Med Surg HESI
A male client who has never smoked but has had COPD for the past 5 years is now being assessed for cancer of the lung. The nurse knows that he is most likely to develop which type of lung cancer? A) Adenocarcinoma. B) Oat-cell carcinoma. C) Malignant melanoma. D) Squamous-cell carcinoma.
A) Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the only lung cancer not related to cigarette smoking (A). It has been found to be directly related to lung scarring and fibrosis from preexisting pulmonary disease such as TB or COPD. Both (B and D) are malignant lung cancers related to cigarette smoking. (C) is a skin cancer and is related to exposure to sunlight, not to lung problems.
A client who is receiving chemotherapy asks the nurse, "Why is so much of my hair falling out each day?" Which response by the nurse best explains the reason for alopecia? A) Chemotherapy affects the cells of the body that grow rapidly, both normal and malignant. B) Alopecia is a common side effect you will experience during long-term steroid therapy. C) Your hair will grow back completely after your course of chemotherapy is completed. D) The chemotherapy causes permanent alterations in your hair follicles that lead to hair loss.
A) Chemotherapy affects the cells of the body that grow rapidly, both normal and malignant. The common adverse effects of chemotherapy (nausea, vomiting, alopecia, bone marrow depression) are due to chemotherapy's effect on the rapidly reproducing cells, both normal and malignant (A). (B and D) do not provide correct information about chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Although (D) is a true statement, it does not effectively answer the client's question.
A postmenopausal client asks the nurse why she is experiencing discomfort during intercourse. What response is best for the nurse to provide? A) Estrogen deficiency causes the vaginal tissues to become dry and thinner. B) Infrequent intercourse results in the vaginal tissues losing their elasticity. C) Dehydration from inadequate fluid intake causes vulva tissue dryness. D) Lack of adequate stimulation is the most common reason for dyspareunia.
A) Estrogen deficiency causes the vaginal tissues to become dry and thinner. Estrogen deprivation decreases the moisture-secreting capacity of vaginal cells, so vaginal tissues tend to become thinner, drier (A), and the rugae become smoother which reduces vaginal stretching that contributes to dyspareunia. Dyspareunia is not related to (B or C). While (D) can contribute to discomfort during intercourse, the primary cause is hormone-related.
A client receiving cholestyramine (Questran) for hyperlipidemia should be evaluated for what vitamin deficiency? A) K. B) B12. C) B6. D) C.
A) K. Clients should be monitored for an increased prothrombin time and prolonged bleeding times which would alert the nurse to a vitamin K deficiency (A). These drugs reduce absorption of the fat soluble (lipid) vitamins A, D, E, and K. (B, C, and D) are not fat soluble vitamins.
The nurse is caring for a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), which is manifested by which symptoms? A) Loss of thirst, weight gain. B) Dependent edema, fever. C) Polydipsia, polyuria. D) Hypernatremia, tachypnea.
A) Loss of thirst, weight gain. SIADH occurs when the posterior pituitary gland releases too much ADH, causing water retention, a urine output of less than 20 ml/hour, and dilutional hyponatremia. Other indications of SIADH are loss of thirst, weight gain (A), irritability, muscle weakness, and decreased level of consciousness. (B) is not associated with SIADH. (C) is a finding associated with diabetes insipidus (a water metabolism problem caused by an ADH deficiency), not SIADH. The increase in plasma volume causes an increase in the glomerular filtration rate that inhibits the release of rennin and aldosterone, which results in an increased sodium loss in urine, leading to greater hyponatremia, not (D).
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of severe acute diverticulitis. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect this client to exhibit? A) Lower left quadrant pain and a low-grade fever. B) Severe pain at McBurney's point and nausea. C) Abdominal pain and intermittent tenesmus. D) Exacerbations of severe diarrhea.
A) Lower left quadrant pain and a low-grade fever. Left lower quadrant pain occurs with diverticulitis because the sigmoid colon is the most common area for diverticula, and the inflammation of diverticula causes a low-grade fever (A). (B) would be indicative of appendicitis. (C and D) are symptoms exhibited with ulcerative colitis.
In preparing to administer intravenous albumin to a client following surgery, what is the priority nursing intervention? (Select all that apply.) A) Set the infusion pump to infuse the albumin within four hours. B) Compare the client's blood type with the label on the albumin. C) Assign a UAP to monitor blood pressure q15 minutes. D) Administer through a large gauge catheter. E) Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. F) Assess for increased bleeding after administration.
A) Set the infusion pump to infuse the albumin within four hours. D) Administer through a large gauge catheter. E) Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. F) Assess for increased bleeding after administration. (A, D, E, and F) are the correct selections. Albumin should be infused within four hours because it does not contain any preservatives. Any fluid remaining after four hours should be discarded (A). Albumin administration does not require blood typing (B). Vital signs should be monitored periodically to assess for fluid volume overload, but every 15 minutes is not necessary (C). This frequency is often used during the first hour of a blood transfusion. A large gauge catheter (D) allows for fast infusion rate, which may be necessary. Hemodilution may decrease hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (E), while increased blood volume and blood pressure may cause bleeding (F).
Small bowel obstruction is a condition characterized by which finding? A) Severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances. B) Metabolic acidosis. C) Ribbon-like stools. D) Intermittent lower abdominal cramping.
A) Severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Among the findings characteristic of a small bowel obstruction is the presence of severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances (A). (B, C, and D) are findings associated with large bowel obstruction.
The nurse working in a postoperative surgical clinic is assessing a woman who had a left radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Which factor puts this client at greatest risk for developing lymphedema? A) She sustained an insect bite to her left arm yesterday. B) She has lost twenty pounds since the surgery. C) Her healthcare provider now prescribes a calcium channel blocker for hypertension. D) Her hobby is playing classical music on the piano.
A) She sustained an insect bite to her left arm yesterday. A radical mastectomy interrupts lymph flow, and the increased lymph flow that occurs in response to the insect bite increases the risk for the occurrence of lymphedema (A). (B) is not a factor. Lymphedema is not significantly related to vascular circulation (C). Only overuse of the arm, such as weight-lifting, would cause lymphedema--(D) would not.
The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client who is newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which signs and symptoms should the nurse describe when teaching the client about hypoglycemia? A) Sweating, trembling, tachycardia. B) Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia. C) Nausea, vomiting, anorexia. D) Fruity breath, tachypnea, chest pain.
A) Sweating, trembling, tachycardia. Sweating, dizziness, and trembling are signs of hypoglycemic reactions related to the release of epinephrine as a compensatory response to the low blood sugar (A). (B, C, and D) do not describe common symptoms of hypoglycemia.
The nurse is teaching a female client about the best time to plan sexual intercourse in order to conceive. Which information should the nurse provide? A) Two weeks before menstruation. B) Vaginal mucous discharge is thick. C) Low basal temperature. D) First thing in the morning.
A) Two weeks before menstruation. Ovulation typically occurs 14 days before menstruation begins (A), and sexual intercourse should occur within 24 hours of ovulation for conception to occur. High estrogen levels occur during ovulation and increase the vaginal mucous membrane characteristics, which become more "slippery" and stretchy, not (B). A rise in basal temperature, not (C), signals ovulation. The timing during the day is not as significant in determining conception as the day before and after ovulation (D).
A client who is sexually active with several partners requests an intrauterine device (IUD) as a contraceptive method. Which information should the nurse provide? A) Using an IUD offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD), which increase the risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). B) Getting pregnant while using an IUD is common and is not the best contraceptive choice. C) Relying on an IUD may be a safer choice for monogamous partners, but a barrier method provides a better option in preventing STD transmission. D) Selecting a contraceptive device should consider choosing a successful method used in the past.
A) Using an IUD offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD), which increase the risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The use of an IUD provides the client with no protection from STDs (A). While pregnancy rates with the use of an IUD are somewhat higher, (B) is not therapeutic, but judgmental. (C) is judgmental and does not provide the client any information about use of an IUD. While talking about contraceptives may include (D), it is does not provide the best information to maintain the client's health.
In assessing cancer risk, the nurse identifies which woman as being at greatest risk of developing breast cancer? A) A 35-year-old multipara who never breastfed. B) A 50-year-old whose mother had unilateral breast cancer. C) A 55-year-old whose mother-in-law had bilateral breast cancer. D) A 20-year-old whose menarche occurred at age 9.
B) A 50-year-old whose mother had unilateral breast cancer. The most predictive risk factors for development of breast cancer are over 40 years of age and a positive family history (occurrence in the immediate family, i.e., mother or sister). Other risk factors include nulliparity, no history of breastfeeding, early menarche and late menopause. Although all of the women described have one of the risk factors for developing breast cancer, (B) has the greater risk over (A, C, and D).
A female client requests information about using the calendar method of contraception. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain? A) Amount of weight gain or weight loss during the previous year. B) An accurate menstrual cycle diary for the past 6 to 12 months. C) Skin pigmentation and hair texture for evidence of hormonal changes. D) Previous birth-control methods and beliefs about the calendar method.
B) An accurate menstrual cycle diary for the past 6 to 12 months. The fertile period, which occurs 2 weeks prior to the onset of menses, is determined using an accurate record of the number of days of the menstrual cycles for the past 6 months, so it is most important to emphasize to the client that accuracy and compliancy of a menstrual diary (B) is the basis of the calendar method. (A and C) may be partially related to hormonal fluctuations but are not indicators for using the calendar method. (D) may demonstrate client understanding and compliancy but is not the most important aspect.
The nurse is taking a history of a newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic who is beginning treatment. Which subjective information is most important for the nurse to note? A) A history of obesity. B) An allergy to sulfa drugs. C) Cessation of smoking three years ago. D) Numbness in the soles of the feet.
B) An allergy to sulfa drugs. An allergy to sulfa drugs may make the client unable to use some of the most common antihyperglycemic agents (sulfonylureas). The nurse needs to highlight this allergy for the healthcare provider. (A) is common and warrants counseling, but does not have the importance of (B). (C) does increase the risk for vascular disease, but it is not as important to the treatment regimen as (B). Diabetic neuropathy, as indicated by (D), is common with diabetics, but when the serum glucose is decreased, new onset numbness can possibly improve.
During suctioning, a client with an uncuffed tracheostomy tube begins to cough violently and dislodges the tracheostomy tube. Which action should the nurse implement first? A) Notify the healthcare provider for reinsertion. B) Attempt to reinsert the tracheostomy tube. C) Position the client in a lateral position with the neck extended. D) Ventilate client's tracheostomy stoma with a manual bag-mask.
B) Attempt to reinsert the tracheostomy tube. The nurse should attempt to reinsert the tracheostomy tube (B) by using a hemostat to open the tracheostomy or by grasping the retention sutures (if present) to spread the opening in insert a replacement tube (with its obturator) into the stoma. Once in place, the obturator should immediately be removed. (A, C, and D) place the client at risk of airway obstruction.
The nurse is caring for a client with a continuous feeding through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care? A) Flush the tube with 50 ml of water q 8 hours. B) Check for tube placement and residual volume q4 hours. C) Obtain a daily x- ray to verify tube placement. D) Position on left side with head of bed elevated 45 degrees.
B) Check for tube placement and residual volume q4 hours. Tube placement and residual volume should be checked before each feeding (B). Tube placement is checked by aspiration of stomach contents and measurement of pH. It is important to check for residual volume because gastric emptying is often delayed during illness. There is an increased risk for aspiration of the feeding with increased residual volume. (A, C, and D) are not correct procedures to follow.
A 49-year-old female client arrives at the clinic for an annual exam and asks the nurse why she becomes excessively diaphoretic and feels warm during nighttime. What is the nurse's best response? A) Explain the effect of the follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. B) Discuss perimenopause and related comfort measures. C) Assess lung fields and for a cough productive of blood-tinged mucous. D) Ask if a fever above 101º F has occurred in the last 24 hours.
B) Discuss perimenopause and related comfort measures. The perimenopausal period begins about 10 years before menopause with the cessation of menstruation at the average ages of 52 to 54. Lower estrogen levels causes FSH and LH secretion in bursts (surges), which triggers vasomotor instability, night sweats, and hot flashes, so discussions about the perimenopausal body's changes, comfort measures (B), and treatment options should be provided. In-depth pathophysiology of the symptoms (A) may only confuse the client. There is no indication that the client has tuberculosis and an infection, so (C and D) are not indicated.
Which symptoms should the nurse expect a client to exhibit who is known to have a pheochromocytoma? A) Numbness, tingling, and cramps in the extremities. B) Headache, diaphoresis, and palpitations. C) Cyanosis, fever, and classic signs of shock. D) Nausea, vomiting, and muscular weakness.
B) Headache, diaphoresis, and palpitations. (B) is the typical triad of symptoms of tumors of the adrenal medulla (symptoms depend on the relative proportions of epinephrine and norepinephrine secretion). (A) lists the signs of latent tetany, exhibited by clients diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. (C) lists the signs of an Addisonian (adrenal) crisis. (D) lists the signs of hyperparathyroidism.
A 32-year-old female client complains of severe abdominal pain each month before her menstrual period, painful intercourse, and painful defecation. Which additional history should the nurse obtain that is consistent with the client's complaints? A) Frequent urinary tract infections. B) Inability to get pregnant. C) Premenstrual syndrome. D) Chronic use of laxatives.
B) Inability to get pregnant. Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and difficulty or painful defecation are common symptoms of endometriosis, which is the abnormal displacement of endometrial tissue in the dependent areas of the pelvic peritoneum. A history of infertility (B) is another common finding associated with endometriosis. Although (A, C, and D) are common, nonspecific gynecological complaints, the most common complaints of the client with endometriosis are pain and infertility.
Which reaction should the nurse identify in a client who is responding to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system? A) Pupil constriction. B) Increased heart rate. C) Bronchial constriction. D) Decreased blood pressure.
B) Increased heart rate. Any stressor that is perceived as threatening to homeostasis acts to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and manifests as a flight-or-fight response, which includes an increase in heart rate (B). (A, C, and D) are responses of the parasympathetic nervous system.
A client who has heart failure is admitted with a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement? A) Give 20 mEq of potassium chloride. B) Initiate continuous cardiac monitoring. C) Arrange a consultation with the dietician. D) Teach about the side effects of diuretics.
B) Initiate continuous cardiac monitoring. Hypokalemia (normal 3.5 to 5 mEq/L) causes changes in myocardial irritability and ECG waveform, so it is most important for the nurse to initiate continuous cardiac monitoring (B) to identify ventricular ectopy or other life-threatening dysrhythmias. Potassium chloride (A) should be given after cardiac monitoring is initiated so that the effects of potassium replacement on the cardiac rhythm can be monitored. (C and D) should be implemented when the client is stable.
A 20-year-old female client calls the nurse to report a lump she found in her breast. Which response is the best for the nurse to provide? A) Check it again in one month, and if it is still there schedule an appointment. B) Most lumps are benign, but it is always best to come in for an examination. C) Try not to worry too much about it, because usually, most lumps are benign. D) If you are in your menstrual period it is not a good time to check for lumps.
B) Most lumps are benign, but it is always best to come in for an examination. (B) provides the best response because it addresses the client's anxiety most effectively and encourages prompt and immediate action for a potential problem. (A) postpones treatment if the lump is malignant, and does not relieve the client's anxiety. (C and D) provide false reassurance and do not help relieve anxiety.
The nurse is assessing a client's laboratory values following administration of chemotherapy. Which lab value leads the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)? A) Serum PTT of 10 seconds. B) Serum calcium of 5 mg/dl. C) Oxygen saturation of 90%. D) Hemoglobin of 10 g/dl.
B) Serum calcium of 5 mg/dl. TLS results in hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperuricemia, and hyperphosphatemia. A serum calcium level of 5 (B), which is low, is an indicator of possible tumor lysis syndrome. (A, C, and D) are not particularly related to TLS.
The nurse is assessing a client who has a history of Parkinson's disease for the past 5 years. What symptoms should this client most likely exhibit? A) Loss of short-term memory, facial tics and grimaces, and constant writhing movements. B) Shuffling gait, masklike facial expression, and tremors of the head. C) Extreme muscular weakness, easy fatigability, and ptosis. D) Numbness of the extremities, loss of balance, and visual disturbances.
B) Shuffling gait, masklike facial expression, and tremors of the head. (B) are common clinical features of Parkinsonism. (A) are symptoms of chorea, (C) of myasthenia gravis, and (D) of multiple sclerosis.
A client taking a thiazide diuretic for the past six months has a serum potassium level of 3. The nurse anticipates which change in prescription for the client? A) The dosage of the diuretic will be decreased. B) The diuretic will be discontinued. C) A potassium supplement will be prescribed. D) The dosage of the diuretic will be increased.
C) A potassium supplement will be prescribed. This client's potassium level is too low (normal is 3.5 to 5). Taking a thiazide diuretic often results in a loss of potassium, so a potassium supplement needs to be prescribed to restore a normal serum potassium level (C). (A, B, and D) are not recommended actions for restoring a normal serum potassium level.
Based on the analysis of the client's atrial fibrillation, the nurse should prepare the client for which treatment protocol? A) Diuretic therapy. B) Pacemaker implantation. C) Anticoagulation therapy. D) Cardiac catheterization.
C) Anticoagulation therapy. The client is experiencing atrial fibrillation, and the nurse should prepare the client for anticoagulation therapy (C) which should be prescribed before rhythm control therapies to prevent cardioembolic events which result from blood pooling in the fibrillating atria. (A, B, and D) are not indicated.
Which healthcare practice is most important for the nurse to teach a postmenopausal client? A) Wear layers of clothes if experiencing hot flashes. B) Use a water-soluble lubricant for vaginal dryness. C) Consume adequate foods rich in calcium. D) Participate in stimulating mental exercises.
C) Consume adequate foods rich in calcium. Bone density loss associated with osteoporosis increases at a more rapid rate when estrogen levels begin to fall, so the most important healthcare practice during menopause is ensuring an adequate calcium (C) intake to help maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Although practices such as (A and B) may reduce some of the discomforts for a postmenopausal female, calcium intake is more important than comfort measures. Although social and mental exercises stimulate thought, there is no scientific evidence that mental exercises (D) prevent dementia or common forgetfulness associated with reduced hormonal levels.
The nurse should be correct in withholding a dose of digoxin in a client with congestive heart failure without specific instruction from the healthcare provider if the client's A) serum digoxin level is 1.5. B) blood pressure is 104/68. C) serum potassium level is 3. D) apical pulse is 68/min.
C) serum potassium level is 3. Hypokalemia (C) can precipitate digitalis toxicity in persons receiving digoxin which will increase the chance of dangerous dysrhythmias (normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L). The therapeutic range for digoxin is 0.8 to 2 ng/ml (toxic levels= >2 ng/ml); (A) is within this range. (B) would not warrant the nurse withholding the digoxin. The nurse should withhold the digoxin if the apical pulse is less than 60/min (D).
Which postmenopausal client's complaint should the nurse refer to the healthcare provider? A) Breasts feel lumpy when palpated. B) History of white nipple discharge. C) Episodes of vaginal bleeding. D) Excessive diaphoresis occurs at night.
C) Episodes of vaginal bleeding. Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding (C) may be an indication of endometrial cancer, which should be reported to the healthcare provider. Compared to a new-onset of a single lump, breasts that feel lumpy (A) overall may be a normal variant or a finding consistent with nonmalignant fibrocystic disease. Up to 80% of women experience (B), depending on sexual stimulation or hormonal levels, and is no longer recommended as a reportable symptom when discovered during breast self-exam (BSE). The client may need further teaching concerning (D), a disturbing symptom, but it is not as important as (C).
The nurse is completing an admission interview and assessment on a client with a history of Parkinson's disease. Which question should provide information relevant to the client's plan of care? A) Have you ever experienced any paralysis of your arms or legs? B) Have you ever sustained a severe head injury? C) Have you ever been 'frozen' in one spot, unable to move? D) Do you have headaches, especially ones with throbbing pain?
C) Have you ever been 'frozen' in one spot, unable to move? Clients with Parkinson's disease frequently experience difficulty in initiating, maintaining, and performing motor activities. They may even experience being rooted to the spot and unable to move (C). Parkinson's disease does not cause (A). Parkinson's disease is not usually associated with (B), nor does it typically cause (D).
The nurse is planning care to prevent complication for a client with multiple myeloma. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include? A) Safety precautions during activity. B) Assess for changes in size of lymph nodes. C) Maintain a fluid intake of 3 to 4 L per day. D) Administer narcotic analgesic around the clock.
C) Maintain a fluid intake of 3 to 4 L per day. Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of plasma cells that infiltrate bone causing demineralization and hypercalcemia, so maintaining a urinary output of 1.5 to 2 L per day requires an intake of 3 to 4 L (C) to promote excretion of serum calcium. Although the client is at risk for pathologic fractures due to diffuse osteoporosis, mobilization and weight bearing (A) should be encouraged to promote bone reabsorption of circulating calcium, which can cause renal complications. (B) is a component of ongoing assessment. Chronic pain management (D) should be included in the plan of care, but prevention of complications related to hypercalcemia is most important.
An elderly male client comes to the geriatric screening clinic complaining of pain in his left calf. The nurse notices a reddened area on the calf of his right leg which is warm to the touch and suspects it might be thrombophlebitis. Which type of pain should further confirm this suspicion? A) Pain in the calf awakening him from a sound sleep. B) Calf pain on exertion which stops when standing in one place. C) Pain in the calf upon exertion which is relieved by rest and elevating the extremity. D) Pain upon arising in the morning which is relieved after some stretching and exercise.
C) Pain in the calf upon exertion which is relieved by rest and elevating the extremity. Thrombophlebitis pain is relieved by rest and elevation of the extremity (C). It typically occurs with exercise at the site of the thrombus, and is aggravated by placing the extremity in a dependent position, such as standing in one place (B). (A and D) describe pain that is not common with thrombophlebitis.
In assessing a client diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism, the nurse expects the laboratory test results to indicate a decreased serum level of which substance? A) Sodium. B) Antidiuretic hormone. C) Potassium. D) Glucose.
C) Potassium. Clients with primary aldosteronism exhibit a profound decline in the serum levels of potassium (C) (hypokalemia)--hypertension is the most prominent and universal sign. (A) is normal or elevated, depending on the amount of water reabsorbed with the sodium. (B) is decreased with diabetes insipidus. (D) is not affected by primary aldosteronism.
A client with early breast cancer receives the results of a breast biopsy and asks the nurse to explain the meaning of staging and the type of receptors found on the cancer cells. Which explanation should the nurse provide? A) Lymph node involvement is not significant. B) Small tumors are aggressive and indicate poor prognosis. C) The tumor's estrogen receptor guides treatment options. D) Stage I indicates metastasis.
C) The tumor's estrogen receptor guides treatment options. Treatment decisions (C) and prediction of prognosis are related to the tumor's receptor status, such as estrogen and progesterone receptor status which commonly are well-differentiated, have a lower chance of recurrence, and are receptive to hormonal therapy. Tumor staging designates tumor size and spread of breast cancer cells into axillary lymph nodes, which is one of the most important prognostic factors in early-stage breast cancer, not (A). Larger tumors are more likely to indicate poor prognosis, not (B). Stage I indicates the cancer is localized and has not spread systemically (D).
The nurse is planning care for a client with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus that requires insulin. Which assessment should the nurse identify before beginning the teaching session? A) Present knowledge related to the skill of injection. B) Intelligence and developmental level of the client. C) Willingness of the client to learn the injection sites. D) Financial resources available for the equipment.
C) Willingness of the client to learn the injection sites. If a client is incapable or does not want to learn, it is unlikely that learning will occur, so motivation is the first factor the nurse should assess before teaching (C). To determine learning needs, the nurse should assess (A), but this is not the most important factor for the nurse to assess. (B and D) are factors to consider, but not as vital as (C).
Which information about mammograms is most important to provide a post-menopausal female client? A) Breast self-examinations are not needed if annual mammograms are obtained. B) Radiation exposure is minimized by shielding the abdomen with a lead-lined apron. C) Yearly mammograms should be done regardless of previous normal x-rays. D) Women at high risk should have annual routine and ultrasound mammograms.
C) Yearly mammograms should be done regardless of previous normal x-rays. The current breast screening recommendation is a yearly mammogram after age 40 (C). Breast self-exam (A) continues to be a priority recommendation for all women because a small lump (or tumor) is often first felt by a woman before a mammogram is obtained. The radiation exposure from a mammogram is low, so (B) is not normally provided. The frequency of using routine and ultrasound mammograms (D) in women with high-risk variables, such as a history of breast cancer, the presence of BRC1 and BRC2 genes, or 2 first-degree relatives with breast cancer, should be recommended and followed closely by the healthcare provider.
A client reports unprotected sexual intercourse one week ago and is worried about HIV exposure. An initial HIV antibody screen (ELISA) is obtained. The nurse teaches the client that seroconversion to HIV positive relies on antibody production by B lymphocytes after exposure to the virus. When should the nurse recommend the client return for repeat blood testing? A) 6 to 18 months. B) 1 to 12 months. C) 1 to 18 weeks. D) 6 to 12 weeks.
D) 6 to 12 weeks. Although the HIV antigen is detectable approximately 2 weeks after exposure, seroconversion to HIV positive may take up to 6 to 12 weeks (D) after exposure, so the client should return to repeat the serum screen for the presence of HIV antibodies during that time frame. (A) will delay treatment if the client tests positive. (B and C) may provide inaccurate results because the time frame maybe too early to reevaluate the client.
A client taking furosemide (Lasix), reports difficulty sleeping. What question is important for the nurse to ask the client? A) What dose of medication are you taking? B) Are you eating foods rich in potassium? C) Have you lost weight recently? D) At what time do you take your medication?
D) At what time do you take your medication? The nurse needs to first determine at what time of day the client takes the Lasix (D). Because of the diuretic effect of Lasix, clients should take the medication in the morning to prevent nocturia. The actual dose of medication (A) is of less importance than the time taken. (B) is not related to the insomnia. (C) is valuable information about the effect of the diuretic, but is not likely to be related to insomnia.
What types of medications should the nurse expect to administer to a client during an acute respiratory distress episode? A) Vasodilators and hormones. B) Analgesics and sedatives. C) Anticoagulants and expectorants. D) Bronchodilators and steroids.
D) Bronchodilators and steroids. Besides supplemental oxygen, the ARDS client needs medications to widen air passages, increase air space, and reduce alveolar membrane inflammation, i.e., bronchodilators and steroids (D). (A) would not help the condition. (B) would further depress the client and compromise the ability to breathe. Anticoagulants would be contraindicated since clotting of the blood is not yet a problem, and expectorants are not appropriate for this critically ill client (C).
A client who is fully awake after a gastroscopy asks the nurse for something to drink. After confirming that liquids are allowed, which assessment action should the nurse consider a priority? A) Listen to bilateral lung and bowel sounds. B) Obtain the client's pulse and blood pressure. C) Assist the client to the bathroom to void. D) Check the client's gag and swallow reflexes.
D) Check the client's gag and swallow reflexes. Following gastroscopy, a client should remain nothing by mouth until the effects of local anesthesia have dissipated and the airway's protective reflexes, gag and swallow reflexes, have returned (D). (A, B, and C) are not the priority before reintroducing oral fluids after a gastroscopy.
The nurse assesses a client with advanced cirrhosis of the liver for signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Which finding should the nurse consider an indication of progressive hepatic encephalopathy? A) An increase in abdominal girth. B) Hypertension and a bounding pulse. C) Decreased bowel sounds. D) Difficulty in handwriting.
D) Difficulty in handwriting. A daily record in handwriting may provide evidence of progression or reversal of hepatic encephalopathy leading to coma (D). (A) is a sign of ascites. (B) are not seen with hepatic encephalopathy. (C) does not indicate an increase in serum ammonia level which is the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy.
A client experiencing uncontrolled atrial fibrillation is admitted to the telemetry unit. What initial medication should the nurse anticipate administering to the client? A) Xylocaine (Lidocaine). B) Procainamide (Pronestyl). C) Phenytoin (Dilantin). D) Digoxin (Lanoxin).
D) Digoxin (Lanoxin). Digoxin (Lanoxin) (D) is administered for uncontrolled, symptomatic atrial fibrillation resulting in a decreased cardiac output. Digoxin slows the rate of conduction by prolonging the refractory period of the AV node, thus slowing the ventricular response, decreasing the heart rate, and effecting cardiac output. (A, B, and C) are not indicated in the initial treatment of uncontrolled atrial fibrillation.
The nurse is teaching a female client who uses a contraceptive diaphragm about reducing the risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Which information should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.) A) Remove the diaphragm immediately after intercourse. B) Wash the diaphragm with an alcohol solution. C) Use the diaphragm to prevent conception during the menstrual cycle. D) Do not leave the diaphragm in place longer than 8 hours after intercourse. E) Contact a healthcare provider a sudden onset of fever grater than 101º F appears. F) Replace the old diaphragm every 3 months.
D) Do not leave the diaphragm in place longer than 8 hours after intercourse. E) Contact a healthcare provider a sudden onset of fever grater than 101º F appears. Correct selections are (D and E). The diaphragm needs to remain against the cervix for 6 to 8 hours to prevent pregnancy but should not remain for longer than 8 hours (D) to avoid the risk of TSS. If a sudden fever occurs, the client should notify the healthcare provider (E). (A) increases the risk of pregnancy, and (B) can reduce the integrity of the barrier contraceptive but neither prevents the risk of TSS. The diaphragm should not be used during menses (C) because it obstructs the menstrual flow and is not indicated because conception does not occur during this time. (F) is not necessary.
A client has undergone insertion of a permanent pacemaker. When developing a discharge teaching plan, the nurse writes a goal of, "The client will verbalize symptoms of pacemaker failure." Which symptoms are most important to teach the client? A) Facial flushing. B) Fever. C) Pounding headache. D) Feelings of dizziness.
D) Feelings of dizziness. Feelings of dizziness may occur as the result of a decreased heart rate, leading to decreased cardiac output (D). (A and C) will not occur as the result of pacemaker failure. (B) may be an indication of infection postoperatively, but is not an indication of pacemaker failure.
What is the correct procedure for performing an ophthalmoscopic examination on a client's right retina? A) Instruct the client to look at examiner's nose and not move his/her eyes during the exam. B) Set ophthalmoscope on the plus 2 to 3 lens and hold it in front of the examiner's right eye. C) From a distance of 8 to 12 inches and slightly to the side, shine the light into the client's pupil. D) For optimum visualization, keep the ophthalmoscope at least 3 inches from the client's eye.
D) For optimum visualization, keep the ophthalmoscope at least 3 inches from the client's eye. The client should focus on a distant object in order to promote pupil dilation. The ophthalmoscope should be set on the 0 lens to begin (creates no correction at the beginning of the exam), and should be held in front of the examiner's left eye when examining the client's right eye. For optimum visualization, the ophthalmoscope should be kept within one to three inches of the client's eye (D). (A and B) describe incorrect methods for conducting an ophthalmoscopic examination. (C) should illicit a red reflex as the light travels through the crystalline lens to the retina.
A client has a staging procedure for cancer of the breast and ask the nurse which type of breast cancer has the poorest prognosis. Which information should the nurse offer the client? A) Stage II. B) Invasive infiltrating ductal carcinoma. C) T1N0M0. D) Inflammatory with peau d'orange.
D) Inflammatory with peau d'orange. Inflammatory breast cancer, which has a thickened appearance like an orange peel (peau d'orange), is the most aggressive form of breast malignancies (D). Staging classifies cancer by the extension or spread of the disease, and (A) indicates limited local spread. (B) indicates cancer cells have spread from the ducts into the surrounding breast tissue only. TNM classification is used to indicate the extent of the disease process according to tumor size, regional spread lymph nodes involvement, and metastasis, and (C) indicates early cancer with small in situ involvement, no lymph node involvement, and no distant metastases.
What instruction should the nurse give a client who is diagnosed with fibrocystic changes of the breast? A) Observe cyst size fluctuations as a sign of malignancy. B) Use estrogen supplements to reduce breast discomfort. C) Notify the healthcare provider if whitish nipple discharge occurs. D) Perform a breast self-exam (BSE) procedure monthly.
D) Perform a breast self-exam (BSE) procedure monthly. Fibrocystic changes in the breast are related to excess fibrous tissue, proliferation of mammary ducts and cyst formation that cause edema and nerve irritation. These changes obscure typical diagnostic tests, such as mammography, due to an increased breast density. Women with fibrocystic breasts should be instructed to carefully perform monthly BSE (D) and consider changes in any previous "lumpiness." Fibrocystic disease does not increase the risk of breast cancer (A). Cyst size fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, and typically lessens after menopause, and responds with a heightened sensitivity to circulating estrogen (B), which is not indicated. Nipple discharge associated with fibrocystic breasts is often milky or watery-milky and is an expected finding (C).
Dysrhythmias are a concern for any client. However, the presence of a dysrhythmia is more serious in an elderly person because A) elderly persons usually live alone and cannot summon help when symptoms appear. B) elderly persons are more likely to eat high-fat diets which make them susceptible to heart disease. C) cardiac symptoms, such as confusion, are more difficult to recognize in the elderly. D) elderly persons are intolerant of decreased cardiac output which may result in dizziness and falls.
D) elderly persons are intolerant of decreased cardiac output which may result in dizziness and falls. Cardiac output is decreased with aging (D). Because of loss of contractility and elasticity, blood flow is decreased and tachycardia is poorly tolerated. Therefore, if an elderly person experiences dysrhythmia (tachycardia or bradycardia), further compromising their cardiac output, they are more likely to experience syncope, falls, transient ischemic attacks, and possibly dementia. Most elderly persons do not eat high-fat diets (B) and most are not confused (C). Although many elderly persons do live alone, inability to summon help (A) cannot be assumed.
A 77-year-old female client is admitted to the hospital. She is confused, has no appetite, is nauseated and vomiting, and is complaining of a headache. Her pulse rate is 43 beats per minute. Which question is a priority for the nurse to ask this client or her family on admission? "Does the client A) have her own teeth or dentures?" B) take aspirin and if so, how much?" C) take nitroglycerin?" D) take digitalis?"
D) take digitalis?" Elderly persons are particularly susceptible to digitalis intoxication (D) which manifests itself in such symptoms as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue. Although it is important to obtain a complete medication history (B and C), the symptoms described are classic for digitalis toxicity, and assessment of this problem should be made promptly. (A) is irrelevant.
