A nurse is caring for a 70-year-old patient with a history of congestive heart failure. The nurse should monitor the patient for which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Orthostatic hypotension. In a patient with congestive heart failure, there is impaired cardiac function leading to decreased cardiac output. This can result in orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops upon standing. Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is important to prevent falls and other complications. B: Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with congestive heart failure. C: Hypoglycemia may occur in patients with diabetes, but it is not a common complication of congestive heart failure. D: Severe dehydration is not directly related to congestive heart failure unless the patient has concurrent issues such as diarrhea or excessive diuresis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. This is the first action because epinephrine is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It works quickly to reverse the symptoms by constricting blood vessels and opening airways. Administering epinephrine promptly can prevent progression to severe complications such as respiratory distress or cardiovascular collapse. Placing the client in a supine position and administering oxygen (B) may be necessary but should not delay the administration of epinephrine. Administering fluids (C) may help maintain blood pressure but is not the priority in the acute phase of anaphylaxis. Antihistamines (D) are not effective for treating the severe symptoms of anaphylaxis and should not be the first-line treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer pain medication. This is the most appropriate nursing intervention because severe pain post-surgery requires immediate relief to ensure the client's comfort and aid in recovery. Pain medication helps manage pain effectively, improving the client's overall well-being and promoting healing. Monitoring vital signs (choice B) is important but secondary to pain relief in this scenario. Administering IV fluids (choice C) may be necessary for hydration but does not directly address the pain. Administering corticosteroids (choice D) is not typically indicated for severe pain post-surgery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A (Iron, folic acid, and B12) Rationale: 1. Iron: Renal failure patients often have anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production. 2. Folic acid and B12: Important for red blood cell production and maturation. 3. Corrects underlying causes of anemia in renal failure patients. Summary: B: Increasing protein doesn't directly address anemia in renal failure. C: Vitamin D and calcium are not primary treatments for anemia in renal failure. D: Calcium and folic acid alone do not address the specific deficiencies seen in renal failure anemia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: at the level of the C7 vertebra. The vertebra prominens refers to the spinous process of the C7 vertebra, which is the most prominent bony landmark at the base of the neck. Assessing this area allows the nurse to accurately locate and evaluate tenderness reported by the physician. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not correspond to the location of the vertebra prominens. Option A is too high, above the diaphragm; option B is too low, lateral to the knee cap; and option D is too low, at the level of the T11 vertebra.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer warm IV fluids. This is because in severe hypothermia, the body's core temperature drops dangerously low, leading to decreased circulation and potential organ failure. Administering warm IV fluids helps to gradually raise the core temperature and prevent further complications. Choice B (Warming the client with a heating pad) can cause rewarming shock and skin burns. Choice C (Placing the client in a supine position) is not directly related to treating hypothermia. Choice D (Administering analgesics) is not the priority in treating severe hypothermia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: the lump is mobile and not hard. A cancerous thyroid nodule is typically fixed and hard, whereas a noncancerous nodule is more likely to be mobile and soft. This characteristic suggests it may be a benign condition such as a thyroid cyst rather than a malignant tumor. The other choices are incorrect because A: tenderness does not necessarily indicate benignity or malignancy, C: disappearance when smiling is more related to a salivary gland issue, and D: hardness and fixation are more indicative of a potentially cancerous nodule.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking the patient to hold his nose and swallow causes the eustachian tube to open, equalizing pressure in the middle ear. This action will cause the eardrum to bulge slightly outward, making landmarks more visible. Choice A is incorrect as age alone does not preclude the use of this technique. Choice B is incorrect because this technique is not primarily used for assessing otitis media. Choice C is incorrect as it is not specific to upper respiratory infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use a bath blanket for warmth and privacy. This is important when making an occupied bed to ensure the comfort and dignity of the patient. The bath blanket provides warmth and privacy during the bed-making process, maintaining the patient's comfort and respecting their privacy. Keeping the bed in a low position (choice A) is important for safety but not directly related to the patient's comfort during bed-making. Constantly raising side rails (choice C) is unnecessary and may cause discomfort to the patient. Moving back and forth between sides (choice D) is not essential for making an occupied bed and may disrupt the process.