Test I Practice questions (Med/surg)
A nursing student studying the auditory system learns about the structures of the inner ear. What structures does this include? (Select all that apply.) a. Cochlea b. Epitympanum c. Organ of Corti d. Semicircular canals e. Vestibule
A, C, D, E The cochlea, organ of Corti, semicircular canals, and vestibule are all part of the inner ear. The epitympanum is in the middle ear. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 985
An older adult client is in the hospital. The client is ambulatory and independent. What intervention by the nurse would be most helpful in preventing falls in this client? a. Keep the light on in the bathroom at night. b. Order a bedside commode for the client. c. Put the client on a toileting schedule. d. Use siderails to keep the client in bed.
ANS: A Although this older adult is independent and ambulatory, being hospitalized can create confusion. Getting up in a dark, unfamiliar environment can contribute to falls. Keeping the light on in the bathroom will help reduce the likelihood of falling. The client does not need a commode or a toileting schedule. Siderails used to keep the client in bed are considered restraints and should not be used in that fashion.
A clients chart indicates anisocoria. For what should the nurse assess? a. Difference in pupil size b. Draining infection c. Recent eye trauma d. Tumor of the eyelid
ANS: A Anisocoria is a noticeable difference in the size of a persons pupils. This is a normal finding in a small percentage of the population. Infection, trauma, and tumors are not related. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 963
A serious condition which is not locally observable and is typically manifested by decreased blood flow to a distal extremity is known as __________ thrombosis. a. arterial b. venous c. partial d. atrial
ANS: A Arterial thrombosis is manifested by decreased blood flow (perfusion) to a distal extremity or internal organ. For example, the distal leg can become pale and cool in the case of a femoral arterial clot due to blockage of blood to the leg. This is an emergent condition
The nurse has given a community group a presentation on eye health. Which statement by a participant indicates a need for more instruction? a. I always lose my sunglasses, so I dont wear them. b. I have diabetes and get an annual eye exam. c. I will not share my contact solution with others. d. I will wear safety glasses when I mow the lawn.
ANS: A Clients should be taught to protect their eyes from ultraviolet (UV) exposure by consistently wearing sunglasses when outdoors, when tanning in tanning salons, or when working with UV light. The other statements are correct. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 961
A client presents to the emergency department reporting a foreign body in the eye. For what diagnostic testing should the nurse prepare the client? a. Corneal staining b. Fluorescein angiography c. Ophthalmoscopy d. Tonometry
ANS: A Corneal staining is used when the possibility of eye trauma exists, including a foreign body. Fluorescein angiography is used to assess problems of retinal circulation. Ophthalmoscopy looks at both internal and external eye structures. Tonometry tests the intraocular pressure. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 965
A client does not understand why vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible. What explanation by the nurse is best? a. Because eye pressure was too high, the tissue died. b. Glaucoma always leads to permanent blindness. c. The traumatic damage to your eye was too great. d. The infection occurs so quickly it cant be treated.
ANS: A Glaucoma is caused when the intraocular pressure becomes too high and stays high long enough to cause tissue ischemia and death. At that point, vision loss is permanent. Glaucoma does not have to cause blindness. Trauma can cause glaucoma but is not the most common cause. Glaucoma is not an infection. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 976
The nurse enters an examination room to help with an eye examination. The client is directed toward the assessment chart shown below: What is the provider assessing? a. Color vision b. Depth perception c. Spatial perception d. Visual acuity
ANS: A This is an Ishihara chart, which is used for assessing color vision. Depth and spatial perception are not typically assessed in a routine vision assessment. Visual acuity is usually tested with a Snellen chart. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 964
A nurse witnesses a client with late-stage Alzheimers disease eat breakfast. Afterward the client states, I am hungry and want breakfast. How should the nurse respond? a. I see you are still hungry. I will get you some toast. b. You ate your breakfast 30 minutes ago. c. It appears you are confused this morning. d. Your family will be here soon. Lets get you dressed.
ANS: A Use of validation therapy with clients who have Alzheimers disease involves acknowledgment of the clients feelings and concerns. This technique has proved more effective in later stages of the disease, when using reality orientation only increases agitation. Telling the client that he or she already ate breakfast may agitate the client. The other statements do not validate the clients concerns. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 880
The nursing student studying the eye learns that which cranial nerves control its functions? (Select all that apply.) a. II b. III c. VI d. XII e. X
ANS: A, B, C The cranial nerves involved with eye function include II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 959
A client had cataract surgery. What instructions should the nurse provide? (Select all that apply.) a. Call the doctor for increased pain. b. Do not bend over from the waist. c. Do not lift more than 10 pounds. d. Sexual intercourse is allowed. e. Use stool softeners to avoid constipation.
ANS: A, B, C, E The client should be taught to call the physician for increased pain as this might indicate infection or other complication. To avoid increasing intraocular pressure, clients are taught to not lift more than 10 pounds, to avoid bending at the waist, to avoid straining at stool, and to avoid sexual intercourse for a time after surgery.
The nursing student learns that age-related changes affect the eyes and vision. Which changes does this include? (Select all that apply.) a. Decreased eye muscle tone b. Development of arcus senilis c. Increase in far point of near vision d. Decrease in general color perception e. Increase in point of near vision
ANS: A, B, D, E Normal age-related changes include decreased eye muscle tone, development of arcus senilis, decreased color perception, and increased point of near vision. The far point of near vision typically decreases. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 960
A nurse working with older adults assesses them for common potential adverse medication effects. For what does the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.) a. Constipation b. Dehydration c. Mania d. Urinary incontinence e. Weakness
ANS: A, B, E Common adverse medication effects include constipation/impaction, dehydration, and weakness. Mania and incontinence are not among the common adverse effects, although urinary retention is. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 34 KEY: Medications| adverse effects
The student learning about vision should remember which facts related to the eyes? (Select all that apply.) a. Aqueous humor controls intraocular pressure. b. Cones work in low light conditions. c. Glaucoma occurs due to increased pressure in the eye. d. Muscles of the iris control light entering the eye. e. Rods work in low light conditions.
ANS: A, C, D, E The inflow and outflow of aqueous humor controls the intraocular pressure. Glaucoma results when the pressure is chronically high. Muscles of the iris relax and constrict to control the amount of light entering the eye. Rods work in low light conditions. Cones work in bright light conditions. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 957
A nurse is seeing clients in the ophthalmology clinic. Which client should the nurse see first? a. Client with intraocular pressure reading of 24 mm Hg b. Client who has had cataract surgery and has worsening vision c. Client whose red reflex is absent on ophthalmologic examination d. Client with a tearing, reddened eye with exudate
ANS: B After cataract surgery, worsening vision indicates an infection or other complication. The nurse should see this client first. The intraocular pressure is slightly elevated. An absent red reflex may indicate cataracts. The client who has the tearing eye may have an infection.
A form of inadequate cognition in older adults which is manifested by an acute, fluctuating confusional state is known as: a. dementia b. delerium c. amnesia d. depression
ANS: B Delerium is the form of acute, fluctuating confusion which lasts from a few hours to less than 1 month and that may be treatable. Dementia is a chronic state of confusion that may last from a few months to many years and that may not be reversible. Amnesia refers to a loss of memory caused by brain trauma, congenital disorders, or acute health problems. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 16
A nurse caring for an older client in the hospital is concerned the client is not competent to give consent for upcoming surgery. What action by the nurse is best? a. Call Adult Protective Services. b. Discuss concerns with the health care team. c. Do not allow the client to sign the consent. d. Have the clients family sign the consent.
ANS: B In this situation, each facility will have a policy designed for assessing competence. The nurse should bring these concerns to an interdisciplinary care team meeting. There may be physiologic reasons for the client to be temporarily too confused or incompetent to give consent. If an acute condition is ruled out, the staff should follow the legal procedure and policies in their facility and state for determining competence. The key is to bring the concerns forward. Calling Adult Protective Services is not appropriate at this time. Signing the consent should wait until competence is determined unless it is an emergency, in which case the next of kin can sign if there are grave doubts as to the clients ability to provide consent. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 36 KEY: Competence| autonomy| older adult
An older client has decided to give up driving due to cataracts. What assessment information is most important to collect? a. Family history of visual problems b. Feelings related to loss of driving c. Knowledge about surgical options d. Presence of family support
ANS: B Loss of driving is often associated with loss of independence, as is decreasing vision. The nurse should assess how the client feels about this decision and what its impact will be. Family history and knowledge about surgical options are not related as the client has made a decision to decline surgery. Family support is also useful information, but it is most important to get the clients perspective on this change. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 974
The nurse is administering eyedrops to a client with an infection in the right eye. The drops go in both eyes, and two different bottles are used to administer the drops. The nurse accidentally uses the left eye bottle for the right eye. What action by the nurse is best? a. Inform the provider of the issue. b. Obtain a new bottle of eyedrops. c. Rinse the clients right eye thoroughly. d. Wipe the left eye bottle with alcohol.
ANS: B The nurse has contaminated the clean bottle by using it on the infected eye. The nurse needs to obtain a new bottle of solution to use on the left eye. The other actions are not appropriate. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 966
8. Signs and symptoms of ________ thromobsis include localized redness, swelling, and warmth: a. arterial b. venous c. partial d. atrial
ANS: B Venous thrombosis is a clot formation in either superficial or deep veins, usually in the leg, and can be observed locally. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 16
A nurse assesses a client with Alzheimers disease who is recently admitted to the hospital. Which psychosocial assessment should the nurse complete? a. Assess religious and spiritual needs while in the hospital. b. Identify the clients ability to perform self-care activities. c. Evaluate the clients reaction to a change of environment. d. Ask the client about relationships with family members.
ANS: C As Alzheimers disease progresses, the client experiences changes in emotional and behavioral affect. The nurse should be alert to the clients reaction to a change in environment, such as being hospitalized, because the client may exhibit an exaggerated response, such as aggression, to the event. The other assessments should be completed but are not as important as assessing the clients reaction to environmental change. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 879
An older adult client takes medication three times a day and becomes confused about which medication should be taken at which time. The client refuses to use a pill sorter with slots for different times, saying Those are for old people. What action by the nurse would be most helpful? a. Arrange medications by time in a drawer. b. Encourage the client to use easy-open tops. c. Put color-coded stickers on the bottle caps. d. Write a list of when to take each medication.
ANS: C Color-coded stickers are a fast, easy-to-remember system. One color is for morning meds, one for evening meds, and the third color is for nighttime meds. Arranging medications by time in a drawer might be helpful if the person doesnt accidentally put them back in the wrong spot. Easy-open tops are not related. Writing a list might be helpful, but not if it gets misplaced. With stickers on the medication bottles themselves, the reminder is always with the medication. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 34
12. The most common causes of decreased comfort for a patient are pain and ____________. a. light-headedness b. nausea c. emotional stress d. depression
ANS: C Pain and emotional stress are the two leading causes of discomfort for a patient. For example, patients who are having surgery are often anxious and feel stressed about the procedure. This emotional stress may negatively impact the outcome of surgery. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 17
A high-level thinking process that allows an individual to make decisions and judgments is known as: a. amnesia b. personality c. reasoning d. memory
ANS: C Reasoning is the high-level cognitive thinking process that helps individuals make decisions and judgments. Personality is the way an individual feels and behaves, while Memory is the ability of an individual to retain and recall information. Amnesia refers to a loss of memory caused by brain trauma, congenital disorders, or acute health problems. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 16
A clients intraocular pressure (IOP) is 28 mm Hg. What action by the nurse is best? a. Educate the client on corneal transplantation. b. Facilitate scheduling the eye surgery. c. Plan to teach about drugs for glaucoma. d. Refer the client to local Braille classes.
ANS: C This increased IOP indicates glaucoma. The nurses main responsibility is teaching the client about drug therapy. Corneal transplantation is not used in glaucoma. Eye surgery is not indicated at this time. Braille classes are also not indicated at this time.
A nurse admits an older client to the hospital who lives at home with family. The nurse assesses that the client is malnourished. What actions by the nurse are best? (Select all that apply.) a. Contact Adult Protective Services or hospital social work. b. Notify the provider that the client needs a tube feeding. c. Perform and document results of a Braden Scale assessment. d. Request a dietary consultation from the health care provider. e. Suggest a high-protein oral supplement between meals.
ANS: C, D, E Malnutrition in the older population is multifactorial and has several potential adverse outcomes. Appropriate actions by the nurse include assessing the clients risk for skin breakdown with the Braden Scale, requesting a consultation with a dietitian, and suggesting a high-protein meal supplement. There is no evidence that the client is being abused or needs a feeding tube at this time. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 40
A client is in the preoperative holding area waiting for cataract surgery. The client says Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you that I take clopidogrel, or Plavix. What action by the nurse is most important? a. Ask the client when the last dose was. b. Check results of the prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR). c. Document the information in the chart. d. Notify the surgeon immediately.
ANS: D Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet aggregate and could increase bleeding. The surgeon should be notified immediately. The nurse should find out when the last dose of the drug was, but the priority is to notify the provider. This drug is not monitored with PT and INR. Documentation should occur but is not the priority. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 974
A nurse assesses a client after administering prescribed levetiracetam (Keppra). Which laboratory tests should the nurse monitor for potential adverse effects of this medication? a. Serum electrolyte levels b. Kidney function tests c. Complete blood cell count d. Antinuclear antibodies
B Adverse effects of levetiracetam include coordination problems and renal toxicity. The other laboratory tests are not affected by levetiracetam. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 864 -Keppra (levetiracetam) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. Keppra is used to treat partial onset seizures in adults and children who are at least 1 month old.
A nurse admits an older client from a home environment where she lives with her adult son and daughter- in-law. The client has urine burns on her skin, no dentures, and several pressure ulcers. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Ask the family how these problems occurred. b. Call the police department and file a report. c. Notify Adult Protective Services. d. Report the findings as per agency policy.
ANS: D These findings are suspicious for abuse. Health care providers are mandatory reporters for suspected abuse. The nurse should notify social work, case management, or whomever is designated in policies. That person can then assess the situation further. If the police need to be notified, that is the person who will notify them. Adult Protective Services is notified in the community setting. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 39 KEY: Abuse| older adult
A nurse prepares a client for lumbar puncture (LP). Which assessment finding should alert the nurse to contact the health care provider? a. Shingles on the clients back b. Client is claustrophobic c. Absence of intravenous access d. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
A An LP should not be performed if the client has a skin infection at or near the puncture site because of the risk of infection. A nurse would want to notify the health care provider if shingles were identified on the clients back. If a client has shortness of breath when lying flat, the LP can be adapted to meet the clients needs. Claustrophobia, absence of IV access, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea have no impact on whether an LP can be performed. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 859 -Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea (PND) is an attack of severe shortness of breath and coughing that generally occur at night. It usually awakens the person from sleep, and may be quite frightening
A nurse is teaching a community group about preventing hearing loss. What instruction is best? a. Always wear a bicycle helmet. b. Avoid swimming in ponds or lakes. c. Dont go to fireworks displays. d. Use a soft cotton swab to clean ears.
A Avoiding head trauma is a practical way to help prevent hearing loss. Swimming can lead to hearing loss if the client has repeated infections. Fireworks displays are loud, but usually brief and only occasional. Nothing smaller than the clients fingertip should be placed in the ear canal. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 995
A nurse teaches a client who is scheduled for a positron emission tomography scan of the brain. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching? a. Avoid caffeine-containing substances for 12 hours before the test. b. Drink at least 3 liters of fluid during the first 24 hours after the test. c. Do not take your cardiac medication the morning of the test. d. Remove your dentures and any metal before the test begins.
A Caffeine-containing liquids and foods are central nervous system stimulants and may alter the test results. No contrast is used; therefore, the client does not need to increase fluid intake. The client should take cardiac medications as prescribed. Metal does not have to be removed; this is done for magnetic resonance imaging. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 856
A nurse assesses a client recovering from a cerebral angiography via the clients right femoral artery. Which assessment should the nurse complete? a. Palpate bilateral lower extremity pulses. b. Obtain orthostatic blood pressure readings. c. Perform a funduscopic examination. d. Assess the gag reflex prior to eating.
A Cerebral angiography is performed by threading a catheter through the femoral or brachial artery. The extremity is kept immobilized after the procedure. The nurse checks the extremity for adequate circulation by noting skin color and temperature, presence and quality of pulses distal to the injection site, and capillary refill. Clients usually are on bedrest; therefore, orthostatic blood pressure readings cannot be performed. The funduscopic examination would not be affected by cerebral angiography. The client is given analgesics but not conscious sedation; therefore, the clients gag reflex would not be compromised. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 855
A nurse delegates care to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which statement should the nurse include when delegating care for a client with cranial nerve II impairment? a. Tell the client where food items are on the breakfast tray. b. Place the client in a high-Fowlers position for all meals. c. Make sure the clients food is visually appetizing. d. Assist the client by placing the fork in the left hand.
A Cranial nerve II, the optic nerve, provides central and peripheral vision. A client who has cranial nerve II impairment will not be able to see, so the UAP should tell the client where different food items are on the meal tray. The other options are not appropriate for a client with cranial nerve II impairment. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 845
A nurse performs an assessment of pain discrimination on an older adult client. The client correctly identifies, with eyes closed, a sharp sensation on the right hand when touched with a pin. Which action should the nurse take next? a. Touch the pin on the same area of the left hand. b. Contact the provider with the assessment results. c. Ask the client about current medications. d. Continue the assessment on the clients feet.
A If testing is begun on the right hand and the client correctly identifies the pain stimulus, the nurse should continue the assessment on the left hand. This is a normal finding and does not need to be reported to the provider, but instead documented in the clients chart. Medications do not need to be assessed in response to this finding. The nurse should assess the left hand prior to assessing the feet. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 852
A client has labyrinthitis and is prescribed antibiotics. What instruction by the nurse is most important for this client? a. Immediately report headache or stiff neck. b. Keep all follow-up appointments. c. Take the antibiotics with a full glass of water. d. Take the antibiotic on an empty stomach.
A Meningitis is a complication of labyrinthitis. The client should be taught to take all antibiotics as prescribed and to report manifestations of meningitis such as fever, headache, or stiff neck. Keeping follow-up appointments is important for all clients. Without knowing what antibiotic was prescribed, the nurse cannot instruct the client on how to take it. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 996 -Labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder. The two vestibular nerves in your inner ear send your brain information about your spatial navigation and balance control. When one of these nerves becomes inflamed, it creates a condition known as labyrinthitis. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and loss of hearing.
A nurse obtains a focused health history for a client who is suspected of having bacterial meningitis. Which question should the nurse ask? a. Do you live in a crowded residence? b. When was your last tetanus vaccination? c. Have you had any viral infections recently? d. Have you traveled out of the country in the last month?
A Meningococcal meningitis tends to occur in multiple outbreaks. It is most likely to occur in areas of high- density population, such as college dormitories, prisons, and military barracks. A tetanus vaccination would not place the client at increased risk for meningitis or protect the client from meningitis. A viral infection would not lead to bacterial meningitis but could lead to viral meningitis. Simply knowing if the client traveled out of the country does not provide enough information. The nurse should ask about travel to specific countries in which the disease is common, for example, sub-Saharan Africa. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 867 -Meningococcal meningitis is a form of meningitis caused by a specific bacterium known as Neisseria meningitidis.
A client is scheduled to have a tumor of the middle ear removed. What teaching topic is most important for the nurse to cover? a. Expecting hearing loss in the affected ear b. Managing postoperative pain c. Maintaining NPO status prior to surgery d. Understanding which medications are allowed the day of surgery
A Removal of an inner ear tumor will likely destroy hearing in the affected ear. The other teaching topics are appropriate for any surgical client. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 995
A client hospitalized for a wound infection has a blood urea nitrogen of 45 mg/dL and creatinine of 4.2 mg/dL. What action by the nurse is best? a. Assess the ordered antibiotics for ototoxicity. b. Explain how kidney damage causes hearing loss. c. Use ibuprofen (Motrin) for pain control. d. Teach that hearing loss is temporary.
A Some medications are known to be ototoxic. Diminished kidney function slows the excretion of drugs from the body, worsening the ototoxic effects. The nurse should assess the antibiotics the client is receiving for ototoxicity. The other options are not warranted. DIF: Analyzing/Analysis REF: 988
A client had a myringotomy. The nurse provides which discharge teaching? a. Buy dry shampoo to use for a week. b. Drink liquids through a straw. c. Flying is not allowed for 1 month. d. Hot water showers will help the pain.
A The client cannot shower or get the head wet for 1 week after surgery, so using dry shampoo is a good suggestion. The other instructions are incorrect: straws are not allowed for 2 to 3 weeks, flying is not allowed for 2 to 3 weeks, and the client should not shower. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 995 - myringotomy is a surgical incision into the eardrum, to relieve pressure or drain fluid.
A nurse cares for a client who is recovering from a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with a radiopharmaceutical agent. Which statement should the nurse include when discussing the plan of care with this client? a. You may return to your previous activity level immediately. b. You are radioactive and must use a private bathroom. c. Frequent assessments of the injection site will be completed. d. We will be monitoring your renal functions closely.
A The client may return to his or her previous activity level immediately. Radioisotopes will be eliminated in the urine after SPECT, but no monitoring or special precautions are required. The injection site will not need to be assessed after the procedure is complete. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 856 -SPECT: a nuclear medicine procedure in which a gamma camera rotates around the patient and takes pictures from many angles, which a computer then uses to form a tomographic (cross-sectional) image.
A nurse assesses a client who demonstrates a positive Rombergs sign with eyes closed but not with eyes open. Which condition does the nurse associate with this finding? a. Difficulty with proprioception b. Peripheral motor disorder c. Impaired cerebellar function d. Positive pronator drift
A The client who sways with eyes closed (positive Rombergs sign) but not with eyes open most likely has a disorder of proprioception and uses vision to compensate for it. The other options do not describe a positive Rombergs sign. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 852 -The Romberg sign is present when a patient is able to stand with feet together and eyes open, but sways or falls with eyes closed. The Romberg sign developed in the 19th century from a patient-reported symptom into a bedside-elicited sign. -proprioception is the perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body.
A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed a computed tomography (CT) scan with iodine-based contrast. Which actions should the nurse take to prepare the client for this procedure? (Select all that apply.) a. Ensure that an informed consent is present. b. Ask the client about any allergies. c. Evaluate the clients renal function. d. Auscultate bilateral breath sounds. e. Assess hematocrit and hemoglobin levels.
A, B, C A client who is scheduled to receive iodine-based contrast should be asked about allergies, especially allergies to iodine or shellfish. The clients kidney function should also be evaluated to determine if it is safe to administer contrast during the procedure. Finally, the nurse should ensure that an informed consent is present because all clients receiving iodine-based contrast must give consent. The CT will have no impact on the clients breath sounds or hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. Findings from these assessments will not influence the clients safety during the procedure. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 855
A nurse assesses clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which clients should the nurse identify as at risk for secondary seizures? (Select all that apply.) a. A 26-year-old woman with a left temporal brain tumor b. A 38-year-old male client in an alcohol withdrawal program c. A 42-year-old football player with a traumatic brain injury d. A 66-year-old female client with multiple sclerosis e. A 72-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A, B, C Clients at risk for secondary seizures include those with a brain lesion from a tumor or trauma, and those who are experiencing a metabolic disorder, acute alcohol withdrawal, electrolyte disturbances, and high fever. Clients with a history of stroke, heart disease, and substance abuse are also at risk. Clients with multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not at risk for secondary seizures. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 862
A nurse delegates care for an older adult client to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which statements should the nurse include when delegating this clients care? (Select all that apply.) a. Plan to bathe the client in the evening when the client is most alert. b. Encourage the client to use a cane when ambulating. c. Assess the client for symptoms related to pain and discomfort. d. Remind the client to look at foot placement when walking. e. Schedule additional time for teaching about prescribed therapies.
A, B, D The nurse should tell the UAP to schedule activities when the client is normally awake, encourage the client to use a cane when ambulating, and remind the client to look where feet are placed when walking. The nurse should assess the client for symptoms of pain and should provide sufficient time for older adults to process information, including new teaching. These are not items the nurse can delegate. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 846
A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing a cluster headache. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply.) a. Ipsilateral tearing of the eye b. Miosis c. Abrupt loss of consciousness d. Neck and shoulder tenderness e. Nasal congestion f. Exophthalmos
A, B, E Cluster headache is usually accompanied by ipsilateral tearing, miosis, rhinorrhea or nasal congestion, ptosis, eyelid edema, and facial sweating. Abrupt loss of consciousness, neck and shoulder tenderness, and exophthalmos (bulging of the eye anteriorly out of the orbit) are not associated with cluster headaches. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 861 -Cluster headache consists of severe headaches on one side of the head. It is associated with symptoms that occur on the same side of the head that the pain is taking place on, and which can include red or teary eye (ipsilateral tearing), excessive constriction of the pupil of the eye (miosis), drooping or falling of the upper eyelid (ptosis). runny or stuffy nostril, and flushing or sweating of the face.
A nurse assesses a client with a brain tumor. Which newly identified assessment findings should alert the nurse to urgently communicate with the health care provider? (Select all that apply.) a. Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 b. Decerebrate posturing c. Reactive pupils d. Uninhibited speech e. Diminished cognition
A, B, E The nurse should urgently communicate changes in a clients neurologic status, including a decrease in the Glasgow Coma Scale score, abnormal flexion or extension, changes in cognition or speech, and pinpointed, dilated, and nonreactive pupils. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 854
A nurse is caring for a client with meningitis. Which laboratory values should the nurse monitor to identify potential complications of this disorder? (Select all that apply.) a. Sodium level b. Liver enzymes c. Clotting factors d. Cardiac enzymes e. Creatinine level
A, C Inflammation associated with meningitis can stimulate the hypothalamus and result in excessive production of antidiuretic hormone. The nurse should monitor sodium levels for early identification of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone. A systemic inflammatory response (SIR) can also occur with meningitis. A SIR can result in a coagulopathy that leads to disseminated intravascular coagulation. The nurse should monitor clotting factors to identify this complication. The other laboratory values are not specific to complications of meningitis. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 868
A client is scheduled for a tympanoplasty. What actions by the nurse are most appropriate? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer preoperative antibiotics. b. Assess for allergies to local anesthetics. c. Ensure that informed consent is on the chart. d. Give ordered antivertigo medications. e. Teach that hearing improves immediately.
A, C Preoperatively, the nurse administers antibiotics and ensures that informed consent is on the chart. Local anesthetics can be used, but general anesthesia is used more often. Antivertigo medications are not used. Hearing will be decreased immediately after the operation until the ear packing is removed. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 1000 -Tympanoplasty, also called eardrum repair, refers to surgery performed to reconstruct a perforated tympanic membrane (eardrum) or the small bones of the middle ear.
A nurse evaluates the results of diagnostic tests on a clients cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Which fluid results alerts the nurse to possible viral meningitis? (Select all that apply.) a. Clear b. Cloudy c. Increased protein level d. Normal glucose level e. Bacterial organisms present f. Increased white blood cells
A, C, D In viral meningitis, CSF fluid is clear, protein levels are slightly increased, and glucose levels are normal. Viral meningitis does not cause cloudiness or increased turbidity of CSF. In bacterial meningitis, the presence of bacteria and white blood cells causes the fluid to be cloudy. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 868
An emergency department nurse assesses a client who was struck in the temporal lobe with a baseball. For which clinical manifestations that are related to a temporal lobe injury should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.) a. Memory loss b. Personality changes c. Difficulty with sound interpretation d. Speech difficulties e. Impaired taste
A, C, D Wernickes area (language area) is located in the temporal lobe and enables the processing of words into coherent thought as well as the understanding of written or spoken words. The temporal lobe also is responsible for the auditory centers interpretation of sound and complicated memory patterns. Personality changes are related to frontal lobe injury. Impaired taste is associated with injury to the parietal lobe. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 841
A client has a hearing aid. What care instructions does the nurse provide the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in the care of this client? (Select all that apply.) a. Be careful not to drop the hearing aid when handling. b. Soak the hearing aid in hot water for 20 minutes. c. Turn the hearing aid off when the client goes to bed. d. Use a toothpick to clean debris from the device. e. Wash the device with soap and a small amount of warm water.
A, C, D, E All these actions except soaking the hearing aid are proper instructions for the nurse to give to the UAP. While some water is used to clean the hearing aid, excessive wetting should be avoided. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 999
A nurse plans care for a client with epilepsy who is admitted to the hospital. Which interventions should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? (Select all that apply.) a. Have suction equipment at the bedside. b. Place a padded tongue blade at the bedside. c. Permit only clear oral fluids. d. Keep bed rails up at all times. e. Maintain the client on strict bedrest. f. Ensure that the client has IV access.
A, D, F Oxygen and suctioning equipment with an airway must be readily available. The bed rails should be up at all times while the client is in the bed to prevent injury from a fall if the client has a seizure. If the client does not have an IV access, insert a saline lock, especially for those clients who are at significant risk for generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The saline lock provides ready access if IV drug therapy must be given to stop the seizure. Padded tongue blades may pose a danger to the client during a seizure and should not be used. Dietary restrictions and strict bedrest are not interventions associated with epilepsy. The client should be encouraged to eat a well-balanced diet and ambulate while in the hospital. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 865
The nurse reads on a clients chart that the client has exophthalmos. What assessment finding is consistent with this diagnosis? a. Bulging eyes b. Drooping eyelids c. Sunken-in eyes d. Yellow sclera
ANS: A Exophthalmos is bulging eyes. Drooping eyelids is ptosis. Sunken-in eyes is enophthalmos. Yellow sclera indicates jaundice. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 963
A nurse manager institutes the Fulmer Spices Framework as part of the routine assessment of older adults in the hospital. The nursing staff assesses for which factors? (Select all that apply.) a. Confusion b. Evidence of abuse c. Incontinence d. Problems with behavior e. Sleep disorders
ANS: A, C, E SPICES stands for sleep disorders, problems with eating or feeding, incontinence, confusion, and evidence of falls. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 40
A home health care nurse has conducted a home safety assessment for an older adult. There are five concrete steps leading out from the front door. Which intervention would be most helpful in keeping the older adult safe on the steps? a. Have the client use a walker or cane on the steps. b. Install contrasting color strips at the edge of each step. c. Instruct the client to use the garage door instead. d. Tell the client to use a two-footed gait on the steps.
ANS: B As a person ages, he or she may experience a decreased sense of touch. The older adult may not be aware of where his or her foot is on the step. Installing contrasting color strips at the end of each step will help increase awareness. If the client does not need an assistive device, he or she should not use one just on stairs. Using an alternative door may be necessary but does not address making the front steps safer. A two-footed gait may not help if the client is unaware of where their foot is o the step
An older client had hip replacement surgery and the surgeon prescribed morphine sulfate for pain. The client is allergic to morphine and reports pain and muscle spasms. When the nurse calls the surgeon, which medication should he or she suggest in place of the morphine? a. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) b. Hydromorphone hydrochloride (Dilaudid) c. Ketorolac (Toradol) d. Meperidine (Demerol) .
ANS: B Cyclobenzaprine (used for muscle spasms), ketorolac, and meperidine (both used for pain) are all on the Beers list of potentially inappropriate medications for use in older adults and should not be suggested. The nurse should suggest hydromorphone hydrochloride
An older adult is brought to the emergency department because of sudden onset of confusion. After the client is stabilized and comfortable, what assessment by the nurse is most important? a. Assess for orthostatic hypotension. b. Determine if there are new medications. c. Evaluate the client for gait abnormalities. d. Perform a delirium screening test.
ANS: B Medication side effects and adverse effects are common in the older population. Something as simple as a new antibiotic can cause confusion and memory loss. The nurse should determine if the client is taking any new medications. Assessments for orthostatic hypotension, gait abnormalities, and delirium may be important once more is known about the clients condition. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 33
A nurse delegates care for a client with early-stage Alzheimers disease to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which statement should the nurse include when delegating this clients care? a. If she is confused, play along and pretend that everything is okay. b. Remove the clock from her room so that she doesnt get confused. c. Reorient the client to the day, time, and environment with each contact. d. Use validation therapy to recognize and acknowledge the clients concerns.
ANS: C Clients who have early-stage Alzheimers disease should be reoriented frequently to person, place, and time. The UAP should reorient the client and not encourage the clients delusions. The room should have a clock and white board with the current date written on it. Validation therapy is used with late-stage Alzheimers disease. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 880
A nurse who is applying eyedrops to a client holds pressure against the corner of the eye nearest the nose after instilling the drops. The client asks what the nurse is doing. What response by the nurse is best? a. Doing this allows time for absorption. b. I am keeping the drops in the eye. c. This prevents systemic absorption. d. I am stopping you from rubbing your eye.
ANS: C This technique, called punctal occlusion, prevents eyedrops from being absorbed systemically. The other answers are inaccurate. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 966
A hospitalized older adult has been assessed at high risk for skin breakdown. Which action does the nurse (RN) delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply) a. Assess skin redness when turning b. Document braden scale results c. Keep the client's skin dry d. Obtain a pressure relieving mattress e. Turn the client every two hours
ANS: C, D, E The nurses aide or UAP can assist in keeping the clients skin dry, order a special mattress on direction of the RN, and turn the client on schedule. Assessing the skin is a nursing responsibility, although the aide should be directed to report any redness noticed. Documenting the braden scale results is the RNs responsibility as the RN is the one who performs that assessment.
A nurse obtains a focused health history for a client who is scheduled for magnetic resonance angiography. Which priority question should the nurse ask before the test? a. Have you had a recent blood transfusion? b. Do you have allergies to iodine or shellfish? c. Are you taking any cardiac medications? d. Do you currently use oral contraceptives?
B Allergies to iodine and/or shellfish need to be explored because the client may have a similar reaction to the dye used in the procedure. In some cases, the client may need to be medicated with antihistamines or steroids before the test is given. A recent blood transfusion or current use of cardiac medications or oral contraceptives would not affect the angiography. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 855
A nurse is teaching a client who experiences migraine headaches and is prescribed a beta blocker. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching? a. Take this drug only when you have prodromal symptoms indicating the onset of a migraine headache. b. Take this drug as ordered, even when feeling well, to prevent vascular changes associated with migraine headaches. c. This drug will relieve the pain during the aura phase soon after a headache has started. d. This medication will have no effect on your heart rate or blood pressure because you are taking it for migraines.
B Beta blockers are prescribed as prophylactic treatment to prevent the vascular changes that initiate migraine headaches. Heart rate and blood pressure will also be affected, and the client should monitor these side effects. The other responses do not discuss appropriate uses of the medication. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 860
A nurse plans care for a client who has a hypoactive response to a test of deep tendon reflexes. Which intervention should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? a. Check bath water temperature with a thermometer. b. Provide the client with assistance when ambulating. c. Place elastic support hose on the clients legs. d. Assess the clients feet for wounds each shift.
B Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes and loss of vibration sense can impair balance and coordination, predisposing the client to falls. The nurse should plan to provide the client with ambulation assistance to prevent injury. The other interventions do not address the clients problem. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 848
A nurse cares for a client who is experiencing status epilepticus. Which prescribed medication should the nurse prepare to administer? a. Atenolol (Tenormin) b. Lorazepam (Ativan) c. Phenytoin (Dilantin) d. Lisinopril (Prinivil)
B Initially, intravenous lorazepam is administered to stop motor movements. This is followed by the administration of phenytoin. Atenolol, a beta blocker, and lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, are not administered for seizure activity. These medications are typically administered for hypertension and heart failure. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 865
A nurse assesses a client with a history of epilepsy who experiences stiffening of the muscles of the arms and legs, followed by an immediate loss of consciousness and jerking of all extremities. How should the nurse document this activity? a. Atonic seizure b. Tonic-clonic seizure c. Myoclonic seizure d. Absence seizure
B Seizure activity that begins with stiffening of the arms and legs, followed by loss of consciousness and jerking of all extremities, is characteristic of a tonic-clonic seizure. An atonic seizure presents as a sudden loss of muscle tone followed by postictal confusion. A myoclonic seizure presents with a brief jerking or stiffening of extremities that may occur singly or in groups. Absence seizures present with automatisms, and the client is unaware of his or her environment. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 862
A nurse obtains a health history on a client prior to administering prescribed sumatriptan succinate (Imitrex) for migraine headaches. Which condition should alert the nurse to hold the medication and contact the health care provider? a. Bronchial asthma b. Prinzmetals angina c. Diabetes mellitus d. Chronic kidney disease
B Sumatriptan succinate effectively reduces pain and other associated symptoms of migraine headache by binding to serotonin receptors and triggering cranial vasoconstriction. Vasoconstrictive effects are not confined to the cranium and can cause coronary vasospasm in clients with Prinzmetals angina. The other conditions would not affect the clients treatment. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 860 -Prinzmetal's angina, often referred to as "variant" angina, is a temporary increase in coronary vascular tone (vasospasm) causing a marked, but transient reduction in luminal diameter.
The student nurse is performing a Weber tuning fork test. What technique is most appropriate? a. Holding the vibrating tuning fork 10 to 12 inches from the clients ear b. Placing the vibrating fork in the middle of the clients head c. Starting by placing the vibrating fork on the mastoid process d. Tapping the vibrating tuning fork against the bridge of the nose
B The Weber tuning fork test includes placing the vibrating tuning fork in the middle of the clients head and asking in which ear the client hears the vibrations louder. The other techniques are incorrect. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 989
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a lumbar puncture (LP). Which complication of this procedure should alert the nurse to urgently contact the health care provider? a. Weak pedal pulses b. Nausea and vomiting c. Increased thirst d. Hives on the chest
B The nurse should immediately contact the provider if the client experiences a severe headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, or a change in level of consciousness after an LP, which are all signs of increased intracranial pressure. Weak pedal pulses, increased thirst, and hives are not complications of an LP. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 841 -Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is an intolerance of light.
A nurse witnesses a client begin to experience a tonic-clonic seizure and loss of consciousness. Which action should the nurse take? a. Start fluids via a large-bore catheter. b. Turn the clients head to the side. c. Administer IV push diazepam. d. Prepare to intubate the client.
B The nurse should turn the clients head to the side to prevent aspiration and allow drainage of secretions. Anticonvulsants are administered on a routine basis if a seizure is sustained. If the seizure is sustained (status epilepticus), the client must be intubated and should be administered oxygen, 0.9% sodium chloride, and IV push lorazepam or diazepam. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 865 -Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. SE is defined as a continuous seizure lasting more than 30 min, or two or more seizures without full recovery of consciousness between any of them.
A client has Mnires disease with frequent attacks. About what drugs does the nurse plan to teach the client? (Select all that apply.) a. Broad-spectrum antibiotics b. Chlorpromazine hydrochloride (Thorazine) c. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) d. Meclizine (Antivert) e. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
B, C, D Drugs such as chlorpromazine, diphenhydramine, and meclizine can all be used to treat Mnires disease. Antibiotics and NSAIDs are not used. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 996
A client is scheduled for a stapedectomy in 2 weeks. What teaching instructions are most appropriate? (Select all that apply.) a. Avoid alcohol use before surgery. b. Blow the nose gently if needed. c. Clean the telephone often. d. Sneeze with the mouth open. e. Wash the external ear daily.
B, C, D, E It is imperative that the client having a stapedectomy is free from ear infection. Teaching includes ways to prevent such infections, such as blowing the nose gently, cleaning objects that come into contact with the ear, sneezing with the mouth open, and washing the external ear daily. Avoiding alcohol will not help prevent ear infections. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 996
After administering a medication that stimulates the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, the nurse assesses the client. For which clinical manifestations should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.) a. Decreased respiratory rate b. Increased heart rate c. Decreased level of consciousness d. Increased force of contraction e. Decreased blood pressure
B, D Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system initiates the fight-or-flight response, increasing both the heart rate and the force of contraction. A medication that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system would also increase the clients respiratory rate, blood pressure, and level of consciousness. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 845
A nurse assesses a client with an injury to the medulla. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply.) a. Loss of smell b. Impaired swallowing c. Visual changes d. Inability to shrug shoulders e. Loss of gag reflex
B, D, E Cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus), XI (accessory), and XII (hypoglossal) emerge from the medulla, as do portions of cranial nerves VII (facial) and VIII (acoustic). Damage to these nerves causes impaired swallowing, inability to shrug shoulders, and loss of the gag reflex. The other manifestations are not associated with damage to the medulla. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 842
A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic headaches. Which statements about headache triggers should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? (Select all that apply.) a. Increase your intake of caffeinated beverages. b. Incorporate physical exercise into your daily routine. c. Avoid all alcoholic beverages. d. Participate in a smoking cessation program. e. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
B, D, E Triggers for headaches include caffeine, smoking, and ingestion of pickled foods, so these factors should be avoided. Clients are taught to eat a balanced diet and to get adequate exercise and rest. Alcohol does not trigger chronic headaches but can enhance headaches during the headache period. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 861
A nurse assesses an older client. Which assessment findings should the nurse identify as normal changes in the nervous system related to aging? (Select all that apply.) a. Long-term memory loss b. Slower processing time c. Increased sensory perception d. Decreased risk for infection e. Change in sleep patterns
B, E Normal changes in the nervous system related to aging include recent memory loss, slower processing time, decreased sensory perception, an increased risk for infection, changes in sleep patterns, changes in perception of pain, and altered balance and/or decreased coordination. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 846
A client is admitted to the nursing unit after having a tympanoplasty. What activities does the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer prescribed antibiotics. b. Keep the head of the clients bed flat. c. Remind the client to lie on the operative side. d. Remove the iodoform gauze in 8 hours. e. Take and record postoperative vital signs.
B, E The UAP can keep the head of the clients bed flat and take/record vital signs. The nurse administers medications. The client should lie flat with the head turned so the operative side is up. The nurse or surgeon removes the gauze packing. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 1001
A hospitalized client has Mnires disease. What menu selections demonstrate good knowledge of the recommended diet for this disorder? (Select all that apply.) a. Chinese stir fry with vegetables b. Broiled chicken breast c. Chocolate espresso cookies d. Deli turkey sandwich and chips e. Green herbal tea with meals
B, E The diet recommendations for Mnires disease include low-sodium, caffeine-free foods and fluids distributed evenly throughout the day. Plenty of water is also needed. The broiled chicken breast and herbal tea are the best selections. The stir fry is high in sodium and possibly monosodium glutamate (MSG, also not recommended). The cookies have caffeine, and the sandwich and chips are high in sodium. DIF: Evaluating/Synthesis REF: 999
A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an absence seizure. For which clinical manifestations should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.) a. Intermittent rigidity b. Lip smacking c. Sudden loss of muscle tone d. Brief jerking of the extremities e. Picking at clothing f. Patting of the hand on the leg
B, E, F Automatisms (action performed unconsciously or involuntarily) are characteristic of absence seizures. These behaviors consist of lip smacking, picking at clothing, and patting. Rigidity of muscles is associated with the tonic phase of a seizure, and jerking of the extremities is associated with the clonic phase of a seizure. Loss of muscle tone occurs with atonic seizures. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 862
A nurse is teaching a client with chronic migraine headaches. Which statement related to complementary therapy should the nurse include in this clients teaching? a. Place a warm compress on your forehead at the onset of the headache. b. Wear dark sunglasses when you are in brightly lit spaces. c. Lie down in a darkened room when you experience a headache. d. Set your alarm to ensure you do not sleep longer than 6 hours at one time.
C At the onset of a migraine attack, the client may be able to alleviate pain by lying down and darkening the room. He or she may want both eyes covered and a cool cloth on the forehead. If the client falls asleep, he or she should remain undisturbed until awakening. The other options are not recognized therapies for migraines. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 860
A nurse is teaching a client with cerebellar function impairment. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients discharge teaching? a. Connect a light to flash when your door bell rings. b. Label your faucet knobs with hot and cold signs. c. Ask a friend to drive you to your follow-up appointments. d. Use a natural gas detector with an audible alarm.
C Cerebellar function enables the client to predict distance or gauge the speed with which one is approaching an object, control voluntary movement, maintain equilibrium, and shift from one skilled movement to another in an orderly sequence. A client who has cerebellar function impairment should not be driving. The client would not have difficulty hearing, distinguishing between hot and cold, or smelling. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 841
The clients chart indicates a sensorineural hearing loss. What assessment question does the nurse ask to determine the possible cause? a. Do you feel like something is in your ear? b. Do you have frequent ear infections? c. Have you been exposed to loud noises? d. Have you been told your ear bones dont move?
C Sensorineural hearing loss can occur from damage to the cochlea, the eighth cranial nerve, or the brain. Exposure to loud music is one etiology. The other questions relate to conductive hearing loss. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 989
A client with Mnires disease is in the hospital when the client has an attack of this disorder. What action by the nurse takes priority? a. Assess vital signs every 15 minutes. b. Dim or turn off lights in the clients room. c. Place the client in bed with the upper siderails up. d. Provide a cool, wet cloth for the clients face.
C Clients with Mnires disease can have vertigo so severe that they can fall. The nurse should assist the client into bed and put the siderails up to keep the client from falling out of bed due to the intense whirling feeling. The other actions are not warranted for clients with Mnires disease. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 996 -Ménière's disease is an inner-ear condition that can cause vertigo, a specific type of dizziness in which you feel as though you're spinning.
The nurse works with clients who have hearing problems. Which action by a client best indicates goals for an important diagnosis have been met? a. Babysitting the grandchildren several times a week b. Having an adaptive hearing device for the television c. Being active in community events and volunteer work d. Responding agreeably to suggestions for adaptive devices
C Clients with hearing problems can become frustrated and withdrawn. The client who is actively engaged in the community shows the best evidence of psychosocial adjustment to hearing loss. Babysitting the grandchildren is a positive sign but does not indicate involvement outside the home. Having an adaptive device is not the same as using it, and watching TV without evidence of other activities can also indicate social isolation. Responding agreeably does not indicate the client will actually follow through. DIF: Evaluating/Synthesis REF: 990
A nurse plans care for an 83-year-old client who is experiencing age-related sensory perception changes. Which intervention should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? a. Provide a call button that requires only minimal pressure to activate. b. Write the date on the clients white board to promote orientation. c. Ensure that the path to the bathroom is free from equipment. d. Encourage the client to season food to stimulate nutritional intake.
C Dementia and confusion are not common phenomena in older adults. However, physical impairment related to illness can be expected. Providing opportunities for hazard-free ambulation will maintain strength and mobility (and ensure safety). Providing a call button, providing the date, and seasoning food do not address the clients impaired sensory perception. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 850
A nurse assesses a client who has a history of migraines. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse identify as an early sign of a migraine with aura? a. Vertigo b. Lethargy c. Visual disturbances d. Numbness of the tongue
C Early warning of impending migraine with aura usually consists of visual changes, flashing lights, or diplopia. The other manifestations are not associated with an impending migraine with aura. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 858 -Diplopia is the perception of 2 images of a single object. Diplopia may be monocular or binocular. Monocular diplopia is present when only one eye is open. Binocular diplopia disappears when either eye is closed.
A nurse asks a client to take deep breaths during an electroencephalography. The client asks, Why are you asking me to do this? How should the nurse respond? a. Hyperventilation causes vascular dilation of cerebral arteries, which decreases electoral activity in the brain. b. Deep breathing helps you to relax and allows the electroencephalograph to obtain a better waveform. c. Hyperventilation causes cerebral vasoconstriction and increases the likelihood of seizure activity. d. Deep breathing will help you to blow off carbon dioxide and decreases intracranial pressures.
C Hyperventilation produces cerebral vasoconstriction and alkalosis, which increases the likelihood of seizure activity. The client is asked to breathe deeply 20 to 30 times for 3 minutes. The other responses are not accurate. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 859 -electroencephalography is the measurement of electrical activity in different parts of the brain and the recording of such activity as a visual trace (on paper or on an oscilloscope screen).
A nurse is caring for a client with a history of renal insufficiency who is scheduled for a computed tomography scan of the head with contrast medium. Which priority intervention should the nurse implement? a. Educate the client about strict bedrest after the procedure. b. Place an indwelling urinary catheter to closely monitor output. c. Obtain a prescription for intravenous fluids. d. Contact the provider to cancel the procedure.
C If a contrast medium is used, intravenous fluid may be given to promote excretion of the contrast medium. Contrast medium also may act as a diuretic, resulting in the need for fluid replacement. The client will not require bedrest. Although urinary output should be monitored closely, there is no need for an indwelling urinary catheter. There is no need to cancel the procedure as long as actions are taken to protect the kidneys. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 857
A client has severe tinnitus that cannot be treated adequately. What action by the nurse is best? a. Advise the client to take antianxiety medication. b. Educate the client on nerve cutting procedures. c. Refer the client to online or local support groups. d. Teach the client side effects of furosemide (Lasix).
C If the clients tinnitus cannot be treated, he or she will have to learn to cope with it. Referring the client to tinnitus support groups can be helpful. The other options are not warranted. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 996
After teaching a client who is scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which client statement indicates a correct understanding of the teaching? a. I must increase my fluids because of the dye used for the MRI. b. My urine will be radioactive so I should not share a bathroom. c. I can return to my usual activities immediately after the MRI. d. My gag reflex will be tested before I can eat or drink anything.
C No postprocedure restrictions are imposed after MRI. The client can return to normal activities after the test is complete. There are no dyes or radioactive materials used for the MRI; therefore, increased fluids are not needed and the clients urine would not be radioactive. The procedure does not impact the clients gag reflex. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 856
A nurse teaches an 80-year-old client with diminished touch sensation. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching? a. Place soft rugs in your bathroom to decrease pain in your feet. b. Bathe in warm water to increase your circulation. c. Look at the placement of your feet when walking. d. Walk barefoot to decrease pressure ulcers from your shoes.
C Older clients with decreased sensation are at risk of injury from the inability to sense changes in terrain when walking. To compensate for this loss, the client is instructed to look at the placement of her or his feet when walking. Throw rugs can slip and increase fall risk. Bath water that is too warm places the client at risk for thermal injury. The client should wear sturdy shoes for ambulation. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 846
A nurse assesses a client with a brain tumor. The client opens his eyes when the nurse calls his name, mumbles in response to questions, and follows simple commands. How should the nurse document this clients assessment using the Glasgow Coma Scale shown below? a. 8 b. 10 c. 12 d. 14
C The client opens his eyes to speech (Eye opening: To sound = 3), mumbles in response to questions (Verbal response: Inappropriate words = 3), and follows simple commands (Motor response: Obeys commands = 6). Therefore, the clients Glasgow Coma Scale score is: 3 + 3 + 6 = 12. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 853
A nurse prepares to teach a client who has experienced damage to the left temporal lobe of the brain. Which action should the nurse take when providing education about newly prescribed medications to this client? a. Help the client identify each medication by its color. b. Provide written materials with large print size. c. Sit on the clients right side and speak into the right ear. d. Allow the client to use a white board to ask questions.
C The temporal lobe contains the auditory center for sound interpretation. The clients hearing will be impaired in the left ear. The nurse should sit on the clients right side and speak into the right ear. The other interventions do not address the clients left temporal lobe damage. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 841
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from the implantation of a vagal nerve stimulation device. For which clinical manifestations should the nurse assess as common complications of this procedure? (Select all that apply.) a. Bleeding b. Infection c. Hoarseness d. Dysphagia e. Seizures
C, D Complications of surgery to implant a vagal nerve stimulation device include hoarseness (most common), dyspnea, neck pain, and dysphagia. The device is tunneled under the skin with an electrode connected to the vagus nerve to control simple or complex partial seizures. Bleeding is not a common complication of this procedure, and infection would not occur during the recovery period. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 866 -vagus nerve: parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract
A nurse is teaching a community group about noise-induced hearing loss. Which client who does not use ear protection should the nurse refer to an audiologist as the priority? a. Client with an hour car commute on the freeway each day b. Client who rides a motorcycle to work 20 minutes each way c. Client who sat in the back row at a rock concert recently d. Client who is a tree-trimmer and uses a chainsaw 6 to 7 hours a day
D A chainsaw becomes dangerous to hearing after 2 hours of exposure without hearing protection. This client needs to be referred as the priority. Normal car traffic is safe for more than 8 hours. Motorcycle noise is safe for about 8 hours. The safe exposure time for a front-row rock concert seat is 3 minutes, but this client was in the back, and so had less exposure. In addition, a one-time exposure is less damaging than chronic exposure. DIF: Remembering/Knowledge REF: 990
A nurse assesses a clients recent memory. Which client statement confirms that the clients recent memory is intact? a. A young girl wrapped in a shroud fell asleep on a bed of clouds. b. I was born on April 3, 1967, in Johnstown Community Hospital. c. Apple, chair, and pencil are the words you just stated. d. I ate oatmeal with wheat toast and orange juice for breakfast.
D Asking clients about recent events that can be verified, such as what the client ate for breakfast, assesses the clients recent memory. The clients ability to make up a rhyme tests not memory, but rather a higher level of cognition. Asking clients about certain facts from the past that can be verified assesses remote or long-term memory. Asking the client to repeat words assesses the clients immediate memory. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 849
After teaching a client who is diagnosed with new-onset status epilepticus and prescribed phenytoin (Dilantin), the nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching? a. To prevent complications, I will drink at least 2 liters of water daily. b. This medication will stop me from getting an aura before a seizure. c. I will not drive a motor vehicle while taking this medication. d. Even when my seizures stop, I will continue to take this drug.
D Discontinuing antiepileptic drugs can lead to the recurrence of seizures or status epilepticus. The client does not need to drink more water and can drive while taking this medication. The medication will not stop an aura before a seizure. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 865
A nurse cares for a client who is experiencing deteriorating neurologic functions. The client states, I am worried I will not be able to care for my young children. How should the nurse respond? a. Caring for your children is a priority. You may not want to ask for help, but you have to. b. Our community has resources that may help you with some household tasks so you have energy to care for your children. c. You seem distressed. Would you like to talk to a psychologist about adjusting to your changing status? d. Give me more information about what worries you, so we can see if we can do something to make adjustments.
D Investigate specific concerns about situational or role changes before providing additional information. The nurse should not tell the client what is or is not a priority for him or her. Although community resources may be available, they may not be appropriate for the client. Consulting a psychologist would not be appropriate without obtaining further information from the client related to current concerns. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 854
A nurse obtains a focused health history for a client who is scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Which condition should alert the nurse to contact the provider and cancel the procedure? a. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) of 100 IU/L b. Atrioventricular graft c. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 50 mg/dL d. Internal insulin pump
D Metal devices such as internal pumps, pacemakers, and prostheses interfere with the accuracy of the image and can become displaced by the magnetic force generated by an MRI procedure. An atrioventricular graft does not contain any metal. CPK and BUN levels have no impact on an MRI procedure. DIF: Understanding/Comprehension REF: 858
A client is going on a cruise but has had motion sickness in the past. What suggestion does the nurse make to this client? a. Avoid alcohol on the cruise ship. b. Change positions slowly on the ship. c. Change your travel plans. d. Try scopolamine (Transderm Scop).
D Scopolamine can successfully treat the vertigo and dizziness associated with motion sickness. Avoiding alcohol and changing positions slowly are not effective. Telling the client to change travel plans is not a caring suggestion. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 996
After teaching a client newly diagnosed with epilepsy, the nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement by the client indicates a need for additional teaching? a. I will wear my medical alert bracelet at all times. b. While taking my epilepsy medications, I will not drink any alcoholic beverages. c. I will tell my doctor about my prescription and over-the-counter medications. d. If I am nauseated, I will not take my epilepsy medication.
D The nurse must emphasize that antiepileptic drugs must be taken even if the client is nauseous. Discontinuing the medication can predispose the client to seizure activity and status epilepticus. The client should not drink alcohol while taking seizure medications. The client should wear a medical alert bracelet and should make the doctor aware of all medications to prevent complications of polypharmacy. DIF: Applying/Application REF: 864