When caring for a client in the advanced stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which of the following referrals is the nurse's priority?
- A. Psychologist
- B. Social worker
- C. Occupational therapist
- D. Speech-language pathologist
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the advanced stage of ALS, speech and swallowing difficulties become significant. As a result, the priority referral for the nurse would be a speech-language pathologist. This professional can assist in managing communication challenges and provide strategies to address swallowing issues, ensuring the client's safety and quality of life.
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A client has unilateral paralysis and dysphagia following a right hemispheric stroke. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Place the client's left arm on a pillow while he is sitting.
- B. Provide total care in assisting with the client's ADLs.
- C. Encourage mobility and avoid bed rest.
- D. Facilitate feeding by placing food on the left side of the client's mouth when ready to eat.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Placing the client's left arm on a pillow while sitting helps prevent shoulder displacement and assists in maintaining proper positioning and alignment. This intervention is crucial to prevent complications associated with immobility. Providing total care in ADLs may hinder the client's independence and recovery. Encouraging mobility is essential in preventing complications of immobility. Facilitating feeding by placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth helps reduce the risk of aspiration in clients with dysphagia.
When administering digoxin 0.125 mg PO to an adult client, for which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Potassium level 4.2 mEq/L.
- B. Apical pulse 58/min
- C. Digoxin level 1 ng/mL
- D. Constipation for 2 days
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring the digoxin level is crucial as it helps determine the drug's effectiveness and potential toxicity. A digoxin level of 1 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range. However, levels above this range can lead to toxicity, causing adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and dysrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should report a digoxin level of 1 ng/mL to the provider for further evaluation and potential dose adjustment.
When caring for a client who is on contact precautions, which of the following measures should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Remove the protective gown after leaving the client's room.
- B. Place the client in a room with negative pressure.
- C. Wear gloves when providing care to the client.
- D. Wear a mask when in the client's room.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Contact precautions are used for clients with known or suspected infections that are spread by direct or indirect contact. The most important measure for healthcare workers when caring for a client on contact precautions is to wear gloves when providing care. This helps prevent the transmission of infectious agents between the client and the healthcare worker. Removing the protective gown after leaving the client's room, placing the client in a room with negative pressure, and wearing a mask when in the client's room are not specific to contact precautions and may not be necessary for all clients on contact precautions.
A client who wears glasses is under the care of a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Store the glasses in a labeled case.
- B. Clean the glasses with hot water
- C. Clean the glasses with a paper towel.
- D. Store the glasses on the bedside table.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: It is essential for the nurse to store the client's glasses in a labeled case to ensure they are kept safe and protected from damage. Storing them in a case helps prevent scratches, breakage, or misplacement. This practice promotes proper eyewear hygiene and ensures the client has their glasses readily available when needed. Cleaning the glasses with hot water or a paper towel can potentially damage the lenses or frames. Storing the glasses on the bedside table increases the risk of misplacement or damage.
A client is in a seclusion room following violent behavior and continues to display aggressive behavior. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Confront the client about this behavior.
- B. Express sympathy for the client's situation.
- C. Speak assertively to the client.
- D. Stand within 30 cm (1 ft) of the client when speaking with them.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client in a seclusion room following violent behavior continues to display aggression, it is essential for the nurse to confront the client about this behavior. Confrontation can help set boundaries, address the behavior, and ensure the safety of both the client and the healthcare team. Expressing sympathy (Choice B) may not address the immediate need for behavior management. Speaking assertively (Choice C) can be important but should be coupled with addressing the specific behavior. Standing within close proximity (Choice D) of an aggressive client can escalate the situation and compromise safety, so it is not the appropriate action to take.