A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of heart failure. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering diuretics to manage fluid retention. In heart failure, fluid overload can worsen symptoms and lead to complications. Diuretics help reduce excess fluid in the body, relieving strain on the heart. This intervention helps improve cardiac function and alleviate symptoms. Choice B (Encouraging increased physical activity) may be beneficial in some cases, but in heart failure, excessive physical activity can strain the heart further. Choice C (Providing a low-sodium diet) is important in managing heart failure, but diuretics would be more critical initially to address immediate fluid retention. Choice D (Encouraging high-potassium foods) is important for overall health but not the priority in managing heart failure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor for transfusion reactions. When a client receiving a blood transfusion develops chills, it may indicate a transfusion reaction, such as a febrile non-hemolytic reaction. The nurse's first priority is to monitor the client closely for other signs of a reaction, such as fever, rash, or shortness of breath. Stopping the transfusion may be necessary, but monitoring for reactions is crucial to identify and manage any adverse effects promptly. Vital signs should be monitored as part of assessing for reactions. Performing a lumbar puncture is not indicated in this situation and is unrelated to managing a transfusion reaction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, stab wound to the chest. This injury is the highest priority because it poses the greatest risk to the client's life due to potential damage to vital organs and major blood vessels. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent severe bleeding, pneumothorax, or cardiac tamponade. Treating this injury promptly can significantly increase the client's chances of survival. The other choices are incorrect because: A: An open leg fracture, while serious, does not typically pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to a stab wound to the chest. B: An open head injury can be severe, but not all head injuries are immediately life-threatening. D: Traumatic amputation of a thumb, while traumatic and painful, is not a priority compared to injuries that directly threaten a client's life.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy and encourages the woman to share her coping mechanisms. This response acknowledges the woman's experience and allows her to express her feelings. It also opens up a dialogue for the nurse to assess her current coping strategies. Choice A is too general and does not prompt further discussion. Choice B is judgmental and dismissive of the woman's experiences. Choice D disregards the woman's emotional state and fails to address her current needs. Overall, Choice C is the most appropriate as it shows empathy, encourages open communication, and allows for further exploration of the woman's coping methods.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because critical thinking helps nurses analyze complex situations, identify relevant information, and plan effective interventions. It allows for systematic problem-solving and decision-making, leading to optimal patient care outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as critical thinking doesn't guarantee immediate answers. Choice C is incorrect because critical thinking complements clinical guidelines rather than replacing them. Choice D is incorrect as physical assessments are essential in nursing care and critical thinking enhances, not bypasses, this process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because an auditory hallucination involves hearing something that is not actually present. In this scenario, the man is hearing his dead wife talking to him, which is a perception without an external auditory stimulus. This illustrates an auditory hallucination. Choice B is incorrect as it describes a visual hallucination, seeing the doorbell indicator light up and hearing the bell ring. Choice C is also incorrect as it describes a visual misperception, seeing a man in the closet that turns out to be a dry cleaning bag. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a misinterpretation of a visual stimulus, mistaking a blanket for a dog.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neutropenia. Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy where there is a decrease in neutrophil count, increasing the risk of infections. Monitoring for neutropenia is crucial to prevent serious infections and sepsis in chemotherapy patients. Hyperkalemia (B), chronic pain (C), and hypertension (D) are not direct complications of chemotherapy and do not pose immediate life-threatening risks to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Monitoring for neutropenia takes precedence due to the potential for life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hamburgers. Clients with hypercholesterolemia should decrease their intake of saturated fats and cholesterol. Hamburgers are typically high in saturated fats and cholesterol due to the ground beef patty and cheese. Broiled catfish (A) is a lean protein source and can be a healthier option. Wheat bread (C) is a good source of fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels. Fresh apples (D) are a healthy choice low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Therefore, hamburgers should be decreased in the diet to manage hypercholesterolemia effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions as it helps to reverse the symptoms quickly and prevent further complications. Administering corticosteroids (B) may be considered later for long-term management, but epinephrine is the immediate priority. Administering oxygen (C) may help with respiratory distress but does not address the underlying allergic reaction. Applying a cold compress (D) may provide temporary relief for local reactions but is not effective for a severe systemic allergic reaction.