPD and not directly related to the acute traumatic injury described. A tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency where air cannot escape the pleural cavity, leading to lung collapse and a mediastinal shift to the unaffected side with a downward displacement of the diaphragm.
A client comes to the clinic for assessment of his physical status and guidelines for starting a weight-reduction diet. The client's weight is 216 pounds and his height is 66 inches. The nurse identifies the BMI (body mass index) as:
- A. Within normal limits, so a weight-reduction diet is unnecessary.
- B. Lower than normal, so education about nutrient-dense foods is needed.
- C. Indicating obesity because the BMI is 35.
- D. Indicating overweight status because the BMI is 27.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Obesity is defined by a BMI of 30 or more with no co-morbid conditions. Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by utilizing a chart or nomogram that plots height and weight. In this case, the client's BMI is calculated as 35, indicating obesity. A BMI of 27 falls within the overweight range, not obesity (which starts at 30). Choices A and B are incorrect because a BMI of 35 indicates obesity, not normal limits or being lower than normal. Therefore, the correct answer is C, indicating obesity based on the BMI calculation.
A female client complains to the nurse at the health department that she has fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. Her history reveals no significant medical problems. She states that she is always on a fad diet without any vitamin supplements. Which tests should the nurse expect the client to have first?
- A. peptic ulcer studies
- B. complete blood count, including hematocrit and hemoglobin
- C. genetic testing
- D. hemoglobin electrophoresis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to perform a complete blood count, including hematocrit and hemoglobin, as the initial tests to assess the client's symptoms related to fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. These symptoms can be indicative of anemia, which can be caused by nutritional deficiencies due to fad dieting without vitamin supplements. Peptic ulcer studies, genetic testing, and hemoglobin electrophoresis are not the most appropriate initial tests for the client's presenting symptoms and history. Peptic ulcer studies are not relevant to the client's symptoms. Genetic testing is not indicated based on the client's presentation and history. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is used to diagnose specific types of anemia and is not the first-line test in this scenario. Further testing decisions should be based on the results of the initial tests, the client's history, and other relevant factors.
A high school nurse observes a 14-year-old female rubbing her scalp excessively in the gym. What is the most appropriate course of action for the nurse?
- A. Request the female’s parents for a private evaluation of her scalp
- B. Contact the female’s parents regarding the observations
- C. Observe the hairline and scalp for possible signs of lice
- D. Inform the student’s physician about the situation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate course of action for the nurse is to observe the hairline and scalp for possible signs of lice. The student's behavior of excessively rubbing her scalp raises concerns about a potential infestation, making it necessary to look for signs firsthand. Contacting the parents or the physician should be considered after observing for signs of lice to provide more information and take appropriate action. Requesting a private evaluation from the parents may not be required initially, as lice infestation is a common concern among children and observing for signs is the immediate step to address the situation.
A physician orders a serum creatinine for a hospitalized client. The nurse should explain to the client and his family that this test:
- A. is normal if the level is 4.0 to 5.5 mg/dl.
- B. can be elevated with increased protein intake.
- C. is a better indicator of renal function than the BUN.
- D. reflects the fluid volume status of a person
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A serum creatinine level should be 0.7 to 1.5 mg/dl, and it does not vary with increased protein intake, so it is a better indicator of renal function than the BUN. Choice A is incorrect as a serum creatinine level of 4.0 to 5.5 mg/dl is not normal. Choice B is incorrect as serum creatinine is not affected by increased protein intake. Choice D is incorrect as serum creatinine primarily reflects renal function, not fluid volume status.