A labor and birth nurse receives a call from the laboratory regarding a preeclamptic patient receiving an IV infusion of magnesium sulfate. The laboratory technician reports that the patient’s magnesium level is 6 mg/dL. What is the nurse’s priority action?

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Question 1 of 9

A labor and birth nurse receives a call from the laboratory regarding a preeclamptic patient receiving an IV infusion of magnesium sulfate. The laboratory technician reports that the patient’s magnesium level is 6 mg/dL. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stop the infusion of magnesium. A magnesium level of 6 mg/dL is above the therapeutic range (4-7 mg/dL) for preeclamptic patients receiving magnesium sulfate. Continuing the infusion can lead to magnesium toxicity, causing respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and neuromuscular blockade. Stopping the infusion is crucial to prevent further complications. Assessing the patient's respiratory rate (B) and deep tendon reflexes (C) are important, but stopping the infusion takes priority to prevent harm. Notifying the health care provider (D) is important but may delay immediate action to address the high magnesium level.

Question 2 of 9

A nurse is providing an educational event to a local mens group about prostate cancer. The nurse should cite an increased risk of prostate cancer in what ethnic group?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: African Americans. African American men have the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer among all ethnic groups. This is due to genetic and environmental factors, as well as disparities in access to healthcare. Native Americans (A), Caucasian Americans (B), and Asian Americans (D) have lower rates of prostate cancer compared to African Americans. It is important to educate the local men's group about this increased risk in African Americans to promote awareness and early detection.

Question 3 of 9

Rh incompatibility can occur if the patient is Rh-negative and the

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Rh incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. If fetal blood enters the mother's circulation during pregnancy or childbirth, the mother's immune system can produce antibodies against Rh-positive red blood cells, leading to potential harm to future pregnancies. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Rh incompatibility does not occur when the fetus is Rh-negative, the father is Rh-positive, or both the father and fetus are Rh-negative.

Question 4 of 9

A nurse is performing the admission assessment of a patient who has AIDS. What components should the nurse include in this comprehensive assessment? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Current medication regimen. In the admission assessment of a patient with AIDS, it is crucial to assess the patient's current medication regimen to ensure proper management of the condition. This includes antiretroviral therapy, prophylactic medications, and any other medications the patient may be taking to manage comorbidities. Understanding the medications the patient is currently taking allows the nurse to assess for potential drug interactions, side effects, and adherence to the treatment plan. This information is essential for providing safe and effective care for the patient. Choice B: Identification of patients support system is important but not a specific component of the comprehensive assessment for a patient with AIDS. Choice C: Immune system function is a relevant aspect in a patient with AIDS, but it is not typically assessed in the admission assessment as it requires specialized testing. Choice D: Genetic risk factors for HIV are not typically assessed in the admission assessment of a patient with AIDS as the focus is on the current condition and management

Question 5 of 9

When teaching patients about the risk factors of cervical cancer, what would the nurse identify as the most important risk factor?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer as it is responsible for almost all cases. Step 1: HPV infection can lead to changes in cervical cells, increasing the risk of cancer. Step 2: Early detection and vaccination against HPV can prevent cervical cancer. Step 3: Other factors like late childbearing, postmenopausal bleeding, and tobacco use may be associated with increased risk but are not as directly linked to cervical cancer development.

Question 6 of 9

The nurse is caring for a patient who has just been told that her ovarian cancer is terminal and that no curative options remain. What would be the priority nursing care for this patient at this time?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide emotional support to the patient and her family. This is the priority as the patient has received devastating news and needs immediate support. Emotional support can help the patient cope with the diagnosis, express feelings, and make decisions. B: Implementing distraction techniques may not address the patient's emotional needs in this critical situation. C: Offering to inform the family of the diagnosis is important but not the priority at this moment. D: Teaching about maintaining a positive attitude may not be appropriate as the patient is facing a terminal illness.

Question 7 of 9

The nurse is writing a care plan for a patient with brain metastases. The nurse decides that an appropriate nursing diagnosis is anxiety related to lack of control over the health circumstances. In establishing this plan of care for the patient, the nurse should include what intervention?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because encouraging the patient to verbalize concerns can help alleviate anxiety by allowing the patient to express emotions and fears. This intervention promotes emotional expression and provides an outlet for the patient to discuss their worries. This can lead to increased understanding and support. Incorrect answers: A: Administering antianxiety medications does not address the underlying cause of anxiety and may lead to dependency. B: Instructing the family on planning care does not directly address the patient's anxiety. D: Distracting the patient may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of anxiety related to lack of control over health circumstances.

Question 8 of 9

The clinic nurse is caring for a patient whose grandmother and sister have both had breast cancer. She requested a screening test to determine her risk of developing breast cancer and it has come back positive. The patient asks you what she can do to help prevent breast cancer from occurring. What would be your best response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Research has shown that exercising at least 30 minutes every day can reduce your chance of breast cancer. Rationale: 1. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which is important in reducing the risk of breast cancer. 2. Physical activity can help regulate hormone levels, such as estrogen, which can affect breast cancer risk. 3. Exercise boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation, both of which play a role in cancer prevention. Summary: A: Eating a healthy diet is important, but it alone cannot provide all the protection needed against breast cancer. B: Tamoxifen may be recommended in some cases, but it is not the primary preventive measure for everyone. D: While genetic predisposition increases risk, lifestyle choices like exercise can still play a significant role in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Question 9 of 9

An adolescent patients history of skin hyperreactivity and inflammation has been attributed to atopic dermatitis. The nurse should recognize that this patient consequently faces an increased risk of what health problem?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Asthma. Atopic dermatitis is associated with a heightened immune response and inflammation, which can predispose individuals to developing asthma. Both conditions involve an overactive immune response and can coexist in patients due to shared genetic and environmental factors. Asthma commonly presents alongside atopic dermatitis in individuals with atopic tendencies. Bronchitis (choice A) is a respiratory condition caused by inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is not directly linked to atopic dermatitis. Systemic lupus erythematosus (choice B) and rheumatoid arthritis (choice C) are autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the joints and other organs, but they are not typically associated with atopic dermatitis.

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