The nurse in an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a 43-year-old client.
History
Admission:
The client comes to the inpatient psychiatric facility for an evaluation. The client is having distressing nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of being "on edge" since a severe motor vehicle collision 6 months ago that resulted in the death of the client's sibling. The client blames self for the sibling's death and verbalizes feelings of guilt. The client reports an inability to sleep well and being quick to anger, both of which led to job loss and the client seeking help. The client reports a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, such as working out and interacting with friends. The client has started smoking cigarettes daily since the collision and typically consumes ≥4 alcoholic beverages per day. Mental status examination reveals an irritable, guarded, and easily distracted mood. The client's appearance is well- kept, and grooming and hygiene are appropriate. The client’s speech is hyperverbal yet coherent, and thought process is organized. The client admits to feelings of hopelessness after the death of the sibling. The client reports occasionally seeing "shadows" but no visual hallucinations. The client has no homicidal ideations or history of violence toward others.
Vital signs: P 78, RR 17, BP 132/78.
Which client finding requires immediate follow-up by the nurse?
- A. Hopelessness
- B. Hyperverbal speech
- C. Insomnia
- D. Irritability
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hopelessness is a critical finding indicating a risk for suicide or severe depression, requiring immediate assessment and intervention in a client with post-traumatic stress symptoms and recent life stressors.
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The nurse is caring for an 8-year-old client who was brought to the emergency department after
becoming short of breath at school.
Nurses' Notes
0920:
Nebulized administration of albuterol (salbutamol) and ipratropium bromide completed. Client continues to have a dry cough. Breath sounds are clear to auscultation; no intercostal retractions are visible.
Vital signs: RR 24, SpO2 96% on 6 L humidified oxygen via nasal cannula.
Select the findings that indicate the client is progressing as expected.
- A. Nebulized administration of albuterol (salbutamol) and ipratropium bromide completed
- B. Client continues to have a dry cough
- C. Breath sounds are clear to auscultation
- D. no intercostal retractions are visible
- E. Vital signs: RR 24, SpO2 96% on 6 L humidified oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: C: Clear breath sounds indicate improved airflow. D: Absence of intercostal retractions suggests reduced respiratory effort. E: RR 24 and SpO2 96% reflect improved oxygenation and respiratory status post-treatment.
The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.
History and Physical
Neurological
The client is alert and oriented to time, place, person, and situation; the client reports sudden-onset right-sided facial drooping, speech is slurred; positive right-sided arm drift is seen
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
Bilateral pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 16, SpO, 95% on room air, lung sounds are clear bilaterally
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 86, BP 166/90; S1 and S2 are heard on auscultation; no murmurs are noted; the client has a history of hypertension
Musculoskeletal
Right-sided lower extremity weakness is seen
Endocrine
The client has diabetes mellitus
Psychosocial
The client reports drinking one glass of wine each evening with dinner, no tobacco use, and a history of major depression; the client takes sertraline.
Laboratory Results
During Admission
Blood Chemistry.
Glucose: 72 mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L)
Sodium: 133 mEq/L (133 mEq/L)
Chloride: 101 mEq/L (101 mmol/L)
Potassium: 3.7 mEq/L (3.7 mmol/L)
Laboratory Test and Reference Range
Blood Chemistry.
Glucose 74-106 mg/dL (4.1-5.9 mmol/L)
Sodium 136-145 mEq/L (136-145 mmol/L)
Chloride 98-106 mEq/L(98-106 mmol/L)
Potassium 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Diagnostic Results
Admission
CT scan of the head without contrast
1830:
No areas of hemorrhage are noted
The client is diagnosed with ischemic stroke. For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is indicated, not indicated for the care of the client.
- A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
- B. Implement fall risk precautions
- C. Offer the client small sips of water
- D. Perform frequent neurologic assessments
- E. Ensure tissue plasminogen activator is available
- F. Apply sequential compression device to bilateral lower extremities
Correct Answer: A: Indicated, B: Indicated, C: Not Indicated, D: Indicated, E: Indicated, F: Indicated
Rationale: An ECG (A) monitors for cardiac causes of stroke. Fall precautions (B) address weakness-related risks. Frequent neurologic assessments (D) track stroke progression. tPA availability (E) is crucial for potential thrombolytic therapy. Sequential compression devices (F) prevent DVT in immobile patients. Oral intake (C) is contraindicated due to aspiration risk from dysphagia.
The nurse is caring for a client on the medical-surgical unit.
History
Admission
0500: The client is admitted with an abscess and cellulitis of the right leg. The abscess is noted on the lateral aspect of the right calf, with redness, swelling, and warmth extending from the knee to the ankle. The abscess was incised in the emergency department, and a moderate amount of purulent, yellowish-green drainage was noted. The leg was wrapped with gauze, and the client received the first dose of IV antibiotics and opioids for pain control.
The client reports chronic lower back pain and gastrosophageal reflux disease, and he was admitted to the hospital once last year for gastrointestinal bleeding. He is currently prescribed daily pantoprazole but takes it only a few times a week.
Vital signs: T 100.9 F (38.3 C), P 82, RR 14, BP 130/80, SpO, 95% on room air
Progress Notes
Medical-Surgical Unit
2300:
The client reports nausea, headache, and insomnia. The client is trembling, diaphoretic, and restless.
The client states, "I would sleep better if those mice and cats would stop climbing up and down the walls."
The upper portion of the clients dressing is saturated with yellowish-green drainage. The peripheral V was removed by the client, and dried blood is noted at the IV site. The IV catheter is on the floor. The client yelled and pushed the nurse's hands away during inspection of the IV site.
Vital signs: T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, RR 18, BP 170/96, SpO≥ 95% on room air
The nurse is planning care with the registered nurse. For each potential intervention, click to specify if the intervention is anticipated or unanticipated for the care of the client.
- A. Keep the room well lit
- B. Keep the client on NPO status
- C. Administer 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion
- D. Place padding on the headboard and side rails of the bed
- E. Turn the television to a channel with news about current events
- F. Evaluate the client's behavior with a standardized assessment tool
Correct Answer: A,C,D,F
Rationale: A: Anticipated - Keeping the room well lit reduces confusion and hallucinations in alcohol withdrawal. B: Unanticipated - NPO status is not indicated unless specific conditions (e.g., surgery) apply. C: Anticipated - IV fluids support hydration during withdrawal. D: Anticipated - Padding prevents injury during potential seizures. E: Unanticipated - News may increase agitation. F: Anticipated - Standardized tools (e.g., CIWA-Ar) assess withdrawal severity.
The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old client on the orthopedic unit.
Nurses' Notes
Postoperative Day 1
0900:
The client's left leg was placed in balanced suspension skeletal traction for a fractured femur 12 hours ago. The client is positioned supine in the center of the bed with the foot of the bed elevated 15 degrees. Traction ropes are free of frays, centered in the pulleys, and moving freely with attached weights resting on the bed frame.
Serous drainage noted around the pin sites. Left foot slightly cool to the touch with posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses palpable at 2+ and capillary refill <2 seconds in the toes. Client has normal sensation and movement of the left toes. Client rates left leg pain as 8 on a scale of 0-10.
Vital signs are T 100.4 F (38 C), P 110, RR 18, and BP 132/68. Weight is 173 lb (78.5 kg).
Select the 2 findings that require immediate follow-up.
- A. The client's left leg was placed in balanced suspension skeletal traction for a fractured femur 12 hours ago.
- B. The client is positioned supine in the center of the bed with the foot of the bed elevated 15 degrees.
- C. Traction ropes are free of frays, centered in the pulleys, and moving freely with attached weights resting on the bed frame.
- D. Serous drainage noted around the pin sites.
- E. Left foot slightly cool to the touch with posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses palpable at 2+ and capillary refill <2 seconds in the toes.
Correct Answer: G,E
Rationale: Serous drainage (G) and a slightly cool foot (E) require immediate follow-up due to potential infection or compromised circulation.
The nurse is caring for an 8-year-old client who was brought to the emergency department after
becoming short of breath at school.
History and Physical
General
Well-nourished child; currently sitting in the tripod position; patches of dry, scaly, reddened skin are present in the creases of bilateral elbows and behind both knees; client reports that these areas itch
Neurological
Alert and oriented to person, place, and time
Eye, Ear, Nose, andThroat (EENT)
Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation; client reports no nasal congestion
Pulmonary
Vital signs: RR 34, SpO 92% on room air, airway patent, intercostal retractions noted during inspiration; expiratory wheezes auscultated bilaterally; dry, spasmodic cough is noted; no stridor; difficulty speaking in complete sentences
Cardiovascular
Vital signs: T 98.8 F (37.1 C), P 110, BP 94/60; S1 and S2 heard on auscultation; nom murmurs noted; peripheral pulses 2+; capillary refill 3 seconds; no edema
Gastrointestinal
Abdomen soft; bowel sounds normal
Psychosocial
Client appears anxious and is crying, client speaks in short phrases, stating, "left my medicine at a friend's house" and "feels like I can't breathe"; client cannot remember the name of the prescribed home medication; client's parents were notified and are en route to hospital
Progress Notes
0910:
Client's parents were spoken to over the phone. Last evening, the client spent the night at a friend's housewhere some family members smoke cigarettes and have a pet cat that lives in the home.
Medical history:
No accidents or injuries were reported, vaccinations are up to date, mild persistent asthma was diagnosed at age 7, and client has atopic dermatitis.
Allergies: No known allergies.
Family history:
Client is an only child. Parents report having no known medical conditions. Paternal grandfather died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and maternal grandmother has heart disease.
Social history:
Client lives with parents; they do not smoke cigarettes. There are no pets in the client's home.
Current medications:
Beclomethasone inhaler 2 puffs twice a day, albuterol (salbutamol) inhaler 2 puffs
every 4 hours as needed for quick relief of symptoms.
The nurse should anticipate interventions for treatment of...... due to the risk of.......
- A. Bronchitis
- B. Anaphylaxis
- C. Asthma exacerbation
- D. Pneumonia
- E. Hypotension
- F. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: C,F
Rationale: The client's history of asthma, exposure to triggers (cigarette smoke, pet dander), and symptoms (wheezing, retractions, SpO2 92%) indicate an asthma exacerbation. Untreated, this can lead to respiratory acidosis due to impaired gas exchange and carbon dioxide retention.
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