During an assessment of a client with cardiomyopathy, the nurse finds that the systolic blood pressure has decreased from 145 to 110 mm Hg and the heart rate has risen from 72 to 96 beats per minute and the client complains of periodic dizzy spells. The nurse instructs the client to: A. Increase fluids… Read More »
A nurse is caring for a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The patient complains of burning and tingling of the hands and feet and cannot tolerate touch of any kind. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these symptoms? A. Inadequate tissue perfusion leading to nerve damage. B. Fluid overload leading… Read More »
Which of the following treatments is a suitable surgical intervention for a client with unstable angina? A. Cardiac catheterization B. Echocardiogram C. Nitroglycerin D. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) Correct Answer: D. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) PTCA can alleviate the blockage and restore blood flow and… Read More »
Which of the following signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) would appear first after head trauma? A. Bradycardia B. Large amounts of very dilute urine C. Restlessness and confusion D. Widened pulse pressure Correct Answer: C. Restlessness and confusion The earliest sign of increased ICP is a change in… Read More »
A patient admitted to the hospital with myocardial infarction develops severe pulmonary edema. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the patient to exhibit? A. Slow, deep respirations B. Stridor C. Bradycardia D. Air hunger Correct Answer: D. Air hunger Patients with pulmonary edema experience… Read More »
A client suffered from a lower leg injury and seeks treatment in the emergency room. There is a prominent deformity to the lower aspect of the leg, and the injured leg appears shorter than the other leg. The affected leg is painful, swollen and beginning to become ecchymotic. The nurse interprets that the client is… Read More »
The nurse is aware that the following terms used to describe reduced cardiac output and perfusion impairment due to ineffective pumping of the heart is: A. Anaphylactic shock B. Cardiogenic shock C. Distributive shock D. Myocardial infarction (MI) Correct Answer: B. Cardiogenic shock Cardiogenic shock is shock… Read More »
When giving intravenous (I.V.) phenytoin, which of the following methods should you use? A. Use an in-line filter. B. Withhold other anticonvulsants. C. Mix the drug with saline solution only. D. Flush the I.V. catheter with dextrose solution. Correct Answer: C. Mix the drug with saline solution… Read More »
The client with suspected meningitis is admitted to the unit. The doctor is performing an assessment to determine meningeal irritation and spinal nerve root inflammation. A positive Kernig’s sign is charted if the nurse notes: A. Pain on flexion of the hip and knee B. Nuchal rigidity on flexion of the neck … Read More »
The client with varicella will most likely have an order for which category of medication? A. Antibiotics B. Antipyretics C. Antivirals D. Anticoagulants Correct Answer: C. Antivirals Varicella is chickenpox. This herpes virus is treated with antiviral medications. In adults, infection tends to be more severe, and treatment with… Read More »