Nokea
While measuring a client's vital signs, the nurse notices an irregularity in the heart rate. Which nursing action is appropriate?
- A. Count the apical pulse rate for 1 full minute, and describe the rhythm in the chart
- B. Measure the blood pressure
- C. Perform an ECG
- D. Recheck the heart rate after 5 minutes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The appropriate nursing action when an irregularity in the heart rate is observed is to count the apical pulse rate for a full minute and describe the rhythm in the chart. This approach helps in obtaining an accurate assessment of the irregularities present. Measuring the blood pressure (Choice B) is important but not the immediate priority when an irregular heart rate is noted. Performing an ECG (Choice C) may be necessary but is a more advanced intervention that should follow the initial assessment. Rechecking the heart rate after 5 minutes (Choice D) may delay potential interventions for addressing the irregularity, making it less appropriate than the immediate assessment and documentation of the pulse rhythm.
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The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a diagnosis of asthma. Which assessment finding would be most concerning?
- A. Wheezing
- B. Shortness of breath
- C. Use of accessory muscles
- D. Cough with sputum production
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most concerning assessment finding in a client with asthma is the use of accessory muscles. This indicates that the client is working harder to breathe, which could signify respiratory distress. Wheezing, choice A, is a common finding in asthma and indicates narrowed airways but may not necessarily imply immediate distress. Shortness of breath, choice B, is also common in asthma but may not be as concerning as the use of accessory muscles. Cough with sputum production, choice D, can occur in asthma exacerbations but may not be as critical as signs of increased work of breathing like the use of accessory muscles.
During an assessment, a healthcare professional is evaluating a client who has been on bed rest for the past month. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional identify as an indication that the client has developed thrombophlebitis?
- A. bladder distention
- B. decreased blood pressure
- C. calf swelling
- D. diminished bowel sounds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Calf swelling, redness, and tenderness are classic signs of thrombophlebitis. The swelling occurs due to the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the calf, leading to inflammation and potential obstruction of blood flow. Bladder distention (Choice A) is more indicative of urinary retention, decreased blood pressure (Choice B) can be seen in conditions like shock, and diminished bowel sounds (Choice D) may suggest gastrointestinal issues, none of which are directly related to thrombophlebitis.
A healthcare professional is planning to perform ear irrigation on an adult client with impacted cerumen. Which of the following should the professional plan to take?
- A. Wearing sterile gloves while performing irrigation
- B. Positioning the client with the affected side down following irrigation
- C. Using cool fluid to irrigate the ear canal
- D. Pulling the pinna downward during irrigation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Positioning the client with the affected side down following irrigation is crucial as it helps facilitate drainage of the dislodged cerumen and any remaining irrigation solution. This position allows gravity to assist in the removal of the loosened debris. Wearing sterile gloves is a standard precaution in healthcare procedures to prevent infection but is not specific to ear irrigation. Using body-temperature water or a solution at a slightly warmer temperature is recommended to prevent vertigo and discomfort, so using cool fluid is incorrect. Pulling the pinna upward and backward, not downward, straightens the ear canal for adults to facilitate the irrigation process, making choice D incorrect.
When preparing an injection for opioid medication, a nurse draws 1mL from a 2mL vial. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Ask another nurse to observe medication wastage
- B. Document the amount of medication drawn on the MAR
- C. Dispose of the remaining medication in a sharps container
- D. Administer the entire vial of medication to avoid wastage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When drawing medication from a vial, especially for controlled substances like opioids, any wastage must be witnessed by another healthcare professional to ensure accuracy, prevent diversion, and maintain safety standards. This process is crucial for proper documentation and accountability. Recording the amount drawn on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) is important for tracking administered doses and preventing errors. Disposing of the remaining medication in a sharps container is not recommended as it does not address proper wastage documentation. Administering the entire vial of medication just to avoid wastage is inappropriate and can lead to potential harm or overdose in the patient.
A 3-year-old child is brought to the clinic by his grandmother to be seen for 'scratching his bottom and wetting the bed at night.' Based on these complaints, the nurse would initially assess for which problem?
- A. Allergies
- B. Scabies
- C. Regression
- D. Pinworms
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Pinworms. Pinworms are a common cause of itching around the anal area, especially at night, in young children. Scratching the bottom and bedwetting can be indicative of a pinworm infection. Allergies (Choice A) are less likely given the symptoms described. Scabies (Choice B) may cause itching but is less common in causing bedwetting. Regression (Choice C) is not a common cause of these specific symptoms in a 3-year-old child.