A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. In CKD, kidneys struggle to excrete potassium, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This can result in dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Hypokalemia (B) is unlikely in CKD due to impaired potassium excretion. Hyperglycemia (C) is more commonly associated with diabetes rather than CKD. Hypercalcemia (D) is not a typical complication of CKD; instead, patients with CKD often experience low calcium levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Agnosia. Agnosia is the inability to recognize or interpret sensory information, such as temperature or clothing. In this case, the woman's inability to differentiate between hot and cold and dress appropriately for the weather indicates a sensory processing issue, characteristic of agnosia. A: Mania is a mood disorder characterized by extreme excitement and impulsivity, not related to sensory perception issues. C: Dementia is a broad term for cognitive decline, which typically includes memory loss and impaired decision-making, but not necessarily sensory perception deficits. D: Amnestic disorder refers to memory impairment, not the inability to interpret sensory information.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a health history aims to gather subjective information about a patient's past and current health. It helps in understanding the patient's health concerns, medical history, lifestyle factors, and other relevant information. By collecting this data, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding the patient's care. Option A is incorrect as the purpose is more than just interaction. Option B is incorrect as it focuses solely on biographical information. Option C is incorrect as it pertains to physical assessment findings, not subjective health information.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer C: - As individuals age, it is normal to experience a slight decline in cognitive abilities, such as response time. - However, general knowledge and abilities are usually well-preserved in older adults. - It is expected that the 75-year-old patient may take a little longer to respond due to age-related changes but should not have a significant decline in general knowledge. Summary of Incorrect Choices: - Choice A is incorrect because it is unrealistic to expect no decrease in any abilities with age. - Choice B is incorrect because while remote memory may decline with age, it is not a universal expectation for all older adults. - Choice D is incorrect as it inaccurately attributes language loss and a decrease in general knowledge to all older adults.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Quitting smoking. Smoking is the most important lifestyle change for a patient with COPD as it is the primary cause of the disease and continues to worsen symptoms. Quitting smoking can slow down the progression of COPD, decrease exacerbations, and improve overall lung function. Summary of other choices: B: Increasing fluid intake - While staying hydrated is important for overall health, it is not the top priority for a patient with COPD. C: Increasing physical activity - Exercise is beneficial for COPD patients, but quitting smoking takes precedence as it directly impacts the disease progression. D: Taking over-the-counter cold medications - Cold medications may provide temporary relief for symptoms, but they do not address the underlying cause of COPD which is smoking.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 55-64 years. This age group has exceeded that of people aged 15-24 due to factors like increased life expectancy, lower birth rates, and the aging baby boomer population. This demographic shift impacts workforce, healthcare, and social services. Choice A is incorrect as it represents the youngest age group. Choice B is incorrect as it falls within the working-age group. Choice D is incorrect as it represents the elderly population, which is still lower than the 55-64 age group in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes are at risk for high blood sugar levels. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. Hypoglycemia (B) is low blood sugar, dehydration (C) is not directly related to diabetes unless it causes hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and hypotension (D) is low blood pressure, which is not a common complication of diabetes. Regular monitoring for hyperglycemia helps in preventing diabetic complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Document the findings on the patient's record. This is the appropriate action because documenting the unfamiliar sound ensures that the information is accurately recorded for future reference. Waiting 10 minutes (B) may not address the issue, as the sound could still be present. Asking another nurse to double-check (C) may lead to subjective interpretations. Asking the patient to take deep breaths (D) may not be relevant to identifying the unfamiliar sound. Recording the finding is crucial for tracking changes in the patient's condition and communicating with other healthcare professionals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because monitoring the patient for signs of infection and deep vein thrombosis is crucial in preventing complications post-hip replacement surgery. Infections can lead to serious complications, while deep vein thrombosis can result in blood clots that can be life-threatening. By closely monitoring for these signs, the nurse can intervene early and prevent further complications. Choice A is incorrect because complete avoidance of physical activity can lead to other complications such as muscle atrophy and delayed recovery. Choice B is incorrect because pain management should be proactive to prevent unnecessary suffering. Choice D, while important, is not directly related to preventing complications such as infection and deep vein thrombosis.