Which of the following positions is most appropriate for performing an abdominal examination on an obese patient?
- A. Head elevated to 45 degrees
- B. Have the patient lie flat
- C. Place the patient in the supine position
- D. Position the patient on their side
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Place the patient in the supine position. This position allows optimal access to the abdomen for examination due to gravitational forces aiding in organ palpation. Having the patient lie flat (choice B) may not provide adequate access. Positioning the patient on their side (choice D) may limit visibility and palpation. Elevating the head to 45 degrees (choice A) is unnecessary for an abdominal examination on an obese patient.
You may also like to solve these questions
A patient is admitted to the hospital with suspected pneumoniWhat is the first step the nurse should take in the nursing process?
- A. Diagnosis
- B. Assessment
- C. Implementation
- D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assessment. The first step in the nursing process is to assess the patient's condition to gather data and information. In this case, assessing the patient's symptoms, vital signs, and history will help the nurse identify signs of pneumonia and determine the appropriate interventions. Diagnosis (A) comes after assessment, as it involves analyzing the data collected. Implementation (C) and Evaluation (D) are subsequent steps in the nursing process after assessment and diagnosis have been completed. Assessment is crucial for developing an effective care plan and ensuring the best possible outcomes for the patient.
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?
- A. Hypoglycemia.
- B. Respiratory failure.
- C. Hyperkalemia.
- D. Anemia.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory failure. Patients with COPD are at risk for respiratory failure due to impaired gas exchange and respiratory muscle weakness. This can lead to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Monitoring for signs such as increased work of breathing, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is crucial.
Hypoglycemia (A) is not a common complication of COPD. Hyperkalemia (C) is less likely to occur in COPD unless the patient is on medications that can cause elevated potassium levels. Anemia (D) may be present in COPD due to chronic inflammation, but it is not a direct complication that requires monitoring for signs of respiratory failure.
Which of the following statements about mental health assessment is true?
- A. The mental health assessment diagnoses specific psychiatric disorders.
- B. Mental disorders occur in response to everyday life stressors.
- C. Mental status is inferred through assessment of an individual's behaviours.
- D. Mental health can be assessed directly, just like the characteristics of any other body system (e.g., cardiac and breath sounds).
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because mental status is indeed inferred through assessment of an individual's behaviors. Mental health assessment involves observing and evaluating a person's thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall mental functioning to determine their mental status. This includes assessing speech, mood, cognition, and perception. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because:
A: Mental health assessment does not solely focus on diagnosing specific psychiatric disorders; it is a broader evaluation of an individual's mental well-being.
B: Mental disorders can result from a variety of factors beyond everyday life stressors, such as genetic predisposition or traumatic experiences.
D: Mental health assessment is more complex than assessing physical characteristics and involves subjective interpretation of behaviors rather than direct observation like physical assessments.
A patient drifts off to sleep when there is no stimulation. The nurse can arouse her easily by calling her name, but she remains drowsy during the conversation. The best description of this patient's level of consciousness would be:
- A. Lethargic.
- B. Obtunded.
- C. Stuporous.
- D. Semialert.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lethargic. Lethargic is defined as a state of drowsiness or diminished alertness where the patient can be easily aroused by simple stimuli like calling their name, but they remain drowsy and may drift back to sleep. This patient's ability to be aroused by verbal stimuli and their drowsiness during conversation fits the description of lethargic.
Explanation for other choices:
B: Obtunded - Obtunded refers to a more severe level of decreased consciousness where the patient is difficult to fully arouse and may have limited interactions with the nurse.
C: Stuporous - Stuporous indicates an even deeper state of unconsciousness where the patient requires significant stimulation to be aroused and has minimal responsiveness.
D: Semialert - Semialert would describe a patient who is more responsive than lethargic, showing better awareness of their surroundings and able to maintain a conversation more effectively.
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic liver disease. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?
- A. Jaundice.
- B. Hypoglycemia.
- C. Hyperglycemia.
- D. Anemia.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Jaundice. In chronic liver disease, impaired liver function can result in the accumulation of bilirubin leading to jaundice. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Monitoring for jaundice is crucial in assessing the progression of liver disease.
B: Hypoglycemia is not a common complication of chronic liver disease. Liver plays a role in glycogen storage and glucose production, so hypoglycemia is less likely.
C: Hyperglycemia is more commonly associated with conditions like diabetes rather than chronic liver disease. The liver's role in glucose regulation may be impaired, but hyperglycemia is not a typical complication.
D: Anemia is not directly related to liver disease, although it may occur as a secondary complication due to factors like decreased production of certain blood components. Monitoring for anemia is important, but jaundice is a more specific complication of chronic liver disease.