When monitoring tissue perfusion following an above the knee amputation (AKA), which action should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Evaluate the closest proximal pulse.
- B. Observe the color and amount of wound drainage.
- C. Observe for swelling around the stump.
- D. Assess the skin elasticity of the stump.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Evaluating the closest proximal pulse is essential when monitoring tissue perfusion post-amputation. This pulse provides crucial information about the circulation and perfusion to the limb. Observing the color and amount of wound drainage (Choice B) is more related to wound healing assessment rather than tissue perfusion. Observing for swelling around the stump (Choice C) may indicate inflammation or infection but is not the most direct assessment of tissue perfusion. Assessing skin elasticity of the stump (Choice D) is important for skin integrity but does not directly reflect tissue perfusion.
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A client with hypothyroidism is experiencing severe lethargy and cold intolerance. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Increase the dose of levothyroxine.
- B. Administer a PRN dose of antipyretic medication.
- C. Provide a warm blanket and increase the room temperature.
- D. Increase the client's fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to increase the dose of levothyroxine. In hypothyroidism, the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like lethargy and cold intolerance. Increasing the dose of levothyroxine, which is a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, helps correct the deficiency and alleviates the symptoms. Choice B, administering antipyretic medication, is incorrect as antipyretics are used to reduce fever, not treat hypothyroidism symptoms. Choice C, providing a warm blanket and increasing room temperature, may provide temporary comfort but does not address the underlying hormonal deficiency. Choice D, increasing fluid intake, is important for overall health but does not directly address the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
The nurse is caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who is receiving heparin therapy. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Localized warmth
- B. Calf pain
- C. Swelling in the affected leg
- D. Hematuria
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hematuria is a sign of bleeding, which is a potential complication of heparin therapy. Immediate intervention is required to manage the bleeding and adjust the heparin dosage if necessary. Localized warmth, calf pain, and swelling in the affected leg are common findings in clients with DVT and receiving heparin therapy. While these symptoms should be monitored, hematuria indicates a more serious issue requiring immediate attention.
A client receiving chemotherapy for cancer treatment is experiencing nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse's best intervention to manage these symptoms?
- A. Offer frequent, small meals
- B. Administer antiemetics before meals
- C. Encourage the client to eat a high-fat diet
- D. Provide the client with cold, carbonated beverages
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering antiemetics before meals is the best intervention to manage nausea and vomiting in clients receiving chemotherapy. This proactive approach helps control symptoms by preventing nausea from occurring, rather than waiting to treat it once symptoms have already started. Offering frequent, small meals (choice A) may worsen symptoms in some cases due to increased stomach activity. Encouraging a high-fat diet (choice C) can be difficult for nauseated clients and may not alleviate symptoms. Providing cold, carbonated beverages (choice D) could exacerbate nausea further due to the temperature and carbonation.
The nurse is caring for a client who has COPD and chest pain related to a recent fall. What nursing intervention requires the greatest caution when caring for a client with COPD?
- A. Administering narcotics for pain relief
- B. Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake
- C. Applying oxygen therapy at a high flow rate
- D. Assisting the client with deep breathing exercises
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Applying oxygen therapy at a high flow rate. In clients with COPD, high levels of supplemental oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe, leading to carbon dioxide retention and respiratory depression. Oxygen therapy must be administered cautiously to prevent worsening respiratory status. Administering narcotics for pain relief (Choice A) can be necessary but should be done judiciously. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice B) and assisting with deep breathing exercises (Choice D) are generally beneficial interventions for clients with COPD and should not require the same level of caution as high-flow oxygen therapy.
A client with heart failure reports nausea, vomiting, yellow vision, and palpitations. What should the nurse assess first?
- A. Administer antiemetics to reduce nausea.
- B. Obtain a list of the client's cardiac medications.
- C. Perform an ECG to evaluate heart function.
- D. Review the client's dietary intake for possible causes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The combination of nausea, vomiting, yellow vision, and palpitations in a heart failure patient is indicative of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should first obtain a list of the client's medications to verify if they are taking digoxin.