A client is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization at 8 AM. The client's laboratory work was completed five days ago. The results were: K⺠3.0 mEq/L, Na⺠148 mEq/L, glucose 178 mg/dL. He complains of muscle weakness and cramps.
Which of the following nursing actions is BEST?
- A. Administer the 7 AM dose of spironolactone (Aldactone).
- B. Encourage eating bananas for breakfast.
- C. Obtain stat K⺠level.
- D. Call for twelve-lead EKG.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Strategy: All answers are implementations. Determine the outcome of each answer choice. Is it desired? (1) Aldactone is potassium-sparing diuretic and is an oral medication, patient is NPO for procedure (2) is not feasible prior to the cardiac cath because the client is NPO (3) correct-signs and symptoms are indicative of hypokalemia; stat serum K⺠level is needed to confirm the K⺠level prior to going for cardiac catheterization (4) is unnecessary at this time
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A 68-year-old client has an order for hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril) 50 mg qd. The nurse knows that teaching has been successful if the client makes which of the following statements?
- A. I should not operate heavy machinery.
- B. I should drink only five glasses of liquid per day.
- C. This medication will cause my urine to turn orange.
- D. I should eat dried apricots each day.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide causes potassium loss; eating potassium-rich apricots indicates understanding. Options A, B, and C are incorrect.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
- A. Which symptom should the nurse report immediately for a client with chronic lymphocytic leukemia?
- B. Fatigue and weakness.
- C. Enlarged, painless lymph nodes.
- D. Fever and night sweats.
- E. A hemoglobin of 9.0 g/dL.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fever and night sweats may indicate infection or disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, requiring immediate evaluation. Fatigue, lymph node enlargement, and low hemoglobin are expected.
A client with a family history of Huntington's disease asks the nurse for information on how the disease is transmitted. Which of the following statements indicates that she understands the nurse's teaching?
- A. The chances of my passing the disease to my child are 1 in 2
- B. I have no chance of passing the disease to a male child, but a female child would carry the disease
- C. I have no chance of passing the disease to a female child, but a male child will have the disease
- D. The chances of my passing the disease to my child are 1 in 4
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Huntington's disease is autosomal dominant, meaning there is a 50% (1 in 2) chance of passing the gene to each child, regardless of sex.
A client develops orthopnea, dyspnea, and basilar crackles.
Which of the following nursing actions would be MOST appropriate for this client?
- A. Elevate the legs to promote venous return.
- B. Decrease the IV fluids and notify the physician.
- C. Orient the client to time, place, and situation.
- D. Prevent complications of immobility.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Strategy: All answers are implementations. Determine the outcome of each answer choice. Is it desired? (1) would worsen the situation (2) correct-orthopnea, dyspnea, and crackles are signs and symptoms of fluid excess; decreasing the IV fluids is the priority (3) not of priority in this situation (4) not of priority in this situation
A woman who was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma says to the nurse, 'Why did this happen to me? I've always been a good person. What did I do to deserve this?' What should the nurse do initially?
- A. Remind the client that she is not dying now and has some time left
- B. Call the chaplain to discuss why it happened to her
- C. Respond by recognizing how difficult this situation must be
- D. Tell her she didn't do anything to deserve it
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's emotional distress validates her feelings, fostering therapeutic communication. Other responses dismiss or redirect her concerns.
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