nursing fundamentals 30 and 41

A nurse is assessing a group of patients. Match the assessment finding the nurse observed to its condition. a. Lower extremity swollen and warm with normal pulse b. Neck vein visible when sitting c. Spoon nails d. Lower extremity pale and cool with decreased pulse e. Ringing in ears f. Swayback g. Black, tarry stools 1. Koilonychia 2. Venous problems 3. Lordosis 4. Melena 5. Arterial problems 6. Jugular vein distention 7. Tinnitus

1. ANS: C DIF: Understand (comprehension) OBJ: Describe physical measurements made in assessing each body system. TOP: Assessment MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential 2. ANS: A DIF: Understand (comprehension) OBJ: Describe physical measurements made in assessing each body system. TOP: Assessment MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential 3. ANS: F DIF: Understand (comprehension) OBJ: Describe physical measurements made in assessing each body system. TOP: Assessment MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential 4. ANS: G DIF: Understand (comprehension) OBJ: Describe physical measurements made in assessing each body system. TOP: Assessment MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential 5. ANS: D DIF: Understand (comprehension) OBJ: Describe physical measurements made in assessing each body system. TOP: Assessment MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential 6. ANS: B DIF: Understand (comprehension) OBJ: Describe physical measurements made in assessing each body system. TOP: Assessment MSC: Reduction of Risk Potential 7. ANS: E DIF: Understand (comprehension) OBJ: Describe physical measurements made in assessing each body system. TOP: Assessment MSC: Reduction of Risk Potentia

1A nurse is preparing to perform a lung assessment on a patient and discovers through the nursing history the patient smokes. The nurse figures the pack-years for this patient who has smoked two and a half (2 1/2) packs a day for 20 years. Which value will the nurse record in the patient's medical record? Record answer as a whole number. _________ pack-years

ANS: 50 Pack-years = Number of years smoking × Number of packs per day: 20 × 2.5 = 50.

A patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) asks the nurse why clubbing occurs. Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic? a. "Your disease doesn't send enough oxygen to your fingers." b. "Your disease affects both your lungs and your heart, and not enough blood is being pumped." c. "Your disease will be helped if you pursed-lip breathe." d. "Your disease often makes patients lose mental status."

a. "Your disease doesn't send enough oxygen to your fingers." ANS: A Clubbing of the nail bed can occur with COPD and other diseases that cause prolonged oxygen deficiency or chronic hypoxemia. Pursed-lipped breathing helps the alveoli stay open but is not the cause of clubbing. Loss of mental status is not a normal finding with COPD and will not result in clubbing. Low oxygen and not low circulating blood volume is the problem in COPD that results in clubbing.

A nurse is caring for a patient whose tissue perfusion is poor as the result of hypertension. When the patient asks what to eat for breakfast, which meal should the nurse suggest? a. A cup of nonfat yogurt with granola and a handful of dried apricots b. Whole wheat toast with butter and a side of bacon c. A bowl of cereal with whole milk and a banana d. Omelet with sausage, cheese, and onions

a. A cup of nonfat yogurt with granola and a handful of dried apricots ANS: A A 2000-calorie diet of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods that are high in fiber, potassium, calcium, and magnesium and low in saturated and total fat helps prevent and reduce the effects of hypertension. Nonfat yogurt with granola is a good source of calcium, fiber, and potassium; dried apricots add a second source of potassium. Although cereal and a banana provide fiber and potassium, skim milk should be substituted for whole milk to decrease fat. An omelet with sausage and cheese is high in fat. Butter and bacon are high in fat.

A nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient should the nurse see first? a. A patient with hypercapnia wearing an oxygen mask b. A patient with a chest tube ambulating with the chest tube unclamped c. A patient with thick secretions being tracheal suctioned first and then orally d. A patient with a new tracheostomy and tracheostomy obturator at bedside

a. A patient with hypercapnia wearing an oxygen mask ANS: A The mask is contraindicated for patients with carbon dioxide retention (hypercapnia) because retention can be worsened; the nurse must see this patient first to correct the problem. All the rest are using correct procedures and do not need to be seen first. A chest tube should not be clamped when ambulating. Clamping a chest tube is contraindicated when ambulating or transporting a patient. Clamping can result in a tension pneumothorax. Use nasotracheal suctioning before pharyngeal suctioning whenever possible. The mouth and pharynx contain more bacteria than the trachea. Keep tracheostomy obturator at bedside with a fresh (new) tracheostomy to facilitate reinsertion of the outer cannula if dislodged.

A nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient will the nurse see first? a. An adult with an S4 heart sound b. A young adult with an S3 heart sound c. An adult with vesicular lung sounds in the lung periphery d. A young adult with bronchovesicular breath sounds between the scapula posteriorly

a. An adult with an S4 heart sound ANS: A A fourth heart sound (S4) occurs when the atria contract to enhance ventricular filling. An S4 is often heard in healthy older adults, children, and athletes, but it is not normal in adults. Because S4 also indicates an abnormal condition, report it to a health care provider. An S3 is considered abnormal in adults over 31 years of age but can often be heard normally in children and young adults. Vesicular lungs sounds in the periphery and bronchovesicular lung sounds in between the scapula are normal findings.

The nurse is caring for a patient who is prescribed oxygen via a nasal cannula. Which task can the nurse delegate to the nursing assistive personnel? a. Applying the nasal cannula b. Adjusting the oxygen flow c. Assessing lung sounds d. Setting up the oxygen

a. Applying the nasal cannula ANS: A The skill of applying (not adjusting oxygen flow) a nasal cannula or oxygen mask can be delegated to assistive personnel (AP). The nurse is responsible for assessing the patient's respiratory system, response to oxygen therapy, and setup of oxygen therapy, including adjustment of oxygen flow rate.

During a routine physical examination of a 70-year-old patient, a blowing sound is auscultated over the carotid artery. Which assessment finding will the nurse report to the health care provider? a. Bruit b. Thrill c. Phlebitis d. Right-sided heart failure

a. Bruit ANS: A A bruit is the sound of turbulence of blood passing through a narrowed blood vessel and is auscultated as a blowing sound. A bruit can reflect cardiovascular disease in the carotid artery of middle-aged to older adults. Intensity or loudness is related to the rate of blood flow through the heart or the amount of blood regurgitated. A thrill is a continuous palpable sensation that resembles the purring of a cat. Jugular venous distention, not bruit, is a possible sign of right-sided heart failure. Some patients with heart disease have distended jugular veins when sitting. Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein that occurs commonly after trauma to the vessel wall, infection, immobilization, and prolonged insertion of IV catheters. It affects predominantly peripheral veins.

A nurse explains the function of the alveoli to a patient with respiratory problems. Which information about the alveoli's function will the nurse share with the patient? a. Carries out gas exchange. b. Regulates tidal volume. c. Produces hemoglobin. d. Stores oxygen.

a. Carries out gas exchange. ANS: A The alveolus is a capillary membrane that allows gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during respiration. The alveoli do not store oxygen, regulate tidal volume, or produce hemoglobin.

The patient is a 50-year-old African American male who has come in for a routine annual physical. Which type of preventive screening does the nurse discuss with the patient? a. Digital rectal examination of the prostate b. Complete eye examination every year c. CA 125 blood test once a year d. Colonoscopy every 3 years

a. Digital rectal examination of the prostate ANS: A Recommended preventive screenings include a digital rectal examination of the prostate and prostate-specific antigen test starting at age 50. CA 125 blood tests are indicated for women at high risk for ovarian cancer. Patients over the age of 65 need to have complete eye examinations yearly. Colonoscopy every 10 years is recommended in patients 45 years of age and older.

The patient is experiencing angina pectoris. Which assessment finding does the nurse expect when conducting a history and physical examination? a. Experiences chest pain after eating a heavy meal. b. Experiences adequate oxygen saturation during exercise. c. Experiences crushing chest pain for more than 20 minutes. d. Experiences tingling in the left arm that lasts throughout the morning.

a. Experiences chest pain after eating a heavy meal. ANS: A Angina pectoris is chest pain that results from limited oxygen supply. Often pain is precipitated by activities such as exercise, stress, and eating a heavy meal and lasts 3 to 5 minutes. Symptoms of angina pectoris are relieved by rest and/or nitroglycerin. Adequate oxygen saturation occurs with rest; inadequate oxygen saturation occurs during exercise. Pain lasting longer than 20 minutes or arm tingling that persists could be a sign of myocardial infarction.

A male student comes to the college health clinic. He hesitantly describes that he found something wrong with his testis when taking a shower. Which assessment finding will alert the nurse to possible testicular cancer? a. Hard, pea-sized testicular lump b. Rubbery texture of testes c. Painful enlarged testis d. Prolonged diuretic use

a. Hard, pea-sized testicular lump ANS: A The most common symptoms of testicular cancer are a painless enlargement of one testis and the appearance of a palpable, small, hard lump, about the size of a pea, on the front or side of the testicle. Normally, the testes feel smooth, rubbery, and free of nodules. Use of diuretics, sedatives, or antihypertensives can lead to erection or ejaculation problems.

Which coughing technique will the nurse use to help a patient clear central airways? a. Huff b. Quad c. Cascade d. Incentive spirometry

a. Huff ANS: A The huff cough stimulates a natural cough reflex and is generally effective only for clearing central airways. While exhaling, the patient opens the glottis by saying the word huff. The quad cough technique is for patients without abdominal muscle control such as those with spinal cord injuries. While the patient breathes out with a maximal expiratory effort, the patient or nurse pushes inward and upward on the abdominal muscles toward the diaphragm, causing the cough. With the cascade cough the patient takes a slow, deep breath and holds it for 2 seconds while contracting expiratory muscles. Then he or she opens the mouth and performs a series of coughs throughout exhalation, thereby coughing at progressively lowered lung volumes. This technique promotes airway clearance and a patent airway in patients with large volumes of sputum. Incentive spirometry encourages voluntary deep breathing by providing visual feedback to patients about inspiratory volume. It promotes deep breathing and prevents or treats atelectasis in the postoperative patient.

The nurse is caring for a patient experiencing fluid volume overload. Which physiological effect does the nurse most likely expect? a. Increased preload b. Increased heart rate c. Decreased afterload d. Decreased tissue perfusion

a. Increased preload ANS: A Preload refers to the amount of blood in the left ventricle at the end of diastole; an increase in circulating volume would increase the preload of the heart. Afterload refers to resistance; increased pressure would lead to increased resistance, and afterload would increase. A decrease in tissue perfusion would be seen with hypovolemia. A decrease in fluid volume would cause an increase in heart rate as the body is attempting to increase cardiac output.

A nurse is teaching a community health promotion class and discusses the flu vaccine. Which information will the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.) a. It is given yearly. b. It is given in a series of four doses. c. It is safe for children allergic to eggs. d. It is safe for adults with acute febrile illnesses. e. The live, attenuated nasal spray is given to people over 50. f. The vaccines are recommended for all people 6 months and older.

a. It is given yearly. f. The vaccines are recommended for all people 6 months and older. ANS: A, F Annual (yearly) flu vaccines are recommended for all people 6 months and older. People with a known hypersensitivity to eggs or other components of the vaccine should consult their health care provider before being vaccinated. There is a flu vaccine made without egg proteins that is approved for adults 18 years of age and older. Adults with an acute febrile illness should schedule the vaccination after they have recovered. The live, attenuated nasal spray vaccine is given to people from 2 through 49 years of age if they are not pregnant or do not have certain long-term health problems such as asthma; heart, lung, or kidney disease; diabetes; or anemia.

A patient is experiencing carbon dioxide retention from lung problems. Which type of diet will the nurse most likely suggest for this patient? a. Moderate-carbohydrate b. Low-caffeine c. High-caffeine d. High-carbohydrate

a. Moderate-carbohydrate ANS: A A moderate-carbohydrate diet is best. Diets high in carbohydrates play a role in increasing the carbon dioxide load for patients with carbon dioxide retention. As carbohydrates are metabolized, an increased load of carbon dioxide is created and excreted via the lungs. A low- or high-caffeine diet is not as important as the carbohydrate load.

A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is receiving 2 L/min of oxygen. Which oxygen delivery device is most appropriate for the nurse to administer the oxygen? a. Nasal cannula b. Simple face mask c. Non-rebreather mask d. Partial non-rebreather mask

a. Nasal cannula ANS: A Nasal cannulas deliver oxygen from 1 to 6 L/min. All other devices (simple face mask, non-rebreather mask, and partial non-rebreather mask) are intended for flow rates greater than 6 L/min.

A nurse is assessing several patients. Which assessment findings will cause the nurse to follow up? (Select all that apply.) a. Orthopnea b. Nonpalpable lymph nodes c. Pleural friction rub present d. Crackles in lower lung lobes e. Grade 5 muscle function level f. A 160-degree angle between nail plate and nail

a. Orthopnea c. Pleural friction rub present d. Crackles in lower lung lobes ANS: A, C, D Abnormal findings will cause a nurse to follow up. Orthopnea is abnormal and indicates cardiovascular or respiratory problems. Pleural friction rub is abnormal and indicated an inflamed pleura. Crackles are adventitious breath sounds and indicate random, sudden reinflation of groups of alveoli, indicating disruptive passage of air through small airways. Lymph nodes should be nonpalpable; palpable lymph nodes are abnormal. Grade 5 muscle function is normal. A 160-degree angle between nail plate and nail is normal; a larger degree angle is abnormal and indicates clubbing.

The patient is experiencing right-sided heart failure. Which finding will the nurse expect when performing an assessment? a. Peripheral edema b. Basilar crackles c. Chest pain d. Cyanosis

a. Peripheral edema ANS: A Right-sided heart failure results from inability of the right side of the heart to pump effectively, leading to a systemic backup. Peripheral edema, distended neck veins, and weight gain are signs of right-sided failure. Basilar crackles can indicate pulmonary congestion from left-sided heart failure. Cyanosis and chest pain result from inadequate tissue perfusion.

Which determination is the nurse trying to achieve by monitoring a patient's cardiac output? a. Peripheral extremity circulation b. Oxygenation requirements c. Presence of cardiac dysrhythmias d. Ventilation status

a. Peripheral extremity circulation ANS: A Cardiac output indicates how much blood is being circulated systemically throughout the body to the periphery. The amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle each minute is the cardiac output. Oxygen status would be determined by pulse oximetry and the presence of cyanosis. Cardiac dysrhythmias are an electrical impulse monitored through ECG results. Ventilation status is measured by respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, and capnography. Capnography provides instant information about the patient's ventilation. Ventilation status does not depend solely on cardiac output.

A nurse is conducting Weber's test. Which action will the nurse take? a. Place a vibrating tuning fork in the middle of patient's forehead. b. Place a vibrating tuning fork on the patient's mastoid process. c. Compare the number of seconds heard by bone versus air conduction. d. Compare the patient's degree of joint movement to the normal level.

a. Place a vibrating tuning fork in the middle of patient's forehead. ANS: A During Weber's test (lateralization of sound), the nurse places the vibrating tuning fork in the middle of the patient's forehead. During a Rinne test (comparison of air and bone conduction), the nurse places a vibrating tuning fork on the patient's mastoid process and compares the length of time air and bone conduction is heard. Comparing the patient's degree of joint movement to the normal level is a test for range of motion.

During a genitourinary examination of a 30-year-old male patient, the nurse identifies a small amount of a white, thick substance on the patient's uncircumcised glans penis. What is the nurse's next step? a. Record this as a normal finding. b. Avoid embarrassing questions about sexual activity. c. Notify the provider about a suspected sexually transmitted infection. d. Tell the patient to avoid doing self-examinations until symptoms clear.

a. Record this as a normal finding. ANS: A A small amount of thick, white smegma sometimes collects under the foreskin in the uncircumcised male and is considered normal. Penile pain or swelling, genital lesions, and urethral discharge are signs and symptoms that may indicate sexually transmitted infections (STI). All men 15 years and older need to perform a male-genital self-examination monthly. The nurse needs to assess a patient's sexual history and use of safe sex habits. Sexual history reveals risks for STI and HIV.

A nurse is reviewing the electrocardiogram (ECG) results. Which portion of the conduction system does the nurse consider when evaluating the P wave? a. SA node b. AV node c. Bundle of His d. Purkinje fibers

a. SA node ANS: A The P wave represents the electrical conduction through both atria; the SA node initiates electrical conduction through the atria. The AV node conducts down through the bundle of His and the Purkinje fibers to cause ventricular contraction.

The nurse is preparing for a rectal examination of a nonambulatory male patient. In which position will the nurse place the patient? a. Sims' b. Knee-chest c. Dorsal recumbent d. Forward bending with flexed hips

a. Sims' ANS: A Nonambulatory patients are best examined in a side-lying Sims' position. Forward bending would require the patient to be able to stand upright. Knees to chest would be difficult to maintain in a nonambulatory male and is embarrassing and uncomfortable. Dorsal recumbent does not provide adequate access for a rectal examination and is used for abdominal assessment because it promotes relaxation of abdominal muscles.

The nurse is creating a plan of care for an obese patient who is experiencing fatigue related to ineffective breathing. Which intervention best addresses a short-term goal the patient could achieve? a. Sleeping on two to three pillows at night b. Sensibly reducing daily calorie intake c. Running 30 minutes every morning d. Stopping smoking immediately

a. Sleeping on two to three pillows at night ANS: A To achieve a short-term goal, the nurse should plan a lifestyle change that the patient can make immediately that will have a quick effect. Sleeping on several pillows at night will immediately relieve orthopnea and open the patient's airway, thereby reducingfatigue. Running 30 minutes a day will improve cardiopulmonary health, but a patient needs to build up exercise tolerance. Smoking cessation is another process that many people have difficulty doing immediately. A more realistic short-term goal would be to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked. Limiting caloric intake can help a patient lose weight, but this is a gradual process and is not reasonable for a short-term goal.

The patient is breathing normally. Which process does the nurse consider is working properly when the patient inspires? a. Stimulation of chemical receptors in the aorta b. Reduction of arterial oxygen saturation levels c. Requirement of elastic recoil lung properties d. Enhancement of accessory muscle usage

a. Stimulation of chemical receptors in the aorta ANS: A Inspiration is an active process, stimulated by chemical receptors in the aorta. Reduced arterial oxygen saturation levels indicate hypoxemia, an abnormal finding. Expiration is a passive process that depends on the elastic recoil properties of the lungs, requiring little or no muscle work. Prolonged use of the accessory muscles does not promote effective ventilation and causes fatigue.

Which risk factor for cardiopulmonary disease should the nurse describe as modifiable? a. Stress b. Allergies c. Family history d. Gender

a. Stress ANS: A Young and middle-age adults are exposed to multiple cardiopulmonary risk factors: an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, stress, over-the-counter and prescription drugs not used as intended, illegal substances, and smoking. Reducing these modifiable factors decreases a patient's risk for cardiac or pulmonary diseases. A nonmodifiable risk factor is family history; determine familial risk factors such as a family history of lung cancer or cardiovascular disease. Other nonmodifiable risk factors include allergies and gender.

A nurse is caring for a patient prescribed continuous cardiac monitoring for heart dysrhythmias. Which rhythm will cause the nurse to intervene immediately? a. Ventricular tachycardia b. Atrial fibrillation c. Sinus rhythm d. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

a. Ventricular tachycardia ANS: A Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are life-threatening rhythms that require immediate intervention. Ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening dysrhythmia because of the decreased cardiac output and the potential to deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation or sudden cardiac death. Atrial fibrillation is a common dysrhythmia in older adults and is not as serious as ventricular tachycardia. Sinus rhythm is normal. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is a sudden, rapid onset of tachycardia originating above the AV node. It often begins and ends spontaneously.

A febrile preschool-aged child presents to the after-hours clinic. Varicella (chickenpox) is diagnosed on the basis of the illness history and the presence of small, circumscribed skin lesions filled with serous fluid. Which type of skin lesion will the nurse report? a. Vesicles b. Wheals c. Papules d. Pustules

a. Vesicles ANS: A Vesicles are circumscribed, elevated skin lesions filled with serous fluid that measure less than 1 cm. Wheals are irregularly shaped, elevated areas of superficial localized edema that vary in size. They are common with mosquito bites and hives. Papulesare palpable, circumscribed, solid elevations in the skin that are smaller than 1 cm. Pustules are elevations of skin similar to vesicles, but they are filled with pus and vary in size like acne.

A nurse is assessing a patient's cranial nerve IX. Which items does the nurse gather before conducting the assessment? (Select all that apply.) a. Vial of sugar b. Snellen chart c. Tongue blade d. Ophthalmoscope e. Lemon applicator

a. Vial of sugar c. Tongue blade e. Lemon applicator ANS: A, C, E Cranial nerve IX is the glossopharyngeal, which controls taste and ability to swallow. The nurse asks the patient to identify sour (lemon) or sweet (sugar) tastes on the back of the tongue and uses a tongue blade to elicit a gag reflex. Ophthalmoscopes are used for vision. A Snellen chart is used to test cranial nerve II (optic).

A nurse identifies lice during a child's scalp assessment. The nurse teaches the parents about hair care. Which information from the parents indicates the nurse needs to follow up? a. We will use lindane-based shampoos. b. We will use the sink to wash hair. c. We will use a fine-toothed comb. d. We will use a vinegar hair rinse.

a. We will use lindane-based shampoos. ANS: A Products containing lindane, a toxic ingredient, often cause adverse reactions; the nurse will need to follow up to correct the misconception. All the rest are correct. Instruct parents who have children with head lice to shampoo thoroughly with pediculicide (shampoo available at drugstores) in cold water at a basin or sink, comb thoroughly with a fine-toothed comb, and discard the comb. A dilute solution of vinegar and water helps loosen nits.

A parent calls the school nurse with questions regarding the recent school vision screening. Snellen chart examination revealed 20/60 for both eyes. Which response by the nurse is the best regarding the eye examination results? a. Your child needs to see an ophthalmologist. b. Your child is suffering from strabismus. c. Your child may have presbyopia. d. Your child has cataracts.

a. Your child needs to see an ophthalmologist. ANS: A The child needs an eye examination with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Normal vision is 20/20. The larger the denominator, the poorer the patient's visual acuity. For example, a value of 20/60 means that the patient, when standing 20 feet away, can read a line that a person with normal vision can read from 60 feet away. Strabismus is a (congenital) condition in which both eyes do not focus on an object simultaneously: The eyes appear crossed. Acuity may not be affected; Snellen test does not test for strabismus. Presbyopia is impaired near vision that occurs in middle-aged and older adults and is caused by loss of elasticity of the lens. Cataracts, a clouding of the lens, develop slowly and progressively after age 35 or suddenly after trauma.

The nurse is educating a student nurse on caring for a patient with a chest tube. Which statement from the student nurse indicates successful learning? a. "I should clamp the chest tube when giving the patient a bed bath." b. "I should report if I see continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber." c. "I should strip the drains on the chest tube every hour to promote drainage." d. "I should notify the health care provider first, if the chest tube becomes dislodged."

b. "I should report if I see continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber." ANS: B Correct care of a chest tube involves knowing normal and abnormal functioning of the tube. A constant or intermittent bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates a leak in the drainage system, and the health care provider must be notified immediately. Stripping the tube is not routinely performed as it increases pressure. If the tubing disconnects from the drainage unit, instruct the patient to exhale as much as possible and to cough. This maneuver rids the pleural space of as much air as possible. Temporarily reestablish a water seal by immersing the open end of the chest tube into a container of sterile water. The chest tube should not be clamped unless necessary; if so, the length of time clamped would be minimal to reduce the risk of pneumothorax.

A nurse teaches a patient about atelectasis. Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of atelectasis? a. "Atelectasis affects only those with chronic conditions such as emphysema." b. "It is important to do breathing exercises every hour to prevent atelectasis." c. "If I develop atelectasis, I will need a chest tube to drain excess fluid." d. "Hyperventilation will open up my alveoli, preventing atelectasis."

b. "It is important to do breathing exercises every hour to prevent atelectasis." ANS: B Atelectasis develops when alveoli do not expand. Breathing exercises, especially deep breathing and incentive spirometry, increase lung volume and open the airways, preventing atelectasis. Deep breathing also opens the pores of Kohn between alveoli to allow sharing of oxygen between alveoli. Atelectasis can affect anyone who does not deep breathe. A chest tube is for pneumothorax or hemothorax. It is deep breathing, not hyperventilation, that prevents atelectasis.

A nurse is a preceptor for a nurse who just graduated from nursing school. When caring for a patient, the new graduate nurse begins to explain to the patient the purpose of completing a physical assessment. Which statement made by the new graduate nurse requires the preceptor to intervene? a. "I will use the information from my assessment to figure out if your antihypertensive medication is working effectively." b. "Nursing assessment data are used only to provide information about the effectiveness of your medical care." c. "Nurses use data from their patient's physical assessment to determine a patient's educational needs." d. "Information gained from physical assessment helps nurses better understand their patients' emotional needs."

b. "Nursing assessment data are used only to provide information about the effectiveness of your medical care. ANS: B Nursing assessment data are used to evaluate the effectiveness of all aspects of a patient's care, not just the patient's medical care. Assessment data help to evaluate the effectiveness of medications and to determine a patient's health care needs, including the need for patient education. Nurses also use assessment data to identify patients' psychosocial and cultural needs.

The nurse is assessing an adult patient's patellar reflex. Which finding will the nurse record as normal? a. 1+ b. 2+ c. 3+ d. 4+ ANS: B

b. 2+ Grade reflexes as follows: 0: No response; 1+: Sluggish or diminished; 2+: Active or expected response; 3+: Brisker than expected, slightly hyperactive; and 4+: Brisk and hyperactive with intermittent or transient clonus.

A nurse is teaching staff about the conduction of the heart. In which order will the nurse present the conduction cycle, starting with the first structure? 1. Bundle of His 2. Purkinje network 3. Intraatrial pathways 4. Sinoatrial (SA) node 5. Atrioventricular (AV) node a. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 b. 4, 3, 5, 1, 2 c. 4, 5, 3, 1, 2 d. 5, 3, 4, 2, 1

b. 4, 3, 5, 1, 2 ANS: B The conduction system originates with the SA node, the "pacemaker" of the heart. The electrical impulses are transmitted through the atria along intraatrial pathways to the AV node. It assists atrial emptying by delaying the impulse before transmitting it through the Bundle of His and the ventricular Purkinje network.

A nurse is performing a mental status examination and asks an adult patient what the statement "Don't cry over spilled milk" means. Which area is the nurse assessing? a. Long-term memory b. Abstract thinking c. Recent memory d. Knowledge

b. Abstract thinking ANS: B For an individual to explain common phrases such as "A stitch in time saves nine" or "Don't cry over spilled milk" requires a higher level of intellectual function or abstract thinking. Knowledge-based assessment is factual. Assess knowledge by asking how much the patient knows about the illness or the reason for seeking health care. To assess past (long-term) memory, ask the patient to recall the maiden name of the patient's mother, a birthday, or a special date in history. It is best to ask open-ended questions rather than simple yes/no questions. Patients demonstrate immediate recall (recent memory) by repeating a series of numbers in the order in which they are presented or in reverse order.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has had a tracheostomy tube inserted. Which nursing intervention is most effective in promoting effective airway clearance? a. Suctioning respiratory secretions several times every hour b. Administering humidified oxygen through a tracheostomy collar c. Instilling normal saline into the tracheostomy to thin secretions before suctioning d. Deflating the tracheostomy cuff before allowing the patient to cough up secretions

b. Administering humidified oxygen through a tracheostomy collar ANS: B Humidification from air humidifiers or humidified oxygen tracheostomy collars can help prevent drying of secretions that cause occlusion. Suctioning should be done only as needed; too frequent suctioning can damage the mucosal lining, resulting in thicker secretions. Normal saline should not be instilled into a tracheostomy; research showed no benefit with this technique. The purpose of the tracheostomy cuff is to keep secretions from entering the lungs; the nurse should not deflate the tracheostomy cuff unless instructed to do so by the health care provider.

A teen female patient reports intermittent abdominal pain for 12 hours. No dysuria is present. Which action will the nurse take when performing an abdominal assessment? a. Assess the area that is most tender first. b. Ask the patient about the color of her stools. c. Recommend that the patient take more laxatives. d. Avoid sexual references such as possible pregnancy.

b. Ask the patient about the color of her stools. ANS: B Abdominal pain can be related to bowels. If stools are black or tarry (melena), this may indicate gastrointestinal alteration. The nurse should caution patients about the dangers of excessive use of laxatives or enemas. There is not enough information about the abdominal pain to recommend laxatives. Determine if the patient is pregnant and note her last menstrual period. Pregnancy causes changes in abdominal shape and contour. Assess painful areas last to minimize discomfort and anxiety.

The home health nurse recommends that a patient with respiratory problems install a carbon monoxide detector in the home. What is the rationale for the nurse's action? a. Carbon monoxide detectors are required by law in the home. b. Carbon monoxide tightly binds to hemoglobin, causing hypoxia. c. Carbon monoxide signals the cerebral cortex to cease ventilations. d. Carbon monoxide combines with oxygen in the body and produces a deadly toxin.

b. Carbon monoxide tightly binds to hemoglobin, causing hypoxia. ANS: B Carbon monoxide binds tightly to hemoglobin; therefore, oxygen is not able to bind to hemoglobin and be transported to tissues, causing hypoxia. A carbon monoxide detector is not required by law, does not signal the cerebral cortex to cease ventilations, and does not combine with oxygen but with hemoglobin to produce a toxin.

A nurse is following the How-to Guide to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Which strategies is the nurse using? (Select all that apply.) a. Head of bed elevation to 90 degrees at all times b. Daily oral care with chlorhexidine c. Delirium monitoring d. Clean technique when suctioning e. Daily "sedation vacations" f. Heart failure prophylaxis

b. Daily oral care with chlorhexidine c. Delirium monitoring e. Daily "sedation vacations" ANS: B, C, E The key components of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) How-to Guide are: Elevation of the head of the bed (HOB)—elevation is greater than 30 degrees Daily "sedation vacations" and assessment of readiness to extubate Peptic ulcer disease prophylaxis Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis Daily oral care with chlorhexidine Delirium monitoring Early ambulation Sterile technique is used for suctioning when on ventilators. Heart failure prophylaxis is not a component.

The nurse plans to closely monitor the oxygen status of an older-adult patient undergoing anesthesia because of which age-related change? a. Thinner heart valves cause lipid accumulation and fibrosis. b. Diminished respiratory muscle strength may cause poor chest expansion. c. Alterations in mental status prevent patients' awareness of ineffective breathing. d. An increased number of pacemaker cells make proper anesthesia induction more difficult.

b. Diminished respiratory muscle strength may cause poor chest expansion. ANS: B Age-related changes in the thorax that occur from ossification of costal cartilage, decreased space between vertebrae, and diminished respiratory muscle strength lead to problems with chest expansion and oxygenation, whereby the patient will have difficulty excreting anesthesia gas. The nurse needs to monitor the patient's oxygen status carefully to make sure the patient does not retain too much of the drug. Older adults experience alterations in cardiac function as a result of calcification of the conduction pathways, thicker and stiffer heart valves caused by lipid accumulation and fibrosis, and a decrease in the number of pacemaker cells in the SA node. Altered mental status is not a normal age-related change; it indicates possible cardiac and/or respiratory problems.

A teen patient is tearful and reports locating lumps in her breasts. Other history obtained is that she is currently menstruating. Physical examination reveals soft and movable cysts in both breasts that are painful to palpation. The nurse also notes that the patient's nipples are erect, but the areola is wrinkled. Which action will the nurse take after talking with the health care provider? a. Reassure patient that her symptoms are normal. b. Discuss the possibility of fibrocystic disease as the probable cause. c. Consult a breast surgeon because of the abnormal nipples and areola. d. Tell the patient that the symptoms may get worse when her period ends.

b. Discuss the possibility of fibrocystic disease as the probable cause. ANS: B A common benign condition of the breast is benign (fibrocystic) breast disease. This patient has symptoms of fibrocystic disease, which include bilateral lumpy, painful breasts sometimes accompanied by nipple discharge. Symptoms are more apparent during the menstrual period. When palpated, the cysts (lumps) are soft, well differentiated, and movable. Deep cysts feel hard. Although a common condition, benign breast disease is not normal; therefore, the nurse does not tell the patient that this is a normal finding. During examination of the nipples and areolae, the nipple sometimes becomes erect with wrinkling of the areola. Therefore, consulting a breast surgeon to treat her nipples and areolae is not appropriate.

While assessing the skin of an 82-year-old patient, a nurse discovers nonpainful, ruby red papules on the patient's trunk. What is the nurse's next action? a. Explain that the patient has basal cell carcinoma and should watch for spread. b. Document cherry angiomas as a normal older adult skin finding. c. Tell the patient that this is a benign squamous cell carcinoma. d. Record the presence of petechiae.

b. Document cherry angiomas as a normal older adult skin finding. ANS: B The skin is normally free of lesions, except for common freckles or age-related changes such as skin tags, senile keratosis (thickening of skin), cherry angiomas (ruby red papules), and atrophic warts. Basal cell carcinoma is most common in sun-exposed areas and frequently occurs in a background of sun-damaged skin; it almost never spreads to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma is more erious than basal cell and develops on the outer layers of sun-exposed skin; these cells may travel to lymph nodes and throughout the body. Report abnormal lesions to the health care provider for further examination. Petechiae are nonblanching, pinpoint-size, red or purple spots on the skin caused by small hemorrhages in the skin layers.

An older-adult patient is taking aminoglycoside for a severe infection. Which assessment is the priority? a. Eyes b. Ears c. Skin d. Reflexes

b. Ears ANS: B Older adults are especially at risk for hearing loss caused by ototoxicity (injury to auditory nerve) resulting from high maintenance doses of antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides). While eyes and skin are important, they are not the priority. Reflexes are expected to be diminished in older adults.

The nurse determines that an older-adult patient is at risk for infection due to decreased immunity. Which plan of care best addresses the prevention of infection for the patient? a. Inform the patient of the importance of finishing the entire dose of antibiotics. b. Encourage the patient to stay up-to-date on all vaccinations. c. Schedule patient to get annual tuberculosis skin testing. d. Create an exercise routine to run 45 minutes every day.

b. Encourage the patient to stay up-to-date on all vaccinations. ANS: B A nursing care plan for preventative health measures should be reasonable and feasible. Keeping up-to-date on vaccinations is important because vaccine reduces the severity of illnesses and serious complications. Determine if and when the patient has had a pneumococcal or influenza (flu) vaccine. This is especially important when assessing older adults because of their increased risk for respiratory disease. Although it is important to finish the full course of antibiotics, it is not a preventative health measure. Scheduling annual tuberculosis skin tests does not address prevention and is an unreliable indictor of tuberculosis in older patients. The exercise routine should be reasonable to increase compliance; exercise is recommended only 3 to 4 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes, and walking, rather than running, is an efficient method.

A patient experiencing left-sided hemiparesis has developed bronchitis and has a heart rate of 105 beats/min, blood pressure of 156/90 mm Hg, and respiration rate of 30 breaths/min. Which nursing diagnosis is a priority? a. Risk for skin breakdown b. Impaired gas exchange c. Activity intolerance d. Risk for infection

b. Impaired gas exchange ANS: B The most important nursing intervention is to maintain airway and circulation for this patient; therefore, Impaired gas exchange is the first nursing priority. Activity intolerance is a concern but is not the priority in this case. Risk for skin breakdown and Risk for infection are also important but do not address an immediate impairment with physiological integrity.

An older-adult patient is being seen for chronic entropion. Which condition will the nurse assess for in this patient? a. Ptosis b. Infection c. Borborygmi d. Exophthalmos

b. Infection ANS: B The diagnosis of entropion can lead to lashes of the lids irritating the conjunctiva and cornea. Irritation can lead to infection. Exophthalmos is a bulging of the eyes and usually indicates hyperthyroidism. An abnormal drooping of the lid over the pupil is called ptosis. In the older adult, ptosis results from a loss of elasticity that accompanies aging. Hyperactive sounds are loud, "growling" sounds called borborygmi, which indicate increased GI motility.

While the nurse is changing the ties on a tracheostomy collar, the patient coughs, dislodging the tracheostomy tube. Which action will the nurse take first? a. Press the emergency response button. b. Insert a spare tracheostomy with the obturator. c. Manually occlude the tracheostomy with sterile gauze. d. Place a face mask delivering 100% oxygen over the nose and mouth.

b. Insert a spare tracheostomy with the obturator. ANS: B The nurse's first priority is to establish a stable airway by inserting a spare trach into the patient's airway; ideally an obturator should be used. The nurse could activate the emergency response team if the patient is still unstable after the tracheostomy is placed. A patient with a tracheostomy breathes through the tube, not the nose or mouth; a face mask would not be an effective method of getting air into the lungs. Manually occluding pressure over the tracheostomy site is not appropriate and would block the patient's only airway.

The nurse is suctioning a patient with a tracheostomy tube. Which action will the nurse take? a. Set suction regulator at 150 to 200 mm Hg. b. Limit the length of suctioning to 10 seconds. c. Apply suction while gently rotating and inserting the catheter. d. Liberally lubricate the end of the suction catheter with a water-soluble solution.

b. Limit the length of suctioning to 10 seconds. ANS: B Suctioning passes should be limited to 10 seconds to avoid hypoxemia. Suction for a tracheostomy should be set at 100 to 150 mm Hg. Excessive lubrication can clog the catheter or occlude the airway; lubricant is not necessary for oropharyngeal or artificial airway (tracheostomy) suctioning. Suction should never be applied on insertion.

The nurse is examining a female presenting with vaginal discharge. Which position will the nurse place the patient for proper examination? a. Sitting b. Lithotomy c. Knee-chest d. Dorsal recumbent

b. Lithotomy ANS: B Lithotomy is the position for examination of female genitalia. The lithotomy position provides for the maximum exposure of genitalia and allows the insertion of a vaginal speculum. Sitting does not allow adequate access for speculum insertion and is better used to visualize upper body parts. Dorsal recumbent is used to examine the head and neck, anterior thorax and lungs, breasts, axillae, heart, and abdomen. Knee-chest provides maximal exposure of the rectal area but is embarrassing and uncomfortable.

During a school physical examination, the nurse reviews the patient's current medical history. The nurse discovers the patient has allergies. Which assessment finding is consistent with allergies? a. Clubbing b. Pale nasal mucosa c. Yellow nasal discharge d. Puffiness of nasal mucosa

b. Pale nasal mucosa ANS: B Pale nasal mucosa with clear discharge indicates allergy. Clubbing is due to insufficient oxygenation at the periphery resulting from conditions such as chronic emphysema and congenital heart disease; it is noted in the nails. A sinus infection results in yellowish or greenish discharge. Habitual use of intranasal cocaine and opioids causes puffiness and increased vascularity of the nasal mucosa.

Upon auscultation of the patient's chest, the nurse hears a whooshing sound at the fifth intercostal space. What does this finding indicate to the nurse? a. The beginning of the systolic phase b. Regurgitation of the mitral valve c. The opening of the aortic valve d. Presence of orthopnea

b. Regurgitation of the mitral valve ANS: B When regurgitation occurs, there is a backflow of blood into an adjacent chamber. For example, in mitral regurgitation, the mitral leaflets do not close completely. When the ventricles contract, blood escapes back into the atria, causing a murmur, or "whooshing" sound. The systolic phase begins with ventricular filling and closing of the aortic valve, which is heard as the first heart sound, S1. Orthopnea is an abnormal condition in which a patient uses multiple pillows when reclining to breathe easier or sits leaning forward with arms elevated.

A nurse is caring for a patient who was in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in cervical trauma to C4. Which assessment is the priority? a. Pulse b. Respirations c. Temperature d. Blood pressure

b. Respirations ANS: B Respirations and oxygen saturation are the priorities. Cervical trauma at C3 to C5 usually results in paralysis of the phrenic nerve. When the phrenic nerve is damaged, the diaphragm does not descend properly, thus reducing inspiratory lung volumes and causing hypoxemia. While pulse and blood pressure are important, respirations are the priority. Temperature is not a high priority in this situation.

The nurse considers several new female patients to receive additional teaching on the need for more frequent Pap testing and gynecological examinations. Which assessment findings reveal the patient at highest risk for cervical cancer and having the greatest need for patient education? a. 13 years old, nonsmoker, not sexually active b. 15 years old, social smoker, celibate c. 22 years old, smokes 1 pack of cigarettes per day, has multiple sexual partners d. 50 years old, stopped smoking 30 years ago, has history of multiple pregnancies

c. 22 years old, smokes 1 pack of cigarettes per day, has multiple sexual partners ANS: C Females considered to be at higher risk include those who smoke, have multiple sex partners, and have a history of sexually transmitted infections. Of all the assessment findings listed, the 22-year-old smoker with multiple sexual partners has the greatest number of risk factors for cervical cancer. The other patients are at lower risk: not sexually active, celibate, and do not smoke.

A nurse is teaching the patient with mitral valve problems about the valves in the heart. Starting on the right side of the heart, describe the sequence of the blood flow through these valves. 1. Mitral 2. Aortic 3. Tricuspid 4. Pulmonic a. 1, 3, 2, 4 b. 4, 3, 2, 1 c. 3, 4, 1, 2 d. 2, 4, 1, 3

c. 3, 4, 1, 2 ANS: C The blood flows through the valves in the following direction: tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral, and aortic.

A nurse is preparing a patient for nasotracheal suctioning. In which order will the nurse perform the steps, beginning with the first step? 1. Insert catheter. 2. Apply suction and remove. 3. Have patient deep breathe. 4. Encourage patient to cough. 5. Attach catheter to suction system. 6. Rinse catheter and connecting tubing. a. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 b. 4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 6 c. 5, 3, 1, 2, 4, 6 d. 3, 1, 2, 5, 4, 6

c. 5, 3, 1, 2, 4, 6 ANS: C The steps for nasotracheal suctioning are as follows: verify that catheter is attached to suction; have patient deep breathe; insert catheter; apply intermittent suction for no more than 10 seconds and remove; encourage patient to cough; and rinse catheter and connecting tubing with normal saline.

The paramedics transport an adult involved in a motor vehicle accident to the emergency department. On physical examination, the patient's level of consciousness is reported as opening eyes to pain and responding with inappropriate words and flexion withdrawal to painful stimuli. Which value will the nurse report for the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score? a. 5 b. 7 c. 9 d. 11

c. 9 ANS: C According to the guidelines of the Glasgow Coma Scale, the patient has a score of 9. Opening eyes to pain is 2 points; inappropriate word use is 3 points; and flexion withdrawal is 4 points. The total for this patient is 2 + 3 + 4 = 9.

A nurse auscultates heart sounds. When the nurse hears S2, which valves is the nurse hearing close? a. Aortic and mitral b. Mitral and tricuspid c. Aortic and pulmonic d. Mitral and pulmonic

c. Aortic and pulmonic ANS: C As the ventricles empty, the ventricular pressures decrease, allowing closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves, producing the second heart sound, S2. The mitral and tricuspid produce the first heart sound, S1. The aortic and mitral do not close at the same time. The mitral and pulmonic do not close at the same time.

An advanced practice nurse is preparing to assess the external genitalia of a 25-year-old woman of Chinese descent. Which action will the nurse do first? a. Place the patient in the lithotomy position. b. Drape the patient to enhance patient comfort. c. Assess the patient's feelings about the examination. d. Ask the patient if she would like her mother to be present in the room.

c. Assess the patient's feelings about the examination. ANS: C Patients who are Chinese American often believe that examination of the external genitalia is offensive. Before proceeding with the examination, the nurse first determines how the patient feels about the procedure and explains the procedure to answer any questions and to help the patient feel comfortable with the assessment. Once the patient is ready to have her external genitalia examined, the nurse places the patient in the lithotomy position and drapes the patient appropriately. Typically, nurses ask adolescents if they want a parent present during the examination. The patient in this question is 25 years old; asking if she would like her mother to be present is inappropriate.

Which nursing intervention is most effective in preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia in an older-adult patient? a. Discontinue the humidification delivery device to keep excess fluid from lungs. b. Monitor oxygen saturation, and frequently auscultate lung bases. c. Assist the patient to cough, turn, and deep breathe every 2 hours. d. Decrease fluid intake to 300 mL a shift.

c. Assist the patient to cough, turn, and deep breathe every 2 hours. ANS: C The goal of the nursing action should be the prevention of pneumonia; the action that best addresses this is to cough, turn, and deep breathe to keep secretions from pooling at the base of the lungs. Humidification thins respiratory secretions, making them easier to expel and should be used. Monitoring oxygen status is important but is not a method of prevention. Hydration assists in preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia. The best way to maintain thin secretions is to provide a fluid intake of 1500 to 2500 mL/day unless contraindicated by cardiac or renal status. Restricting fluids is contraindicated in this situation since there is no data indicating cardiac or renal disease.

A nurse is caring for a patient being treated for sleep apnea. Which types of ventilator support should the nurse be prepared to administer for this patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Assist-control (AC) b. Pressure support ventilation (PSV) c. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) d. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) e. Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV)

c. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) d. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ANS: C, D Ventilatory support is achieved using a variety of modes, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP). The purpose of CPAP and BiPAP is to maintain a positive airway pressure and improve alveolar ventilation. This prevents or treats atelectasis by inflating the alveoli, reducing pulmonary edema by forcing fluid out of the lungs back into circulation, and improving oxygenation in those with sleep apnea. AC, PSV, and SIMV are invasive mechanical ventilation and are not routinely used on patients with sleep apnea. AC delivers a set tidal volume (VT) with each breath, regardless of whether the breath was triggered by the patient or the ventilator. Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation like AC delivers a minimum number of fully assisted breaths per minute that are synchronized with the patient's respiratory effort. Any breaths taken between volume-cycled breaths are not assisted; the volume of these breaths is determined by the patient's strength, effort, and lung mechanics. PSV mode is often combined with SIMV mode: inspiratory pressure is added to spontaneous breaths to overcome the resistance of the endotracheal tube or to help increase the volume of the patient's spontaneous breaths.

A nurse caring for a patient prescribed warfarin discovers that the patient is taking garlic to help with hypertension. Which condition will the nurse assess for in this patient? a. Increased cholesterol level b. Distended jugular vein c. Bleeding d. Angina

c. Bleeding ANS: C Patients taking warfarin for anticoagulation prolong the prothrombin time (PT)/international normalized ratio (INR) results if they are taking Gingko biloba, garlic, or ginseng with the anticoagulant. The drug interaction can precipitate a life-threatening bleed. Increased cholesterol levels are associated with saturated fat dietary intake. A distended jugular vein and peripheral edema are associated with damage to the right side of the heart. Angina is temporary ischemia of the heart muscle.

The nurse suspects the patient has increased cardiac afterload. Which piece of equipment should the nurse obtain to determine the presence of this condition? a. Pulse oximeter b. Oxygen cannula c. Blood pressure cuff d. Yankauer suction tip catheter

c. Blood pressure cuff ANS: C A blood pressure cuff is needed. The diastolic aortic pressure is a good clinical measure of afterload. Afterload is the resistance to left ventricular ejection. In hypertension the afterload increases, making cardiac workload also increase. A pulse oximeter is used to monitor the level of arterial oxygen saturation; it will not help determine increased afterload. While an oxygen cannula may be needed to help decrease the effects of increased afterload, it will not help determine the presence of afterload. A Yankauer suction tip catheter is used to suction the oral cavity.

During a sexually transmitted illness presentation to high-school students, the nurse recommends the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series. Which condition is the nurse trying to prevent? a. Breast cancer b. Ovarian cancer c. Cervical cancer d. Testicular cancer

c. Cervical cancer ANS: C Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increases the person's risk for cervical cancer. HPV vaccine is recommended for females aged 11 to 12 years but can be given to females ages 12 through 26; males can also receive the vaccine. HPV is not a risk factor for breast, ovarian, and testicular cancer.

The nurse completed assessments on several patients. Which assessment finding will the nurse record as normal? a. Pulse strength 3 b. 1+ pitting edema c. Constricting pupils when directly illuminated d. Hyperactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants

c. Constricting pupils when directly illuminated ANS: C A normal finding is pupils constricting when directly illuminated with a penlight. A pulse strength of 3 indicates a full or increased pulse; 2 is normal. 1+ pitting edema is abnormal; there should be no edema for a normal finding. Hyperactive bowel sounds are abnormal and indicate increased GI motility; normal bowel sounds are active.

A patient has experienced a myocardial infarction. On which primary blood vessel will the nurse focus care to reduce ischemia? a. Superior vena cava b. Pulmonary artery c. Coronary artery d. Carotid artery

c. Coronary artery ANS: C A myocardial infarction is the lack of blood flow due to obstruction to the coronary artery, which supplies the heart with blood. The superior vena cava returns blood back to the heart. The pulmonary artery supplies deoxygenated blood to the lungs. The carotid artery supplies blood to the brain.

A patient's heart rate increased from 94 to 164 beats/min. What will the nurse expect as a result? a. Increase in diastolic filling time b. Decrease in hemoglobin level c. Decrease in cardiac output d. Increase in stroke volume

c. Decrease in cardiac output ANS: C With a sustained heart rate greater than 160 beats/min, diastolic filling time decreases, decreasing stroke volume, and cardiac output. The hemoglobin level would not be affected.

The patient has had a stroke that has affected the ability to speak. The patient becomes extremely frustrated when trying to speak. The patient responds correctly to questions and instructions but cannot form words coherently. Which type of aphasia is the patient experiencing? a. Sensory b. Receptive c. Expressive d. Combination

c. Expressive ANS: C The two types of aphasias are sensory (or receptive) and motor (or expressive). The patient cannot form words coherently, indicating expressive or motor aphasia is present. The patient responds correctly to questions and instructions, indicating receptive or sensory aphasia is not present. Patients sometimes suffer a combination of receptive and expressive aphasia, but this is not the case here.

On admission, a patient weighs 250 lb. The weight is recorded as 256 lb on the second inpatient day. Which condition will the nurse assess for in this patient? a. Anorexia b. Weight loss c. Fluid retention d. Increased nutritional intake

c. Fluid retention ANS: C This patient has gained 6 lb in a 24-hour period. A weight gain of 5 lb (2.3 kg) or more in a day indicates fluid retention problems, not nutritional intake. A weight loss is considered significant if the patient has lost more than 5% of body weight in a month or 10% in 6 months. A downward trend may indicate a reduction in nutritional reserves that may be caused by decreased intake such as anorexia.

The nurse is assessing skin turgor. Which technique will the nurse use? a. Press lightly on the forearm. b. Press lightly on the fingertips. c. Grasp a fold of skin on the sternal area. d. Grasp a fold of skin on the back of the hand.

c. Grasp a fold of skin on the sternal area ANS: C To assess skin turgor, grasp a fold of skin on the back of the forearm or sternal area with the fingertips and release. Since the skin on the back of the hand is normally loose and thin, turgor is not reliably assessed at that site. Pressing lightly on the forearm can be used to assess for pitting edema or pain or sense of touch. Pressing lightly on the fingertips and observing nail color is assessing capillary refill.

A nurse is caring for a 5-year-old patient whose temperature is 101.2° F. The nurse expects this patient to hyperventilate. Which factor does the nurse remember when planning care for this type of hyperventilation? a. Anxiety over illness b. Decreased drive to breathe c. Increased metabolic demands d. Infection destroying lung tissues

c. Increased metabolic demands ANS: C Increased body temperature (fever) increases the metabolic rate, thereby increasing carbon dioxide production. The increased carbon dioxide level stimulates an increase in the patient's rate and depth of respiration, causing hyperventilation. Anxiety can cause hyperventilation, but this is not the direct cause from a fever. Sleep causes a decreased respiratory drive; hyperventilation speeds up breathing. The cause of the fever in this question is unknown.

While performing an assessment, the nurse hears crackles in the patient's lung fields. The nurse also learns that the patient is sleeping on three pillows to help with the difficulty breathing during the night. Which condition will the nurse most likely observe written in the patient's medical record? a. Atrial fibrillation b. Myocardial ischemia c. Left-sided heart failure d. Right-sided heart failure

c. Left-sided heart failure ANS: C Left-sided heart failure results in pulmonary congestion, the signs and symptoms of which include shortness of breath, cough, crackles, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (difficulty breathing when lying flat). Right-sided heart failure is systemic and results in peripheral edema, weight gain, and distended neck veins. Atrial fibrillation is often described as an irregularly irregular rhythm; rhythm is irregular because of the multiple pacemaker sites. Myocardial ischemia results when the supply of blood to the myocardium from the coronary arteries is insufficient to meet myocardial oxygen demands, producing angina or myocardial infarction.

A patient experiencing a pneumothorax has a chest tube inserted and is placed on low constant suction. Which finding requires immediate action by the nurse? a. The patient reports pain at the chest tube insertion site that increases with movement. b. Fifty milliliters of blood gushes into the drainage device after the patient coughs. c. No bubbling is present in the suction control chamber of the drainage device. d. Yellow purulent discharge is seen leaking out from around the dressing site.

c. No bubbling is present in the suction control chamber of the drainage device. ANS: C No bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates an obstruction of the drainage system. An obstruction causes increased pressure, which can cause a tension pneumothorax, which can be life threatening. The nurse needs to determine whether the leak is inside the thorax or in the tubing and act from there. Occasional blood gushes from the lung owing to lung expansion, as during a cough; this is reserve drainage. Drainage over 100 mL/hr after 3 hours of chest tube placement is cause for concern. Yellow purulent drainage indicates an infection that should be reported to the health care provider but is not as immediately life threatening as the lack of bubbling in the suction control chamber.

The patient presents to the clinic with dysuria and hematuria. How does the nurse proceed to assess for kidney inflammation? a. Uses deep palpation posteriorly. b. Lightly palpates each abdominal quadrant. c. Percusses posteriorly the costovertebral angle at the scapular line. d. Inspects abdomen for abnormal movement or shadows using indirect lighting.

c. Percusses posteriorly the costovertebral angle at the scapular line. ANS: C With the patient sitting or standing erect, use direct or indirect percussion to assess for kidney inflammation. With the ulnar surface of the partially closed fist, percuss posteriorly the costovertebral angle at the scapular line. If the kidneys are inflamed, the patient feels tenderness during percussion. Use a systematic palpation approach for each quadrant of the abdomen to assess for muscular resistance, distention, abdominal tenderness, and superficial organs or masses. Light palpation would not detect kidney tenderness because the kidneys sit deep within the abdominal cavity. Posteriorly, the lower ribs and heavy back muscles protect the kidneys, so they cannot be palpated. Kidney inflammation will not cause abdominal movement. However, to inspect the abdomen for abnormal movement or shadows, the nurse should stand on the patient's right side and inspect from above the abdomen using direct light over the abdomen.

A nurse is teaching a health class about the heart. Which information from the class members indicates teaching by the nurse is successful for the flow of blood through the heart, starting in the right atrium? a. Right ventricle, left ventricle, left atrium b. Left atrium, right ventricle, left ventricle c. Right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle d. Left atrium, left ventricle, right ventricle

c. Right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle ANS: C Unoxygenated blood flows through the venae cavae into the right atrium, where it is pumped down to the right ventricle; the blood is then pumped out the pulmonary artery and is returned oxygenated via the pulmonary vein to the left atrium, where it flows to the left ventricle and is pumped out to the rest of the body via the aorta.

A patient has been diagnosed with heart failure and cardiac output is decreased. Which formula can the nurse use to calculate cardiac output? a. Myocardial contractility × myocardial blood flow b. Ventricular filling time/diastolic filling time c. Stroke volume × heart rate d. Preload/afterload

c. Stroke volume × heart rate ANS: C Cardiac output can be calculated by multiplying the stroke volume and the heart rate. The other options are not measures of cardiac output.

A nurse is preparing to perform a complete physical examination on a fragile, older-adult patient diagnosed with bilateral basilar pneumonia. Which position will the nurse use to facilitate the patient's breathing? a. Prone b. Sims' c. Supine d. Lateral recumbent

c. Supine ANS: C Supine is the most normally relaxed position. If the patient becomes short of breath easily, raise the head of the bed. Supine position would be easiest for a weak, older-adult person during the examination. Lateral recumbent and prone positions cause respiratory difficulty for any patient with respiratory difficulties. Sims' position is used for assessment of the rectum and the vagina.

The nurse is assessing the tympanic membranes of an infant. Which action by the nurse demonstrates proper technique? a. Pulls the auricle upward and backward. b. Holds handle of the otoscope between the thumb and little finger. c. Uses an inverted otoscope grip while pulling the auricle downward and back. d. Places the handle of the otoscope between the thumb and index finger while pulling the auricle upward.

c. Uses an inverted otoscope grip while pulling the auricle downward and back. ANS: C Using the inverted otoscope grip while pulling the auricle downward and back is a common approach with infant/child examinations because it prevents accidental movement of the otoscope deeper into the ear canal, as could occur with an unexpected pediatric reaction to the ear examination. The other techniques could result in injury to the infant's tympanic membrane. Insert the scope while pulling the auricle upward and backward in the adult and older child. Hold the handle of the otoscope in the space between the thumb and index finger, supported on the middle finger.

A nurse is auscultating different areas on an adult patient. Which technique should the nurse use during an assessment? a. Uses the bell to listen for lung sounds. b. Uses the diaphragm to listen for bruits. c. Uses the diaphragm to listen for bowel sounds. d. Uses the bell to listen for high-pitched murmurs.

c. Uses the diaphragm to listen for bowel sounds. ANS: C The bell is best for hearing low-pitched sounds such as vascular (bruits) and certain heart sounds (low-pitched murmurs), and the diaphragm is best for listening to high-pitched sounds such as bowel and lung sounds and high-pitched murmurs.

The nurse is using a closed suction device. Which patient will be most appropriate for this suctioning method? a. A 5 year old with excessive drooling from epiglottitis b. A 5 year old with an asthma attack following severe allergies c. A 24 year old with a right pneumothorax following a motor vehicle accident d. A 24 year old with acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation

d. A 24 year old with acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ANS: D Closed suctioning is most often used on patients who require invasive mechanical ventilation to support their respiratory efforts because it permits continuous delivery of oxygen while suction is performed and reduces the risk of oxygen desaturation. In this case, the acute respiratory distress syndrome requires mechanical ventilation. In the presence of epiglottitis, croup, laryngospasm, or irritable airway, the entrance of a suction catheter via the nasal route causes intractable coughing, hypoxemia, and severe bronchospasm, necessitating emergency intubation or tracheostomy. The 5-year-old child with asthma would benefit from an inhaler. A chest tube is needed for the pneumothorax.

Having misplaced a stethoscope, a nurse borrows a colleague's stethoscope. The nurse next enters the patient's room and identifies self, washes hands with soap, and states the purpose of the visit. The nurse performs proper identification of the patient before auscultating the patient's lungs. Which critical health assessment step should the nurse have performed? a. Running warm water over stethoscope b. Draping stethoscope around the neck c. Rubbing stethoscope with betadine d. Cleaning stethoscope with alcohol

d. Cleaning stethoscope with alcohol ANS: D Bacteria and viruses can be transferred from patient to patient when a stethoscope that is not clean is used. The stethoscope should be cleaned before use on each patient with isopropyl alcohol benzalkonium, or sodium hypochlorite. Running water over the stethoscope does not kill bacteria. Betadine is an inappropriate cleaning solution and may damage the equipment. Draping the stethoscope around the neck is not advised.

A school nurse recognizes a belt buckle-shaped ecchymosis on a 7-year-old student. When privately asked about how the injury occurred, the student described falling on the playground. Which action will the nurse take next? a. Talk to the principal about how to proceed. b. Disregard the finding based upon child's response. c. Interview the patient in the presence of the teacher. d. Contact social services and report suspected abuse.

d. Contact social services and report suspected abuse. ANS: D Most states mandate a report to a social service center if nurses suspect abuse or neglect. When abuse is suspected, the nurse interviews the patient in private, not with a teacher. Observe the behavior of the individual for any signs of frustration, explanations that do not fit his or her physical presentation, or signs of injury. The nurse knows how to proceed and does not need to talk to the principal about what to do. Disregarding the finding is not advised because victims often will not complain or report that they are in an abusive situation.

The nurse is caring for a patient with respiratory problems. Which assessment finding indicates a late sign of hypoxia? a. Elevated blood pressure b. Increased pulse rate c. Restlessness d. Cyanosis

d. Cyanosis ANS: D Cyanosis, blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the presence of desaturated hemoglobin in capillaries, is a late sign of hypoxia. Elevated blood pressure, increased pulse rate, and restlessness are early signs of hypoxia.

The nurse is teaching about the process of exchanging gases through the alveolar capillary membrane. Which term will the nurse use to describe this process? a. Ventilation b. Surfactant c. Perfusion d. Diffusion

d. Diffusion ANS: D Diffusion is the process of gases exchanging across the alveoli and capillaries of body tissues. Ventilation is the process of moving gases into and out of the lungs. Surfactant is a chemical produced in the lungs to maintain the surface tension of the alveoli and keep them from collapsing. Perfusion is the ability of the cardiovascular system to carry oxygenated blood to tissues and return deoxygenated blood to the heart.

During a routine pediatric history and physical, the parents report that their child was a very small, premature infant that had to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit longer than usual. They state that the infant was "yellow" when born and developed an infection that required "every antibiotic under the sun" to reach a cure. Which exam is a priority for the nurse to conduct on the child? a. Cardiac b. Respiratory c. Ophthalmic d. Hearing acuity

d. Hearing acuity ANS: D Hearing is the priority. Risk factors for hearing problems include low birth weight, nonbacterial intrauterine infection, and excessively high bilirubin levels. Hearing loss due to ototoxicity (injury to auditory nerves) can result from high maintenance doses of antibiotics. Cardiac, respiratory, and eye examinations are important assessments but are not relevant to this child's condition.

The nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with emphysema. Which assessment finding requires further follow-up with the health care provider? a. Increased anterior-posterior diameter of the chest b. Accessory muscle used for breathing c. Clubbing of the fingers d. Hemoptysis

d. Hemoptysis ANS: D Hemoptysis is an abnormal occurrence of emphysema, and further diagnostic studies are needed to determine the cause of blood inthe sputum. Clubbing of the fingers, barrel chest (increased anterior-posterior chest diameter), and accessory muscle used are all normal findings in a patient with emphysema.

The school nurse is urgently called to the gymnasium regarding an injured student. The student is crying in severe pain with a malformed fractured lower leg. Which proper sequence will the nurse follow to perform the initial assessment? a. Light palpation, deep palpation, and inspection b. Inspection, light palpation, and deep palpation c. Auscultation and light palpation d. Inspection and light palpation

d. Inspection and light palpation ANS: D Inspection is the use of vision and hearing to distinguish normal from abnormal findings. Light palpation determines areas of tenderness and skin temperature, moisture, and texture. Deep palpation is used to examine the condition of organs, such as those in the abdomen. Caution is the rule with deep palpation. Deep palpation is performed after light palpation; however, deep palpation is not performed on a fractured leg. Auscultation is used to evaluate sound and is not used to assess a fractured leg.

A patient in the emergency department is reporting left lower abdominal pain. Which proper order will the nurse follow to perform the comprehensive abdominal examination? a. Percussion, palpation, auscultation b. Percussion, auscultation, palpation c. Inspection, palpation, auscultation d. Inspection, auscultation, palpation

d. Inspection, auscultation, palpation ANS: D The order of an abdominal examination differs slightly from that of other assessments. Begin with inspection and follow with auscultation. By using auscultation before palpation, the chance of altering the frequency and character of bowel sounds is lessened.

A patient has inadequate stroke volume related to decreased preload. Which treatment does the nurse prepare to administer? a. Diuretics b. Vasodilators c. Chest physiotherapy d. Intravenous (IV) fluids

d. Intravenous (IV) fluids ANS: D Preload is affected by the circulating volume; if the patient has decreased fluid volume, it will need to be replaced with fluid or blood therapy. Preload is the amount of blood in the left ventricle at the end of diastole, often referred to as end-diastolic volume. Giving diuretics and vasodilators will make the situation worse. Diuretics cause fluid loss; the patient is already low on fluids or the preload would not be decreased. Vasodilators reduced blood return to the heart, making the situation worse; the patient does not have enough blood and fluid to the heart or the preload would not be decreased. Chest physiotherapy is a group of therapies for mobilizing pulmonary secretions. Chest physiotherapy will not help this cardiovascular problem.

A nurse is preparing to suction a patient. The pulse is 65 and pulse oximetry is 94%. Which finding will cause the nurse to stop suctioning? a. Pulse 75 b. Pulse 80 c. Oxygen saturation 91% d. Oxygen saturation 88%

d. Oxygen saturation 88% ANS: D Stop when oxygen saturation is 88%. Monitor patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation during procedure; note whether there is a change of 20 beats/min (either increase or decrease) or if pulse oximetry falls below 90% or 5% from baseline. If this occurs, stop suctioning. A pulse rate of 75 is only 10 beats different from the start of the procedure. A pulse rate of 80 is 15 beats different from the start of suctioning. Oxygen saturation of 91% is not 5% from baseline or below 90%.

Upon assessment, the patient is breathing normally and has normal vesicular lung sounds. Which inspiratory-to-expiratory breath sounds will the nurse expect to hear? a. The expiration phase is longer than the inspiration phase. b. The inspiratory phase lasts exactly as long as the expiratory phase. c. The expiration phase is 2 times longer than the inspiration phase. d. The inspiratory phase is 3 times longer than the expiratory phase.

d. The inspiratory phase is 3 times longer than the expiratory phase. ANS: D Vesicular breath sounds are normal breath sounds; the inspiratory phase is 3 times longer than the expiratory phase. Bronchovesicular breath sounds have an inspiratory phase equal to the expiratory phase. Bronchial breath sounds have an expiration phase longer than the inspiration phase at a 3:2 ratio.

A head and neck physical examination is completed on a 50-year-old female patient. All physical findings are normal except for fine brittle hair. Which laboratory test will the nurse expect to be ordered, based upon the physical findings? a. Oxygen saturation b. Liver function test c. Carbon monoxide d. Thyroid-stimulating hormone test

d. Thyroid-stimulating hormone test ANS: D Thyroid disease can make hair thin and brittle. Liver function testing is indicated for a patient who has jaundice. Oxygen saturation will be used for cyanosis. Cherry-colored lips indicate carbon monoxide poisoning.