The nurse is caring for a 58-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit.
History and Physical
General
The client is vomiting bright red blood; medical history includes alcohol use disorder, liver cirrhosis, and hypertension; the client was admitted a year ago for alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis
Neurological
The client is oriented to person and place; the pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT)
Yellow scleras are noted
Pulmonary
Vital signs are RR 18, SpO 94% on room air
Cardiovascular
Vital signs are T 99 F (37.2 C), P 102, BP 90/40; S1 and S2 are heard on auscultation; peripheral pulses are 2+ in all extremities; 1+ edema is noted at the bilateral lower extremities
Gastrointestinal
The abdomen is distended and nontender to palpation; the flanks are dull to percussion; bowel sounds are hypoactive; distended veins are present around the umbilicus
Genitourinary
Client is voiding amber-colored urine
Which of the following complications are related to liver cirrhosis? Select all that apply.
- A. Abdominal ascites
- B. Coagulopathies
- C. Esophageal varices
- D. Hepatic encephalopathy
- E. Malnutrition
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: Liver cirrhosis leads to portal hypertension and impaired liver function, causing: A) Abdominal ascites due to fluid accumulation from portal hypertension and hypoalbuminemia; B) Coagulopathies from decreased synthesis of clotting factors; C) Esophageal varices from portal hypertension causing collateral vein formation; D) Hepatic encephalopathy from ammonia buildup due to impaired liver detoxification; E) Malnutrition from impaired nutrient metabolism and absorption.
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The nurse is assisting with a staff in-service regarding safe handling of controlled substances. For each behavior or finding, click to specify whether the behavior/finding is concerning or not concerning for possible drug diversion.
- A. Excessively wastes controlled substances
- B. Friends with many other nurses on the unit
- C. Causes inventory discrepancies in the medication-dispensing machine
- D. Frequently volunteers to administer medications for other nurses' clients
- E. Asks for another nurse's password to the medication-dispensing system
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: A: Excessive wasting of controlled substances is concerning as it may indicate diversion for personal use or distribution. C: Inventory discrepancies suggest possible theft or misuse. D: Frequently volunteering to administer medications may provide opportunities for diversion. E: Requesting another nurse's password is a security breach and highly concerning for diversion.
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.
Nurses' Notes
Inpatient - Mental Health Unit
2100:
Client appears anxious and withdrawn, and states, "I am afraid to sleep at night because I get nightmares about my sibling." The client would not elaborate on the content of the nightmares.
1200:
Client attended the first session of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
1300:
Client was observed yelling at peers in the day room because someone changed the television channel. The client is irritable with poor impulse control.
1700: Client appears to be having a panic attack and was found shaking in the room in tears after waking up from a nightmare. The client reports heart palpitations and appears diaphoretic.
Vital signs: P 112/min, RR 20, BP 155/98.
During the acute phase of a panic attack, the nurse should..... and........
- A. Stay with the client
- B. Give the client privacy
- C. Discuss anxiety triggers
- D. Reassure that the client is in a safe place
- E. Teach the client signs of increasing anxiety
- F. Give the client a phone to call a support system.
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: During a panic attack, staying with the client (A) provides safety and support, and reassuring them of their safety (D) helps reduce anxiety. Privacy (B), discussing triggers (C), teaching (E), or offering a phone (F) are not appropriate during the acute phase.
The home health nurse is caring for a 45-year-old client who is prescribed peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal disease. For each of the actions performed by the client, click to specify whether the action is appropriate or not appropriate when performing peritoneal dialysis.
- A. Microwaves the dialysate bag prior to infusion
- B. Sits at a 20-degree angle during the exchange
- C. Wears a face mask when accessing the catheter
- D. Places the drainage bag below the abdomen during the drainage phase
- E. States, 'I will notify my health care provider if the dialysate outflow is cloudy'
- F. Changes positions to facilitate drainage if the output volume is less than the input volume
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F
Rationale: A: Not appropriate, as microwaving can unevenly heat the dialysate, risking burns or degradation. B: Not appropriate, as a higher angle (e.g., 45 degrees) or upright position is preferred to facilitate drainage. C: Appropriate, as wearing a face mask reduces infection risk. D: Appropriate, as placing the drainage bag below the abdomen uses gravity to facilitate outflow. E: Appropriate, as cloudy outflow may indicate peritonitis, requiring prompt reporting. F: Appropriate, as changing positions can help resolve drainage issues.
The nurse is caring for a 6-hour-old newborn.
Nurses' Notes
Emergency Department
A newborn is brought to the emergency department due to coughing and difficulty feeding. The client was born at home 6 hours ago via spontaneous vaginal birth. With each attempt to breastfeed, the client coughs, vomits, and "turns blue." The mother did not receive prenatal care. She reports a history of opioid use disorder but reports no opioid use during pregnancy.
Vital signs: T 98.6 F (37 C), P 120, RR 50, and SpO, 95% on room air. Abdominal distension is present. Ballard scoring estimates the client at 37 weeks gestation. Weight and length are consistent with the 25th and 50th percentiles for estimated age, respectively.
1 Hour Later
After attempting a bottle feed with 10 mL of formula, the client has a coughing episode, and there is formula mixed with saliva in the mouth. Coarse breath sounds are noted bilaterally with intercostal retractions. S1 and S2 are present with no murmurs. Neurologic examination shows normal neuromuscular findings.
A nasogastric tube insertion is attempted per prescription by the health care provider, and resistance is met at 10 cm of insertion.
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Nurses' Notes. Based on the client's findings, what condition does the nurse suspect?
- A. Epiglottitis
- B. Neonatal abstinence syndrome
- C. Patent ductus arteriosus
- D. Tracheoesophageal fistula
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Symptoms of coughing, vomiting, cyanosis during feeding, abdominal distension, and resistance during nasogastric tube insertion strongly suggest tracheoesophageal fistula, a congenital anomaly where the trachea and esophagus are abnormally connected.
The nurse in the surgical unit is caring for a 57-year-old client who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy.
Progress Notes
1 Day Postoperative
0800:
The client underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and tumor debulking 1 day ago for treatment of ovarian cancer. She has had four episodes of vomiting with bilious emesis over the past 12 hours, which have continued despite V antiemetic administration. The client has been receiving V broad-spectrum antibiotics since the procedure. The skin is warm. A low transverse abdominal incision is present; staples are clean and dry. Chest expansion is symmetric; respirations are unlabored: diminished breath sounds are auscultated in bilateral lower lobes. Radial pulses 2+ bilaterally, capillary refill <3 seconds in all four extremities; no peripheral edema is noted. The client reports frequent hot flashes occurring roughly every hour, starting last night. The abdomen is markedly distended and tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are absent in all four quadrants; the client reports no flatus. Urine is clear yellow with moderate output. The client reports incontinence with coughing or during episodes of vomiting.
Prescriptions
0820:
• 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride at 75 m/hr continuous
• 50% dextrose 25 mg IV push as needed for blood glucose <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
• Ketorolac 15 mg IV push every 6 hours as needed for severe pain
• Ondansetron 8 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for nausea
• Pantoprazole 40 mg PO daily
• Potassium chloride 40 mEq/100 mL IVPB once
• Sips of clear liquids, advance diet as tolerated
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range: 1 day postoperative
WBC count:
5000-10.000/mm3 (5-10 × 10%L): 12,000/mm3 (12 × 10°/L)
Urea nitrogen (BUN)
10-20 mg/dL (3.6-7.1 mmol/L): 24 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L)
Creatinine
Male: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL(53-106 umol/L):
1.6 mg/dL (141.4 pmol/L)
Female: 0.5-1.1 mg/dL (44-97 umol/L):
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L (3.5--5.0 mmol/L): 3.3 mEq/L (3.3 mmol/L)
Sodium
135-145 mEq/L (135-145 mmol/L): 137 mEq/L (137 mmol/L)
Blood glucose level
74-106 mg/dL (4.1-5.9 mmol/L): 75 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L)
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Prescriptions and Laboratory Results. The nurse is planning care with the registered nurse. Select 2 prescriptions the nurse should anticipate initiating first.
- A. 5% dextrose and 0.45% sodium chloride at 75 m/hr continuous
- B. 50% dextrose 25 mg IV push as needed for blood glucose <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)
- C. Ketorolac 15 mg IV push every 6 hours as needed for severe pain
- D. Ondansetron 8 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for nausea
- E. Pantoprazole 40 mg PO daily
- F. Potassium chloride 40 mEq/100 mL IVPB once
- G. Sips of clear liquids, advance diet as tolerated
Correct Answer: A, F
Rationale: IV fluids (A) are critical to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, especially with vomiting and ileus. Potassium chloride (F) addresses the low potassium level (3.3 mEq/L). Dextrose is not needed with normal glucose (75 mg/dL). Ketorolac and ondansetron are as-needed, and pantoprazole is daily but less urgent. Clear liquids may exacerbate ileus.
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