Nokea
Which of the following injuries, presented by a client entering the Emergency Department, is the highest priority?
- A. open leg fracture
- B. open head injury
- C. stab wound to the chest
- D. traumatic amputation of a thumb
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A stab wound to the chest is the highest priority injury. This type of injury can lead to lung collapse and mediastinal shift, potentially resulting in death if left untreated. Treating an obstructed airway or a chest wound takes precedence over addressing hemorrhage. The principle of ABC (airway, breathing, and circulation) guides care decisions in prioritizing life-threatening situations. An open leg fracture, open head injury, and traumatic amputation of a thumb, while serious, do not pose an immediate threat to life compared to a stab wound to the chest. An open leg fracture may lead to significant blood loss but is not immediately life-threatening. An open head injury requires assessment and intervention but does not impact airway, breathing, or circulation directly. Traumatic amputation of a thumb is a serious injury but can be managed after addressing more life-threatening conditions.
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When a client informs the nurse that he is experiencing hypoglycemia, the nurse provides immediate intervention by providing:
- A. one commercially prepared glucose tablet
- B. two hard candies
- C. 4-6 ounces of fruit juice
- D. 2-3 teaspoons of honey
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct immediate intervention for hypoglycemia is to provide 10-15 grams of fast-acting simple carbohydrates orally if the client is conscious and able to swallow. This can be achieved by giving 2-3 teaspoons of honey. Honey is a quick source of simple sugars that can rapidly raise blood glucose levels. Commercially prepared glucose tablets or 4-6 ounces of fruit juice are also appropriate options. However, adding sugar to fruit juice is unnecessary as the natural fruit sugar in juice already provides enough simple carbohydrates to raise blood glucose levels. Hard candies are not the best choice for immediate intervention in hypoglycemia as they may not provide a sufficient amount of fast-acting carbohydrates needed to raise blood sugar levels quickly.
The nurse is caring for a 44-year-old client diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Which electrolyte imbalance is closely associated with hypoparathyroidism?
- A. Hypocalcemia.
- B. Hyponatremia.
- C. Hyperkalemia.
- D. Hypophosphatemia.
Correct Answer: A.
Rationale: The correct answer is Hypocalcemia. In hypoparathyroidism, where the parathyroid glands are not producing sufficient parathyroid hormone, calcium levels become inadequate. This leads to hypocalcemia, characterized by symptoms such as muscle spasms, anxiety, seizures, hypotension, and congestive heart failure. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia are not typically associated with hypoparathyroidism. While hyperphosphatemia can be seen in hypoparathyroidism due to decreasing calcium levels, the question specifically asks about the primary electrolyte imbalance closely related to hypoparathyroidism, which is hypocalcemia.
The nurse is caring for a client receiving warfarin therapy (Coumadin®) following a stroke. The client's PT/INR was completed at 7:00 A.M. prior to the morning meal with an INR reading of 4.0. Which of the following is the nurse's first priority?
- A. Call the physician to request an increase in the Coumadin® dose.
- B. Administer a vitamin K injection IM and notify the physician of the results.
- C. Assess the client for bleeding around the gums or in the stool and notify the physician of the lab results and latest dose of Coumadin®.
- D. Notify the next shift to hold the daily dose of Coumadin® scheduled for 5:00 P.M.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a client receiving warfarin therapy with a high INR of 4.0, the nurse's first priority is to administer a vitamin K injection intramuscularly (IM) and notify the physician of the results. An INR of 4.0 indicates excessive anticoagulation, putting the client at risk of bleeding. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin overdose and helps to reverse its effects. It is crucial to administer vitamin K promptly to prevent bleeding complications. Calling the physician to request an increase in the Coumadin® dose is inappropriate and dangerous in this situation, as it would further raise the INR. Assessing the client for bleeding and notifying the physician is important but not the first priority when faced with a critically high INR. Holding the daily dose of Coumadin® may be necessary after administering vitamin K, but it is not the primary action needed to address the acute high INR level.
Why must the nurse be careful not to cut through or disrupt any tears, holes, bloodstains, or dirt present on the clothing of a client who has experienced trauma?
- A. The clothing may be potential evidence with legal implications.
- B. Such care facilitates the preservation of potential evidence.
- C. The clothing of a trauma victim can be used for further investigation.
- D. Such care maintains the integrity of the clothing for forensic analysis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In cases of trauma, the clothing of a client can hold crucial evidence that may have legal implications. It is essential for the nurse to avoid cutting through or disrupting any tears, holes, bloodstains, or dirt present on the clothing to preserve this potential evidence. The correct answer highlights the legal importance of preserving the clothing for potential legal implications. Choice B is related but does not emphasize the legal aspect explicitly. Choice C is vague in mentioning further investigation without specifying the legal significance. Choice D focuses more on forensic analysis rather than the legal implications of preserving the clothing.
A female client complains to the nurse at the health department that she has fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. Her history reveals no significant medical problems. She states that she is always on a fad diet without any vitamin supplements. Which tests should the nurse expect the client to have first?
- A. peptic ulcer studies
- B. complete blood count, including hematocrit and hemoglobin
- C. genetic testing
- D. hemoglobin electrophoresis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to perform a complete blood count, including hematocrit and hemoglobin, as the initial tests to assess the client's symptoms related to fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. These symptoms can be indicative of anemia, which can be caused by nutritional deficiencies due to fad dieting without vitamin supplements. Peptic ulcer studies, genetic testing, and hemoglobin electrophoresis are not the most appropriate initial tests for the client's presenting symptoms and history. Peptic ulcer studies are not relevant to the client's symptoms. Genetic testing is not indicated based on the client's presentation and history. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is used to diagnose specific types of anemia and is not the first-line test in this scenario. Further testing decisions should be based on the results of the initial tests, the client's history, and other relevant factors.