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Which assessment in a patient diagnosed with preeclampsia who is taking magnesium sulfate would indicate a therapeutic level of medication?
- A. Drowsiness
- B. Urinary output of 20 mL/hour
- C. Normal deep tendon reflexes
- D. Respiratory rate of 10 to 12 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Normal deep tendon reflexes. This indicates a therapeutic level of magnesium sulfate as it shows that the medication is effectively preventing hyperreflexia, a common sign of magnesium toxicity. Drowsiness (choice A) can indicate toxicity. Urinary output of 20 mL/hour (choice B) is not specific to magnesium sulfate levels. Respiratory rate of 10 to 12 breaths per minute (choice D) is indicative of respiratory depression, a sign of magnesium toxicity. Thus, choice C is the best assessment to indicate a therapeutic level of medication in a patient with preeclampsia taking magnesium sulfate.
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A patient has been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The nurse should encourage what health promotion activity to address the patients hormone imbalance and infertility?
- A. Kegel exercises
- B. Increased fluid intake
- C. Weight loss
- D. Topical antibiotics as ordered
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Weight loss. In PCOS, weight loss can help improve hormone balance and fertility by reducing insulin resistance and regulating hormone levels. Excess weight can exacerbate symptoms of PCOS. Kegel exercises (A) are beneficial for pelvic floor strength but do not directly address hormone imbalance. Increased fluid intake (B) is important for overall health but does not specifically target hormone imbalance. Topical antibiotics (D) are unrelated to PCOS treatment.
A nurse is teaching patients about health care information. Which patient will the nurse assess closely for health literacy?
- A. A patient 35 years old
- B. A patient 68 years old
- C. A patient with a college degree
- D. A patient with a high-school diploma
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because patients with lower health literacy, such as those with a high-school diploma, may struggle to understand complex health information. The nurse should assess this patient closely to ensure they comprehend and can follow instructions. Patients with higher education levels (college degree) may have better health literacy skills. Age alone (35 or 68 years old) does not determine health literacy level. It is essential to focus on the patient's educational background to assess their health literacy effectively.
A patient with Parkinsons disease is experiencing episodes of constipation that are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. The patient states that he has been achieving relief for the past few weeks by using OTC laxatives. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Its important to drink plenty of fluids while youre taking laxatives.
- B. Make sure that you supplement your laxatives with a nutritious diet.
- C. Lets explore other options, because laxatives can have side effects and create dependency.
- D. You should ideally be using herbal remedies rather than medications to promote bowel function.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lets explore other options, because laxatives can have side effects and create dependency. The rationale for this is that while laxatives provide temporary relief for constipation, using them long-term can lead to dependency, electrolyte imbalances, and other side effects. The nurse should address the root cause of constipation and explore alternative strategies such as dietary changes, increased fluid intake, exercise, and bowel training. Choices A and B focus on supportive measures rather than addressing the issue of potential dependency on laxatives. Choice D suggests herbal remedies without considering the individual's specific condition and medical history.
A labor and birth nurse receives a call from the laboratory regarding a preeclamptic patient receiving an IV infusion of magnesium sulfate. The laboratory technician reports that the patient’s magnesium level is 6 mg/dL. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Stop the infusion of magnesium.
- B. Assess the patient’s respiratory rate.
- C. Assess the patient’s deep tendon reflexes.
- D. Notify the health care provider of the magnesium level.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stop the infusion of magnesium. A magnesium level of 6 mg/dL is above the therapeutic range (4-7 mg/dL) for preeclamptic patients receiving magnesium sulfate. Continuing the infusion can lead to magnesium toxicity, causing respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and neuromuscular blockade. Stopping the infusion is crucial to prevent further complications. Assessing the patient's respiratory rate (B) and deep tendon reflexes (C) are important, but stopping the infusion takes priority to prevent harm. Notifying the health care provider (D) is important but may delay immediate action to address the high magnesium level.
A patient newly diagnosed with a cervical disk herniation is receiving health education from the clinic nurse. What conservative management measures should the nurse teach the patient to implement?
- A. Perform active ROM exercises three times daily.
- B. Sleep on a firm mattress.
- C. Apply cool compresses to the back of the neck daily.
- D. Wear the cervical collar for at least 2 hours at a time.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sleep on a firm mattress. A firm mattress helps maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing pressure on the cervical spine. This promotes healing and prevents worsening of symptoms.
A: Performing active ROM exercises may exacerbate symptoms and worsen the condition.
C: Applying cool compresses may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of spinal alignment.
D: Wearing a cervical collar for extended periods can weaken neck muscles and hinder natural healing processes.
In summary, sleeping on a firm mattress is the most appropriate conservative measure as it supports proper spinal alignment.