Nokea
You have accompanied the physician into the family waiting room to tell a young husband that his wife has not survived the car accident she was in. The husband is crying and distraught. What is the most appropriate approach to supporting this family member?
- A. Ask if he would like to donate his wife's organs
- B. Sit quietly with him
- C. Ask about funeral arrangements
- D. Consult social services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most caring and supportive approach in a time of extreme distress is usually to sit quietly with the distressed individual until they have had the opportunity to absorb the news and gather themselves. Providing a supportive presence is often the most valuable tool a caregiver can use when circumstances bring overwhelming emotional pain to those they are caring for. Asking about organ donation at this moment may come off as insensitive and should not be a priority. Inquiring about funeral arrangements and consulting social services can be addressed later, once the husband has had time to process the initial shock and emotions.
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A 15-year-old female who ingested 15 tablets of maximum strength acetaminophen 45
minutes ago is rushed to the emergency department. Which of these orders should the
nurse do first?
- A. Gastric lavage
- B. Administer acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) orally
- C. Start an IV Dextrose 5% with 0.33% normal saline to keep the vein open
- D. Have the patient drink activated charcoal mixed with water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acetaminophen overdose is extremely toxic to the liver causing
hepatotoxicity. Early symptoms of hepatic damage include nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If not treated immediately, hepatic necrosis occurs
and may lead to death. Removing as much of the drug as possible is the first step in
treatment for acetaminophen overdose, this is best done through gastric lavage.
Gastric lavage (irrigation) and aspiration consist of flushing the stomach with fluids
and then aspirating the fluid back out. This procedure is done in life-threatening
cases such as acetaminophen toxicity and only if less than one (1) hour has
occurred after ingestion.
When assessing a patient suspected to have Hepatitis, a nurse notes the patient's eyes are yellow-tinged. Which of the following diagnostic results would further assist in confirming this diagnosis?
- A. Decreased serum Bilirubin
- B. Elevated serum ALT levels
- C. Low RBC and Hemoglobin with increased WBCs
- D. Increased Blood Urea Nitrogen level
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevated serum ALT levels would further confirm the diagnosis of Hepatitis. ALT is a liver enzyme, and hepatitis is a liver disease. Elevated liver enzymes, such as ALT, often indicate liver damage. Choice A, 'Decreased serum Bilirubin,' is incorrect as elevated bilirubin levels are typically seen in hepatitis due to impaired bilirubin metabolism. Choices C and D are unrelated to confirming a diagnosis of hepatitis as they describe findings not specific to liver function or hepatitis. Low RBC and Hemoglobin with increased WBCs (Choice C) suggest a different condition like anemia or infection, not specific to liver disease. Increased Blood Urea Nitrogen level (Choice D) is more indicative of kidney function rather than liver function, thus not helpful in confirming hepatitis.
When reading a lab report, you notice that a patient's sample is described as having anisocytosis. Which of the following most accurately describes the patient's condition?
- A. The patient has an abnormal condition of skin cells.
- B. The patient's red blood cells vary in size.
- C. The patient has a high level of fat cells and is obese.
- D. The patient's cells are indicative of necrosis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anisocytosis is a term that indicates variation in the size of red blood cells. When a patient is described as having anisocytosis, it means their red blood cells exhibit differences in size. This condition can be detected in blood samples and may indicate underlying blood disorders. The other choices are incorrect: Choice A refers to a skin cell condition, Choice C relates to obesity and fat cells, and Choice D suggests necrosis, none of which are associated with anisocytosis or red blood cell abnormalities. It is important to recognize specific terms like anisocytosis in laboratory reports to understand the potential implications for the patient's health.
The clinic nurse reviews the record of an infant and notes that the primary healthcare provider has documented a diagnosis of suspected Hirschsprung's disease. The nurse reviews the assessment findings documented in the record, knowing that which sign most likely led the mother to seek healthcare for the infant?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Projectile vomiting
- C. Regurgitation of feedings
- D. Foul-smelling, ribbon-like stools
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hirschsprung's disease, also known as congenital aganglionosis or aganglionic megacolon, is a congenital anomaly characterized by an absence of ganglion cells in the rectum and other areas of the affected intestine. A key clinical manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease is chronic constipation that starts in the first month of life, leading to pellet-like or ribbon-like stools that have a foul smell. Another sign is the delayed passage or absence of meconium stool in the neonatal period. In addition to foul-smelling, ribbon-like stools, bowel obstruction (especially in the neonatal period), abdominal pain and distention, and failure to thrive are also common clinical manifestations of this disorder. Options A, B, and C are not typically associated with Hirschsprung's disease, making them incorrect choices in this scenario.
A client is admitted to the emergency room with renal calculi and is complaining of moderate to severe flank pain and nausea. The client's temperature is 100.8 degrees Fahrenheit. The priority nursing goal for this client is:
- A. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
- B. Control nausea
- C. Manage pain
- D. Prevent urinary tract infection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the scenario presented, the priority nursing goal for a client with renal calculi experiencing moderate to severe flank pain and nausea should be to manage pain. Pain management is crucial as it alleviates suffering, improves comfort, and enhances the quality of life for the client. In the case of ureteral colic from renal calculi, the cornerstone of management is effective pain control. Prompt analgesia, typically achieved with parenteral narcotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is essential to provide relief and facilitate the passage of the calculi. While maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is important in clients with renal calculi, addressing pain takes precedence as it directly impacts the client's immediate well-being. Controlling nausea and preventing urinary tract infections are also important aspects of care, but they are secondary to managing the primary concern of pain in this urgent situation.