HESI Comprehensive Exam 263 Questions with Verified Answers
Enalapril maleate is prescribed for a hospitalized client. Which assessment does the nurse
... [Show More] perform as a priority before administering the medication?
Checking the client's blood pressure
Checking the client's peripheral pulses
Checking the most recent potassium level
Checking the client's intake-and-output record for the last 24 hours - CORRECT ANSWER Checking the client's blood pressure
Rationale: Enalapril maleate is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension. One common side effect is postural hypotension. Therefore the nurse would check the client's blood pressure immediately before administering each dose. Checking the client's peripheral pulses, the results of the most recent potassium level, and the intake and output for the previous 24 hours are not specifically associated with this mediation.
A client is scheduled to undergo an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series, and the nurse provides instructions to the client about the test. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?
"The test will take about 30 minutes."
"I need to fast for 8 hours before the test."
"I need to drink citrate of magnesia the night before the test and give myself a Fleet enema on the morning of the test."
"I need to take a laxative after the test is completed, because the liquid that I'll have to drink for the test can be constipating." - CORRECT ANSWER "I need to drink citrate of magnesia the night before the test and give myself a Fleet enema on the morning of the test."
Rationale: No special preparation is necessary before a GI series, except that NPO (nothing by mouth) status must be maintained for 8 hours before the test. An upper GI series involves visualization of the esophagus, duodenum, and upper jejunum by means of the use of a contrast medium. It involves swallowing a contrast medium (usually barium), which is administered in a flavored milkshake. Films are taken at intervals during the test, which takes about 30 minutes. After an upper GI series, the client is prescribed a laxative to hasten elimination of the barium. Barium that remains in the colon may become hard and difficult to expel, leading to fecal impaction.
A nurse on the evening shift checks a primary health care provider's prescriptions and notes that the dose of a prescribed medication is higher than the normal dose. The nurse calls the primary health care provider's answering service and is told that the primary health care provider is off for the night and will be available in the morning. What should the nurse do next?
Call the nursing supervisor
Ask the answering service to contact the on-call primary health care provider
Withhold the medication until the primary health care provider can be reached in the morning
Administer the medication but consult the primary health care provider when he becomes available - CORRECT ANSWER Ask the answering service to contact the on-call primary health care provider
Rationale: The nurse has a duty to protect the client from harm. A nurse who believes that a primary health care provider's prescription may be in error is responsible for clarifying the prescription before carrying it out. Therefore the nurse would not administer the medication; instead, the nurse would withhold the medication until the dose can be clarified. The nurse would not wait until the next morning to obtain clarification. It is premature to call the nursing supervisor.
An emergency department (ED) nurse is monitoring a client with suspected acute myocardial infarction (MI) who is awaiting transfer to the coronary intensive care unit. The nurse notes the sudden onset of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on the monitor, checks the client's carotid pulse, and determines that the PVCs are not perfusing. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
Document the findings
Ask the ED primary health care provider to check the client
Continue to monitor the client's cardiac status
Inform the client that PVCs are expected after an MI - CORRECT ANSWER Ask the ED primary health care provider to check the client
Rationale: The most appropriate action by the nurse would be to ask the ED health care provider to check the client. PVCs are a result of increased irritability of ventricular cells. Peripheral pulses may be absent or diminished with the PVCs themselves because the decreased stroke volume of the premature beats may in turn decrease peripheral perfusion. Because other rhythms also cause widened QRS complexes, it is essential that the nurse determine whether the premature beats are resulting in perfusion of the extremities. This is done by palpating the carotid, brachial, or femoral artery while observing the monitor for widened complexes or by auscultating for apical heart sounds. In the situation of acute MI, PVCs may be considered warning dysrhythmias, possibly heralding the onset of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Therefore, the nurse would not tell the client that the PVCs are expected. Although the nurse will continue to monitor the client and document the findings, these are not the most appropriate actions of those provided.
NPO status is imposed 8 hours before the procedure on a client scheduled to undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) at 1 p.m. On the morning of the procedure, the nurse checks the client's record and notes that the client routinely takes an oral antihypertensive medication each morning. What action should the nurse take?
Administer the antihypertensive with a small sip of water
Withhold the antihypertensive and administer it at bedtime
Administer the medication by way of the intravenous (IV) route
Hold the antihypertensive and resume its administration on the day after the ECT - CORRECT ANSWER Administer the antihypertensive with a small sip of water
Rationale: The nurse should administer the antihypertensive with a small sip of water. General anesthesia is required for ECT, so NPO status is imposed for 6 to 8 hours before treatment to help prevent aspiration. Exceptions include clients who routinely receive cardiac medications, antihypertensive agents, or histamine (H2) blockers, which should be administered several hours before treatment with a small sip of water. Withholding the antihypertensive and administering it at bedtime and withholding the antihypertensive and resuming administration on the day after the ECT are incorrect actions, because antihypertensives must be administered on time; otherwise, the risk for rebound hypertension exists. The nurse would not administer a medication by way of a route that has not been prescribed.
A client who recently underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery comes to the primary health care provider's office for a follow-up visit. On assessment, the client tells the nurse that he is feeling depressed. Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
"Tell me more about what you're feeling."
"That's a normal response after this type of surgery."
"It will take time, but I promise you, you will get over this depression."
"Every client who has this surgery feels the same way for about a month." - CORRECT ANSWER "Tell me more about what you're feeling."
Rationale: The therapeutic response by the nurse is, "Tell me more about what you're feeling." When a client expresses feelings of depression, it is extremely important for the nurse to further explore these feelings with the client. In stating, "This is a normal response after this type of surgery" the nurse provides false reassurance and avoids addressing the client's feelings. "It will take time, but I promise you, you will get over the depression" is also a false reassurance, and it does not encourage the expression of feelings. "Every client who has this surgery feels the same way for about a month" is a generalization that avoids the client's feelings.
A client in labor experiences spontaneous rupture of the membranes. The nurse immediately counts the fetal heart rate (FHR) for 1 full minute and then checks the amniotic fluid. The nurse notes that the fluid is yellow and has a strong odor. Which action should be the nurse's priority?
Contact the primary health care provider
Document the findings
Check the fluid for protein
Continue to monitor the client and the FHR - CORRECT ANSWER Contact the primary health care provider
Rationale: The priority action is for the nurse to contact the primary health care provider. The FHR is assessed for at least 1 minute when the membranes rupture. The nurse also checks the quantity, color, and odor of the amniotic fluid. The fluid should be clear (often with bits of vernix) and have a mild odor. Fluid with a foul or strong odor, cloudy appearance, or yellow coloration suggests chorioamnionitis and warrants notifying the primary health care provider. A large amount of vernix in the fluid suggests that the fetus is preterm. Greenish, meconium-stained fluid may be seen in cases of postterm gestation or placental insufficiency. Checking the fluid for protein is not associated with the data in the question. The nurse would continue to monitor the client and the FHR and would document the findings.
A nurse has assisted a primary health care provider in inserting a central venous access device into a client with a diagnosis of severe malnutrition who will be receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). After insertion of the catheter what does the nurse immediately do?
Call the radiography department to obtain a chest x-ray
Check the client's blood glucose level to serve as a baseline measurement
Hang the prescribed bag of PN and start the infusion at the prescribed rate
Infuse normal saline solution through the catheter at a rate of 100 mL/hr to maintain patency - CORRECT ANSWER Call the radiography department to obtain a chest x-ray
Rationale: The nurse should immediately make arrangements to have a chest x-ray done. One major complication associated with central venous catheter placement is pneumothorax, which may result from accidental puncture of the lung. After the catheter has been placed but before it is used for infusions, its placement must be checked with an x-ray. Hanging the prescribed bag of PN and starting the infusion at the prescribed rate and infusing normal saline solution through the catheter at a rate of 100 mL/hr to maintain patency are all incorrect because they could result in the infusion of solution into a lung if a pneumothorax is present. Although the nurse may obtain a blood glucose measurement to serve as a baseline, this action is not the priority.
A rape victim being treated in the emergency department says to the nurse, "I'm really worried that I've got HIV now." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
"HIV is rarely an issue in rape victims."
"Every rape victim is concerned about HIV."
"You're more likely to get pregnant than to contract HIV."
"Let's talk about the information that you need to determine your risk of contracting HIV." - CORRECT ANSWER "Let's talk about the information that you need to determine your risk of contracting HIV."
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is the one that encourages the client to talk about her condition. HIV is a concern of rape victims. Such concern should always be addressed, and the victim should be given the information needed to evaluate his or her risk. Pregnancy may occur as a result of rape, and pregnancy prophylaxis can be offered in the emergency department or during follow-up, once the results of a pregnancy test have been obtained. However, stating, "You're more likely to get pregnant than to contract HIV" avoids the client's concern. Similarly, "HIV is rarely an issue in rape victims" and "Every rape victim is concerned about HIV" are generalized responses that avoid the client's concern.
A client is taking prescribed ibuprofen 200 mg orally four times daily, to relieve joint pain resulting from rheumatoid arthritis. The client tells the nurse that the medication is causing nausea and indigestion. What should the nurse tell the client?
"I will contact your primary health care provider."
"Stop taking the medication."
"Take the medication with food."
"Take the medication twice a day instead of four times a day." - CORRECT ANSWER "Take the medication with food."
Rationale: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication. Side effects include nausea (with or without vomiting) and dyspepsia (heartburn, indigestion, or epigastric pain). If gastrointestinal distress occurs, the client should be instructed to take the medication with milk or food. The nurse would not instruct the client to stop the medication or instruct the client to adjust the dosage of a prescribed medication; these actions are not within the legal scope of the role of the nurse. Contacting the primary health care provider is premature, because the client's complaints are side effects that occasionally occur and can be relieved by taking the medication with milk or food.
The night nurse is caring for a client who just had a craniotomy. The nurse is monitoring the client's Jackson-Pratt drain that is being maintained on suction. The nurse notes that a total of 200 mL of red drainage has drained from the Jackson-Pratt (J-P) tube in the last 8 hours. What action should the nurse take?
Document the amount in the client's record.
Discontinue the Jackson-Pratt drain from suction.
Continue to monitor the amount and color of the drainage.
Notify the primary health care provider immediately of the amount of drainage. - CORRECT ANSWER Notify the primary health care provider immediately of the amount of drainage.
Rationale: The nurse must immediately notify the primary health care provider of this excessive amount of drainage. The primary health care provider must also be immediately notified of any saturated head dressings. The normal amount of drainage from a Jackson-Pratt drain is 30 to 50 mL per shift. Discontinuing the suction from the J-P drain is not an option and is not done. Also, just documenting the amount in the client's record is not correct even though the nurse would document that the primary health care provider was notified of the total drain amount. Just continuing to monitor the amount of drainage is also not an option.
Lorazepam 1 mg by way of intravenous (IV) injection (IV push) is prescribed for a client for the management of anxiety. The nurse prepares the medication as prescribed. Over what period of time should the nurse administer this medication?
3 minutes
10 seconds
15 seconds
30 minutes - CORRECT ANSWER 3 minutes
Rationale: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine. When administered by IV injection, each 2 mg or fraction thereof is administered over a period of 1 to 5 minutes. Ten seconds and 30 seconds are brief periods. Thirty minutes is a lengthy period.
A nurse, conducting an assessment of a client being seen in the clinic for signs/symptoms of a sinus infection, asks the client about medications that he is taking. The client tells the nurse that he is taking nefazodone hydrochloride. On the basis of this information, the nurse determines that the client most likely has a history of what problem?
Depression
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperthyroidism
Coronary artery disease - CORRECT ANSWER Depression
Rationale: The client is most likely suffering from depression. Nefazodone hydrochloride is an antidepressant used as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of an acute depression. Diabetes mellitus, hypethyroidism, and coronary artery disease are not treated with this medication.
Phenelzine sulfate is prescribed for a client with depression. The nurse provides information to the client about the adverse effects of the medication and tells the client to contact the primary health care provider immediately if he/she experiences what sign/symptom?
Dry mouth
Restlessness
Feelings of depression
Neck stiffness or soreness - CORRECT ANSWER Neck stiffness or soreness
Rationale: The client is taught to immediately contact the primary health care provider if the client experiences any occipital headache radiating frontally and neck stiffness or soreness, which could be the first sign of a hypertensive crisis. Phenelzine sulfate, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), is an antidepressant and is used to treat depression. Hypertensive crisis, an adverse effect of this medication, is characterized by hypertension, frontally radiating occipital headache, neck stiffness and soreness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fever and chills, clammy skin, dilated pupils, and palpitations. Tachycardia, bradycardia, and constricting chest pain may also be present. Dry mouth and restlessness are common side effects of the medication.
Risperidone is prescribed for a client hospitalized in the mental health unit for the treatment of a psychotic disorder. Which finding in the client's medical record would prompt the nurse to contact the prescribing primary health care provider before administering the medication?
The client has a history of cataracts.
The client has a history of hypothyroidism.
The client takes a prescribed antihypertensive.
The client is allergic to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). - CORRECT ANSWER The client takes a prescribed antihypertensive.
Rationale: Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication. Contraindications to the use of risperidone include cardiac disorders, cerebrovascular disease, dehydration, hypovolemia, and therapy with antihypertensive agents. Risperidone is used with caution in clients with a history of seizures. History of cataracts, hypothyroidism, or allergy to aspirin does not affect the administration of this medication.
A client who has been undergoing long-term therapy with an antipsychotic medication is admitted to the inpatient mental health unit. Which finding does the nurse, knowing that long-term use of an antipsychotic medication can cause tardive dyskinesia, monitor in the client?
Fever
Diarrhea
Hypertension
Tongue protrusion - CORRECT ANSWER Tongue protrusion
Rationale: The clinical manifestations include abnormal movements (dyskinesia) and involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue ("flycatcher tongue"), and face. Tardive dyskinesia is a severe reaction associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications. In its most severe form, tardive dyskinesia involves the fingers, arms, trunk, and respiratory muscles. When this occurs, the medication is discontinued. Fever, diarrhea, and hypertension are not characteristics of tardive dyskinesia.
A nurse is reviewing the record of a client scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which diagnosis, if noted on the client's record, would indicate a need to contact the primary health care provider who is scheduled to perform the ECT?
Recent stroke
Hypothyroidism
History of glaucoma
Peripheral vascular disease - CORRECT ANSWER Recent stroke
Rationale: Several conditions pose risks in the client scheduled for ECT. Among them are recent myocardial infarction or stroke and cerebrovascular malformations or intracranial lesions. Hypothyroidism, glaucoma, and peripheral vascular disease are not contraindications to this treatment.
The nurse is caring for a client who just returned to the surgical unit after having a suprapubic prostatectomy. What type of medication does the nurse expect to be ordered?
Phenothiazines
Antispasmodics
Antidyskinetics
Benzodiazepines - CORRECT ANSWER Antispasmodics
Rationale: Antispasmodics are prescribed for bladder spasms related to a suprapubic prostatectomy. This surgery involves removal of the prostate gland by an abdominal incision with a bladder incision. Phenothiazines are a class of antipsychotic medications. Antidyskinetics have an anticholinergic action and are used to treat Parkinson's disease and some of the acute movement disorders that may be caused by antipsychotic agents. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants and can cause sedation and psychomotor slowing. They can also intensify depression caused by other drugs. Benzodiazepines have some potential for abuse and should be used with caution in clients known to abuse alcohol or other psychoactive medications.
A nurse is preparing a poster for a health fair booth promoting primary prevention of skin cancer. Which recommendations does the nurse include on the poster? Select all that apply.
Seek medical advice if you find a skin lesion.
Use sunscreen with a low sun protection factor (SPF).
Avoid sun exposure before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
Wear a hat, opaque clothing, and sunglasses when out in the sun.
Examine the body every 6 months for possibly cancerous or precancerous lesions. - CORRECT ANSWER Seek medical advice if you find a skin lesion.
Wear a hat, opaque clothing, and sunglasses when out in the sun.
Wear a hat, opaque clothing, and sunglasses when out in the sun.
A nurse reviewing the medical record of a client with a diagnosis of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast notes documentation of the presence of peau d'orange skin. On the basis of this notation, which finding would the nurse expect to note on assessment of the client's breast? - CORRECT ANSWER Rationale: Peau d'orange (French for "orange peel") is the term used to describe skin dimpling, resembling the skin of an orange, at the location of a breast mass. This change, along with increased vascularity, nipple retraction, or ulceration, may indicate advanced disease. Erythema, or reddening, of the breast indicates inflammation such as that resulting from cellulitis or a breast abscess. Paget's disease is a rare type of breast cancer that is manifested as a red, scaly nipple; discharge; crusting lasting more than a few weeks. In nipple retraction, the nipple is pointed or pulled in an abnormal direction. It is suggestive of malignancy.
The mother of an adolescent diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus tells the nurse that her child is a member of the school soccer team and expresses concern about her child's participation in sports. What does the nurse tell the mother after providing information to the mother about diet, exercise, insulin, and blood glucose control?
To always administer less insulin on the days of soccer games
That it is best not to encourage the child to participate in sports activities
That the child should eat a carbohydrate snack about a half-hour before each soccer game
To administer additional insulin before a soccer game if the blood glucose level is 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) or higher and ketones are present. - CORRECT ANSWER That the child should eat a carbohydrate snack about a half-hour before each soccer game
Rationale: The child with diabetes mellitus who is active in sports requires additional food intake in the form of a carbohydrate snack about a half-hour before the anticipated activity. Additional food will need to be consumed, often as frequently as every 45 minutes to 1 hour, during prolonged periods of activity. If the blood glucose level is increased (240 mg/dL [13.3 mmol/L] or more) and ketones are present before planned exercise, the activity should be postponed until the blood glucose has been controlled. Moderate to high ketone values should be reported to the primary health care provider. There is no reason for the child to avoid participating in sports.
A client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease who requires dialysis three times a week for the rest of his life says to the nurse, "Why should I even bother to watch what I eat and drink? It doesn't really matter what I do if I'm never going to get better!" On the basis of the client's statement, the nurse determines that the client is experiencing which problem?
Anxiety
Powerlessness
Ineffective coping
Disturbed body image - CORRECT ANSWER Powerlessness
Rationale: Powerlessness is present when a client believes that he or she has no control over the situation or that his or her actions will not affect an outcome in any significant way. Anxiety is a vague uneasy feeling of apprehension. Some factors in anxiety include a threat or perceived threat to physical or emotional integrity or self-concept, changes in role function, and a threat to or change in socioeconomic status. Ineffective coping is present when the client exhibits impaired adaptive abilities or behaviors in meeting the demands or roles expected. Disturbed body image is diagnosed when there is an alteration in the way the client perceives his or her own body image.
A nurse is providing morning care to a client in end-stage kidney disease. The client is reluctant to talk and shows little interest in participating in hygiene care. Which statement by the nurse would be therapeutic?
"What are your feelings right now?"
"Why don't you feel like washing up?"
"You aren't talking today. Cat got your tongue?"
"You need to get yourself cleaned up. You have company coming today." - CORRECT ANSWER "What are your feelings right now?"
Rationale: Asking, "What are your feelings right now?" encourages the client to identify his or her emotions or feelings, which is a therapeutic communication technique. In stating, "Why don't you feel like washing up?" the nurse is requesting an explanation of feelings and behaviors for which the client may not know the reason. Requesting an explanation is a nontherapeutic communication technique. "You aren't talking today. Cat got your tongue?" is a nontherapeutic cliché. The statement "You need to get yourself cleaned up. You have company coming today" is demanding, demeaning to the client, and nontherapeutic.
Empyema develops in a client with an infected pleural effusion, and the nurse prepares the client for thoracentesis. The nurse is assisting the primary health care provider with the procedure. What characteristics of the fluid removed during thoracentesis should the nurse expect to note?
Clear and yellow
Thick and opaque
White and odorless
Clear, with a foul odor - CORRECT ANSWER Thick and opaque
Rationale: Empyema is the accumulation of pus in the pleural space. Empyema fluid is thick, opaque, exudative, and intensely foul-smelling. Clear and yellow, white and odorless, and clear and foul-smelling are incorrect descriptions of the fluid that occurs in this disorder.
An emergency department nurse is told that a client with carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a suicide attempt is being brought to the hospital by emergency medical services. Which intervention will the nurse carry out as a priority upon arrival of the client?
Administering 100% oxygen
Having a crisis counselor available
Instituting suicide precautions for the client
Obtaining blood for determination of the client's carboxyhemoglobin level - CORRECT ANSWER Administering 100% oxygen
Rationale: With a client with carbon monoxide poisoning, the priority is to treat the client with inhalation of 100% oxygen to shorten the half-life of carbon monoxide to around an hour. Hyperbaric oxygen may be required to reduce the half-life to minutes by forcing the carbon monoxide off the hemoglobin molecule. Because the poisoning occurred as a result of a suicide attempt, a crisis counselor should be consulted, but this is not the priority. Suicide precautions should be instituted once emergency interventions have been completed and the client has been admitted to the hospital. The diagnosis is confirmed with a measurement of the carboxyhemoglobin level in the client's blood. Obtaining a blood specimen to measure the carboxyhemoglobin level is a priority; however, the nurse would immediately administer 100% oxygen to the client.
A nurse is caring for a client with sarcoidosis. The client is upset because he has missed work and worried about how he will care financially for his wife and three small children. On the basis of the client's concern, which problem does the nurse identify?
Anxiety
Powerlessness
Disruption of thought processes
Inability to maintain health - CORRECT ANSWER Anxiety
Rationale: Anxiety is a vague, uneasy feeling of apprehension. Some related factors include a threat or perceived threat to physical or emotional integrity or self-concept, changes in function in one's role, and threats to or changes in socioeconomic status. The client experiencing powerlessness expresses feelings of having no control over a situation or outcome. Disruption of thought processes involves disturbance of cognitive abilities or thought. Inability to maintain health is being incapable of seeking out help needed to maintain health.
A nurse, performing an assessment of a client who has been admitted to the hospital with suspected silicosis, is gathering both subjective and objective data. Which question by the nurse would elicit data specific to the cause of this disorder?
"Do you chew tobacco?"
"Do you smoke cigarettes?"
"Have you ever worked in a mine?"
"Are you frequently exposed to paint products?" - CORRECT ANSWER "Have you ever worked in a mine?"
Rationale: Silicosis is a chronic fibrotic disease of the lungs caused by the inhalation of free crystalline silica dust over a long period. Mining and quarrying are each associated with a high incidence of silicosis. Hazardous exposure to silica dust also occurs in foundry work, tunneling, sandblasting, pottery-making, stone masonry, and the manufacture of glass, tile, and bricks. The finely ground silica used in soaps, polishes, and filters also presents a risk. The assessment questions noted in the other options are unrelated to the cause of silicosis.
A primary health care provider prescribes a dose of morphine sulfate 2.5 mg stat to be administered intravenously to a client in pain. The nurse preparing the medication notes that the label on the vial of morphine sulfate solution for injection reads "4 mg/mL." How many milliliters (mL) must the nurse draw into a syringe for administration to the client? Type the answer in the space provided. _____ mL - CORRECT ANSWER 0.625
A client undergoing therapy with carbidopa/levodopa calls the nurse at the clinic and reports that his urine has become darker since he started taking the medication. What should the nurse tell the client?
To call his primary health care provider
That he needs to drink more fluids
That this is an occasional side effect of the medication
That this may be a sign/symptom of developing toxicity of the medication - CORRECT ANSWER That this is an occasional side effect of the medication
Rationale: Carbidopa/levodopa, an antiparkinson agent, may cause darkening of the urine or sweat. The client should be reassured that this is a harmless side effect of the medication and that the medication's use should be continued. Although fluid intake is important, telling the client that he needs to drink more fluid is incorrect and unnecessary. Telling the client that the darkening of his urine may signal developing medication toxicity is incorrect and might alarm the client unnecessarily. There is no need for the client to call the primary health care provider.
A client with myasthenia gravis is taking neostigmine bromide. What does the nurse note that indicates the client is gaining a therapeutic effect from the medication?
Bradycardia
Increased heart rate
Decreased blood pressure
Improved swallowing function - CORRECT ANSWER Improved swallowing function
Rationale: Neostigmine bromide, a cholinergic medication that prevents the destruction of acetylcholine, is used to treat myanthenia gravis. The nurse would monitor the client for a therapeutic response, which includes increased muscle strength, an easing of fatigue, and improved chewing and swallowing function. Bradycardia, increased heart rate, and decreased blood pressure are signs/symptoms of an adverse reaction to the medication.
A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking amantadine hydrochloride for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Which finding from the history and physical examination would cause the nurse to determine that the client may be experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?
Insomnia
Rigidity and akinesia
Bilateral lung wheezes
Orthostatic hypotension - CORRECT ANSWER Bilateral lung wheezes
Rationale: Amantadine hydrochloride is an antiparkinson agent that potentiates the action of dopamine in the central nervous system (CNS). The medication is used to treat rigidity and akinesia. Insomnia and orthostatic hypotension are side effects of the medication. Adverse effects include congestive heart failure (evidenced by bilateral lung wheezes), leukopenia, neutropenia, hyperexcitability, convulsions, and ventricular dysrhythmias.
A nurse who will be staffing a booth at a health fair is preparing pamphlets containing information regarding the risk factors for osteoporosis. Which risk factors does the nurse include in the pamphlet? Select all that apply.
Smoking
A high-calcium diet
High alcohol intake
White or Asian ethnicity
Participation in physical activities that promote flexibility and muscle strength - CORRECT ANSWER Smoking
High alcohol intake
White or Asian ethnicity
Rationale: Osteoporosis is a chronic metabolic disease in which bone loss results in decreased density and sometimes fractures. Risk factors include being 65 years or older in women, 75 years or older in men, family history of the disorder, history of fracture after age 50, white or Asian ethnicity, low body weight and slender build, chronically low calcium intake, a history of smoking, high alcohol intake, and lack of physical exercise or prolonged immobility.
A nurse is providing instruction to a client with osteoporosis regarding appropriate foods to include in the diet. What one food item high in calcium does the nurse tell the client to eat?
Corn
Cocoa
Peaches
Sardines - CORRECT ANSWER Sardines
Rationale: Foods high in calcium include milk and milk products, dark-green leafy vegetables, tofu and other soy products, sardines, and hard water. Osteoporosis is a chronic metabolic disease in which bone loss results in decreased density and sometimes fractures. Corn, cocoa, and peaches do not contain appreciable amounts of calcium.
A nurse is providing information about home care to a client with acute gout. Which measures does the nurse tell the client to take? Select all that apply.
Drinking 2 to 3 L of fluid each day
Applying heat packs to the affected joint
Resting and immobilizing the affected area
Consuming foods high in purines
Performing range-of-motion exercise to the affected joint three times a day - CORRECT ANSWER Drinking 2 to 3 L of fluid each day
Resting and immobilizing the affected area
Rationale: Gout is a systemic disease in which urate crystals are deposited in the joints and other tissues, resulting in inflammation. In acute gout, rest and immobilization are recommended until the acute attack and inflammation have subsided. Local application of cold may help relieve the pain. The application of heat is avoided because it may worsen the inflammatory process. Dietary instructions include reducing or eliminating alcohol intake and avoiding excessive intake of foods containing purines (e.g., sweetbreads, yeast, heart, herring, herring roe, sardines). The client is encouraged to drink 2 to 3 L of fluid per day to help eliminate uric acid and to prevent the formation of renal calculi.
A nurse is gathering subjective and objective data from a client with suspected rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Which early manifestations of RA would the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply.
Fatigue
Anemia
Weight loss
Low-grade fever
Joint deformities - CORRECT ANSWER Fatigue
Low-grade fever
Rationale: Early manifestations of RA include fatigue, low-grade fever, weakness, anorexia, and paresthesias. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive, systemic and inflammatory autoimmune disease process that affects the synovial joints, resulting in their destruction. Anemia, weight loss, and joint deformities are some of the late manifestations.
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client with a suspected systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which manifestations of SLE would the nurse expect to find noted in the client's medical record? Select all that apply.
Fever
Vasculitis
Weight gain
Increased energy
Abdominal pain - CORRECT ANSWER Fever
Vasculitis
Abdominal pain
Rationale: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disorder of the connective tissue that can cause the failure of major organs and body systems. Manifestations include fever, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, vasculitis, discoid lesions, and abdominal pain. Erythema, usually in a butterfly pattern (hence the nickname "butterfly rash"), appears over the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Other manifestations include nephritis, pericarditis, the Raynaud phenomenon (discoloration of fingers and/or toes after exposure to changes in temperature), pleural effusions, joint inflammation, and myositis.
A nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client who is taking tranylcypromine sulfate. Which foods does the nurse tell the client to avoid while she is taking this medication? Select all that apply.
Beer
Apples
Yogurt
Baked haddock
Pickled herring
Roasted fresh potatoes - CORRECT ANSWER Beer
Yogurt
Pickled herring
Rationale: Tranylcypromine sulfate is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used to treat depression. The client must follow a tyramine-restricted diet while taking the medication to help prevent hypertensive crisis, a life-threatening effect of the medication. Foods to be avoided include meats prepared with tenderizer, smoked or pickled fish, beef or chicken liver, and dry sausages (e.g., salami, pepperoni, bologna). In addition, figs, bananas, aged cheeses, yogurt and sour cream, beer, red wine, alcoholic beverages, soy sauce, yeast extract, chocolate, caffeine, and aged, pickled, fermented, or smoked foods must be avoided. Many over-the-counter medications contain tyramine and must be avoided as well.
The blood serum level of imipramine is determined in a client who is being treated for depression. The laboratory test indicates a concentration of 250 ng/mL. On the basis of this result, what should the nurse do?
Contact the primary health care provider
Hold the next dose of imipramine
Document the laboratory result in the client's record
Have another blood sample drawn and ask the laboratory to recheck the imipramine level - CORRECT ANSWER Document the laboratory result in the client's record
Rationale: Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is often used to treat depression. The therapeutic blood serum level is between 225 and 300 ng/mL, so the nurse would simply document the laboratory result in the client's record. Asking the laboratory to recheck the level and withholding the next dose of the imipramine and contacting the primary health care provider are unnecessary.
nurse provides instructions to a client who has been prescribed lithium carbonate for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Which of these statements by the client indicate a need for further instruction? Select all that apply.
"I need to avoid salt in my diet."
"It's fine to take any over-the-counter medication with the lithium."
"I need to come back to the clinic to have my lithium blood level checked."
"I should drink 2 to 3 quarts (1.9 to 2.8 litres) of liquid every day."
"Diarrhea and muscle weakness are to be expected, and if these occur I don't need to be concerned." - CORRECT ANSWER "I need to avoid salt in my diet."
"It's fine to take any over-the-counter medication with the lithium."
"Diarrhea and muscle weakness are to be expected, and if these occur I don't need to be concerned."
Rationale: Lithium carbonate is a mood stabilizer used to treat manic-depressive illness. Equilibrium of sodium and potassium must be maintained at the intracellular membrane to maintain therapeutic effects. Lithium competes with sodium in the cell. Therefore the client should maintain a normal salt intake and drink 2 to 3 quarts (1.9 to 2.8 litres) of fluid each day. Many over-the-counter medications contain sodium and would therefore affect the lithium concentration, possibly pushing it out of the therapeutic range. For this reason, over-the-counter medications must be avoided. The blood level of lithium should be tested every 3 or 4 days during the initial phase of therapy and every 1 to 2 months during maintenance therapy. Vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, tremors, drowsiness, and ataxia are signs/symptoms of toxicity; if any of these problems occur, the primary health care provider must be notified.
A client who is taking lithium carbonate complains of mild nausea and voiding in large volumes. On assessment, the nurse notes that the client is also complaining of mild thirst. On the basis of these findings, what would the nurse do?
Contact the primary health care provider
Document the findings
Institute seizure precautions
Have a blood specimen drawn immediately for serum lithium testing - CORRECT ANSWER Document the findings
Rationale: Lithium carbonate is a mood stabilizer that is used to treat manic-depressive illness. Side effects include polyuria, mild thirst, and mild nausea. Therefore, the nurse should simply document the findings. Because the client's complaints are side effects, not toxic effects, contacting the primary health care provider, instituting seizure precautions, and having a specimen drawn immediately for a serum lithium determination are all unnecessary. Vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, tremors, drowsiness, and ataxia are signs/symptoms of toxicity and if these occur the primary health care provider needs to be notified.
A client with agoraphobia will undergo systematic desensitization through graduated exposure. In explaining the treatment to the client, what does the nurse tell the client this technique involves?
Having the client perform a healthy coping behavior
Having the client perform a ritualistic or compulsive behavior
Providing a high degree of exposure of the client to the stimulus that the client finds undesirable
Gradually introducing the client to a phobic object or situation in a predetermined sequence of least to most frightening - CORRECT ANSWER Gradually introducing the client to a phobic object or situation in a predetermined sequence of least to most frightening
Rationale: The technique of systematic desensitization involves gradually introducing the client to a phobic object or situation in a predetermined sequence of least to most frightening with the goal of defusing the phobia. Having the client perform a healthy coping behavior is the description of modeling. Performing ritualistic or compulsive behaviors is a behavior characteristic of clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Having the client perform a ritualistic or compulsive behavior may not be therapeutic; additionally, it is not associated with systematic desensitization. Providing a high degree of exposure to a stimulus that the client finds undesirable is the technique known as flooding.
The nurse is caring for a client who has just undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The client says to the nurse, "I'm really thirsty — may I have something to drink?" Before giving the client a drink, what would the nurse do? [Show Less]