Nokea
Which client should be assigned to the nursing assistant?
- A. The 18-year-old with a fracture to two cervical vertebrae
- B. The infant with meningitis with a temperature of 101°F
- C. The elderly client with a thyroidectomy four days ago
- D. The client with a thoracotomy two days ago
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The elderly client four days post-thyroidectomy is stable and suitable for a nursing assistant’s care (e.g., basic hygiene, ambulation). The other clients require skilled nursing due to critical conditions (cervical fracture, meningitis, recent thoracotomy).
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A client is having episodes of hyperventilation related to her surgery that is scheduled tomorrow. Appropriate nursing actions to help control hyperventilating include:
- A. Administering diazepam (Valium) 10-15 mg po q4h and q1h prn for hyperventilating episode
- B. Keeping the temperature in the client's room at a high level to reduce respiratory stimulation
- C. Having the client hold her breath or breathe into a paper bag when hyperventilation episodes occur
- D. Using distraction to help control the client's hyperventilation episodes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An adult diazepam dosage for treatment of anxiety is 2-10 mg PO 2-4 times daily. The order as written would place a client at risk for overdose. A high room temperature could increase hyperventilating episodes by stimulating the respiratory system. Breath holding and breathing into a paper bag may be useful in controlling hyperventilation. Both measures increase CO2 retention. Distraction will not prevent or control hyperventilation caused by anxiety or fear.
A client develops an intestinal obstruction postoperatively. A nasogastric tube is attached to low, intermittent suction with orders to 'Irrigate NG tube with sterile saline q1h and prn.' The rationale for using sterile saline, as opposed to using sterile water to irrigate the NG tube is:
- A. Water will deplete electrolytes resulting in metabolic acidosis.
- B. Saline will reduce the risk of severe, colicky abdominal pain during NG irrigation.
- C. Water is not isotonic and will increase restlessness and insomnia in the immediate postoperative period.
- D. Saline will increase peristalsis in the bowel.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Water is a hypotonic solution and will deplete electrolytes and cause metabolic acidosis when used for nasogastric irrigation. Irrigating with saline does not cause abdominal discomfort. Severe, colicky abdominal pain is a symptom of intestinal obstruction. Irrigating with water will not cause restlessness or insomnia in the postoperative client. Restlessness and insomnia can be emotional complications of surgery. A nasogastric tube placed in the stomach is used to decompress the bowel. Irrigating with saline ensures a patent, well-functioning tube. Irrigating with saline will not increase peristalsis.
The nurse is teaching a mother care of her child's spica cast. The mother states that he complains of itching under the edge of the cast. One nonpharmacological technique the nurse might suggest would be:
- A. Blowing air under the cast using a hair dryer on cool setting often relieves itching.
- B. Slide a ruler under the cast and scratch the area.
- C. Guide a towel under and through the cast and move it back and forth to relieve the itch.
- D. Gently thump on cast to dislodge dried skin that causes the itching.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cool air will often relieve pruritus without damaging the cast or irritating the skin. The nurse should never force anything under the cast, because the cast may become damaged and skin breakdown may occur. Forcing an object under the cast could lead to cast damage and skin breakdown. The object may become lodged under the cast necessitating cast removal. This technique does not dislodge skin cells. It could damage the cast and cause skin breakdown.
Discharge teaching was effective if the parents of a child with atopic dermatitis could state the importance of:
- A. Maintaining a high-humidified environment
- B. Furry, soft stuffed animals for play
- C. Showering 3-4 times a day
- D. Wrapping hands in soft cotton gloves
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Maintaining a low-humidified environment. Avoiding furry, soft stuffed animals for play, which may increase symptoms of allergy. Avoiding showering, which irritates the dermatitis, and encouraging bathing 4 times a day in colloid bath for temporary relief. Wrapping hands in soft cotton gloves to prevent skin damage during scratching.
Prior to his discharge from the hospital, a cardiac client is started on digoxin (Lanoxin) 25 mg po qd. The nurse initiates discharge teaching. Which of the following statements by the client would validate an understanding of his medication?
- A. I would notify my physician immediately if I experience nausea, vomiting, and double vision.'
- B. I could stop taking this medication when I begin to feel better.'
- C. I should only take the medication if my heart rate is greater than 100 bpm.'
- D. I should always take this medication with an antacid.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The first signs of digoxin toxicity include abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. The physician should be notified if any of these symptoms are experienced. The positive inotropic effects of digoxin increase cardiac output and result in an enhanced activity tolerance. 'Feeling better' indicates the drug is working and medication therapy must be continued. Clients should be taught to take their pulse prior to taking the digoxin. If their pulse rate becomes irregular, slows significantly, or is >100 bpm the physician should be notified. Antacids decrease the effectiveness of digoxin.