Nokea
You are caring for a 65-year-old male patient admitted to your medical unit 72 hours ago with pyloric stenosis. A
nasogastric tube placed upon admission has been on low intermittent suction ever since. Upon review of the mornings
blood work, you notice that the patients potassium is below reference range. You should recognize that the patient may
be at risk for what imbalance?
- A. Hypercalcemia
- B. Metabolic acidosis
- C. Metabolic alkalosis
- D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Metabolic alkalosis. Pyloric stenosis can lead to vomiting, causing loss of gastric acid and chloride ions, leading to metabolic alkalosis. Low potassium levels are common in metabolic alkalosis due to potassium shifting into cells to compensate for the alkalosis. Hypercalcemia (choice A) is not associated with pyloric stenosis. Metabolic acidosis (choice B) typically presents with low pH and bicarbonate levels. Respiratory acidosis (choice D) is caused by impaired gas exchange in the lungs, not related to pyloric stenosis.
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A nurse is caring for a client with a peripheral vascular access device who is experiencing pain, redness, and swelling at the site. After removing the device, which action should the nurse take to relieve pain?
- A. Administer topical lidocaine to the site.
- B. Place warm compresses on the site.
- C. . Administer prescribed oral pain medication.
- D. Massage the site with scented oils.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Place warm compresses on the site. Warm compresses can help increase blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing at the site of inflammation. The warmth can help dilate blood vessels, increasing circulation to the area and promoting the removal of inflammatory substances. This can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Administering topical lidocaine (choice A) may not address the underlying cause of pain and redness. Administering oral pain medication (choice C) may be necessary for severe pain but may not directly address the local inflammation. Massaging the site with scented oils (choice D) can potentially introduce more irritants and should be avoided in cases of inflammation.
You are caring for a patient who is being treated on the oncology unit with a diagnosis of lung cancer with bone
metastases. During your assessment, you note the patient complains of a new onset of weakness with abdominal pain.
Further assessment suggests that the patient likely has a fluid volume deficit. You should recognize that this patient
may be experiencing what electrolyte imbalance?
- A. Hypernatremia
- B. Hypomagnesemia
- C. Hypophosphatemia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypercalcemia. Bone metastases in lung cancer can lead to increased release of calcium into the blood, causing hypercalcemia. The patient's symptoms of weakness and abdominal pain are consistent with hypercalcemia. Hypernatremia (choice A) is unlikely as the symptoms do not align with high sodium levels. Hypomagnesemia (choice B) and hypophosphatemia (choice C) are less likely as they are not typically associated with bone metastases in lung cancer. In summary, the patient's presentation of weakness and abdominal pain in the setting of lung cancer with bone metastases points to hypercalcemia as the most likely electrolyte imbalance.
A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 7.34, PaO2 88 mm Hg, PaCO2 38 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse perform first?
- A. . Cardiac rate and rhythm
- B. Skin and mucous membranes
- C. Musculoskeletal strength
- D. Level of orientation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac rate and rhythm. In an acid-base imbalance, the pH is below the normal range indicating acidosis. The nurse should assess the cardiac rate and rhythm first because acidosis can have negative effects on the cardiovascular system. Acidosis can lead to arrhythmias and decreased cardiac output. Monitoring the cardiac rate and rhythm is crucial to detect any cardiac complications early. Choices B, C, and D are not the priority in this situation as they are not directly impacted by acid-base imbalances.
Place a washcloth between the skin and tourniquet
- A. Provide a bed bath instead of letting the client take a shower
- B. Use sterile technique when changing the dressing.
- C. Disconnect the intravenous fluid tubing prior to the clients bath.
- D. Use a plastic bag to cover the extremity with the device
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because using a plastic bag to cover the extremity with the device helps to keep the area dry when bathing, preventing the tourniquet from becoming wet and losing its effectiveness. This technique maintains the pressure needed for venipuncture.
A, providing a bed bath instead of a shower, is unrelated to the use of a tourniquet. B, using sterile technique for dressing changes, is important for wound care but not relevant to tourniquet use. C, disconnecting intravenous fluid tubing before a bath, is essential for preventing contamination but not directly related to tourniquet management.
A nurse teaches a client who is being discharged home with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching?
- A. avoid carrying your grandchild with the arm that has the central catheter.
- B. Be sure to place the arm with the central catheter in a sling during the day
- C. Flush the peripherally inserted central catheter line with normal saline daily.
- D. You can use the arm with the central catheter for most activities of daily living.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Avoid carrying your grandchild with the arm that has the central catheter." This is important because carrying a child can put strain on the arm where the catheter is inserted, increasing the risk of dislodging or damaging the catheter. It is crucial to protect the integrity of the catheter site to prevent complications such as infection or bleeding.
Choice B is incorrect because placing the arm with the central catheter in a sling during the day is unnecessary and could restrict the client's mobility and lead to discomfort.
Choice C is incorrect because flushing the PICC line with normal saline should be done by a healthcare professional and not the client themselves.
Choice D is incorrect because using the arm with the central catheter for most activities of daily living can increase the risk of accidental dislodgment or damage to the catheter. It is important to be cautious and limit certain activities to protect the catheter and maintain its function.