When digitally evacuating stool from a client with a fecal impaction, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Insert a lubricated gloved finger and advance along the rectal wall
- B. Apply lubricant and stimulate peristalsis
- C. Apply pressure to the abdomen to assist with the removal
- D. Increase fluid intake before the procedure
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action when digitally evacuating stool from a client with a fecal impaction is to insert a lubricated gloved finger and advance along the rectal wall. This technique helps prevent trauma and is the appropriate method for addressing fecal impaction. Choice B is incorrect as stimulating peristalsis will not directly assist in evacuating the impacted stool. Choice C is incorrect as applying pressure to the abdomen is not the recommended method for stool evacuation. Choice D is incorrect as increasing fluid intake does not directly aid in digitally evacuating the stool.
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A healthcare professional is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following findings should the professional report to the provider?
- A. Albumin 3.5 g/dL
- B. Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL
- C. INR 3.0
- D. Ammonia 80 mcg/dL
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An INR of 3.0 is elevated, indicating impaired blood clotting function, which poses a significant risk of bleeding in clients with cirrhosis. This finding should be promptly reported to the provider for further evaluation and management.
Choice A (Albumin 3.5 g/dL) is within the normal range and indicates adequate liver synthetic function, so it does not require immediate reporting. Choice B (Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL) is also within the normal range and typically seen in clients without significant liver dysfunction, so it does not need urgent attention. Choice D (Ammonia 80 mcg/dL) is elevated, but it is not the priority finding in cirrhosis; elevated ammonia levels are associated with hepatic encephalopathy rather than increased bleeding risk.
A nurse in an emergency department completes an assessment on an adolescent client with conduct disorder. The client threatened suicide to a teacher at school. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the assessment?
- A. Tell me about your siblings
- B. Tell me what kind of music you like
- C. Tell me how often you drink alcohol
- D. Tell me about your school schedule
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about alcohol intake is crucial in assessing the client's risk factors and behaviors, especially in the context of a suicide threat. Understanding alcohol consumption patterns can help the nurse evaluate potential substance abuse issues and their impact on the client's mental health. Choices A, B, and D are less pertinent to the immediate concern of assessing suicide risk and conduct disorder symptoms.
A nurse is assessing a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following findings is the priority?
- A. Paradoxical pulse
- B. Dependent edema
- C. Pericardial friction rub
- D. Substernal chest pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a client with pericarditis, the priority finding is a paradoxical pulse. This is a crucial sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, causing compression of the heart. A paradoxical pulse is an exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure (>10 mmHg) during inspiration. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to prevent hemodynamic instability and cardiac arrest. Dependent edema (choice B) is not typically associated with pericarditis. Pericardial friction rub (choice C) is a common finding in pericarditis but does not indicate the urgency of intervention as a paradoxical pulse. Substernal chest pain (choice D) is a classic symptom of pericarditis but is not as critical as a paradoxical pulse in the context of assessing for complications.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus about foot care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Soak your feet in warm water daily.
- B. Wear cotton socks.
- C. Trim your toenails straight across.
- D. Apply lotion to your feet after bathing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Trim your toenails straight across.' Trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown toenails, which is important for clients with diabetes to prevent infections. Choice A is incorrect because soaking feet in warm water can lead to skin breakdown and infections. Choice B is incorrect as cotton socks can retain moisture, increasing the risk of fungal infections. Choice D is also incorrect as applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, increasing the risk of infections.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
- B. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
- C. BUN 18 mg/dL
- D. Sodium 137 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemoglobin 12 g/dL. In a client with heart failure, a decrease in hemoglobin levels can indicate anemia, which can exacerbate heart failure symptoms. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial for appropriate management. Choice A, Potassium 4.0 mEq/L, is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and does not typically require immediate reporting. Choice C, BUN 18 mg/dL, and Choice D, Sodium 137 mEq/L, are also within normal ranges and not directly related to heart failure management. Therefore, the hemoglobin level is the most critical finding to report in this scenario.