A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic heart failure. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of fluid overload?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shortness of breath and weight gain. In chronic heart failure, fluid overload can lead to pulmonary congestion, causing shortness of breath. Weight gain is also a key sign of fluid retention. Increased urine output and hypotension (choice B) are more indicative of dehydration. Fatigue and dizziness (choice C) can be nonspecific symptoms and not directly related to fluid overload. Dry mouth and thirst (choice D) are symptoms of dehydration rather than fluid overload in chronic heart failure. Monitoring for shortness of breath and weight gain allows for early detection and intervention in managing fluid overload in patients with chronic heart failure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. The priority nursing action for a client with severe dehydration is to restore fluid volume to maintain vital organ function. Administering IV fluids is crucial in rapidly replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes. Corticosteroids (choice B) are not indicated for dehydration. Re-administering IV fluids (choice C) is redundant. Administering analgesics (choice D) is not a priority in the management of severe dehydration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shortness of breath and weight gain. In chronic heart failure, fluid overload can lead to pulmonary congestion, causing shortness of breath. Weight gain is also a key sign of fluid retention. Increased urine output and hypotension (choice B) are more indicative of dehydration. Fatigue and dizziness (choice C) can be nonspecific symptoms and not directly related to fluid overload. Dry mouth and thirst (choice D) are symptoms of dehydration rather than fluid overload in chronic heart failure. Monitoring for shortness of breath and weight gain allows for early detection and intervention in managing fluid overload in patients with chronic heart failure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking the client to describe the voices can help the nurse assess the situation and understand the client's experience better. This can provide valuable information for the nurse to determine the appropriate intervention or treatment. Leaving the client alone (B) may not address the underlying issue and could potentially worsen the situation. Encouraging the client to talk about the voices (C) is helpful, but asking for a description first allows for a more systematic assessment. Telling the client there are no voices (D) is dismissive and denies the client's reality, which can be harmful and ineffective in providing appropriate care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assessing for signs of infection. This is the priority because diabetic foot ulcers are at high risk for infection, which can lead to serious complications. By assessing for signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or foul odor, the nurse can promptly identify and initiate appropriate treatment. Administering antibiotics (A) should be based on the assessment findings. Providing pain relief (B) is important but not the priority when infection is a concern. Encouraging weight-bearing activity (D) may worsen the ulcer and should be avoided initially.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Colace. When a client is immobilized and experiencing constipation, a stool softener like Colace is appropriate to prevent straining and discomfort. Advil and Anasaid are pain relievers, not laxatives. Clinocil is not a recognized medication. Colace is the best choice to address constipation in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Light therapy. Light therapy is effective for treating sleep problems, stress, and seasonal affective disorders because exposure to bright light can regulate circadian rhythms, improve mood, and alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions. Light therapy helps reset the body's internal clock, promoting better sleep patterns and reducing stress. Exercise (choice B) can also improve sleep and reduce stress, but it may not specifically target seasonal affective disorders. Medication (choice C) and herbal treatments (choice D) are not typically recommended as the first-line treatment for these conditions and may have side effects or limited efficacy compared to light therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antihypertensive medication. In a hypertensive emergency, the priority is to lower blood pressure quickly to prevent organ damage. Antihypertensive medications like nitroprusside or labetalol are used for this purpose. Placing the client in a comfortable position and administering oxygen (B) may be beneficial, but lowering the blood pressure is the primary action. Monitoring blood pressure and administering antihypertensive medication (C) is correct, but the emphasis should be on immediate intervention. Monitoring the client's ECG (D) is important but not the primary action in a hypertensive emergency.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antiemetics. This intervention helps to reduce nausea and vomiting by blocking the neurotransmitters responsible for triggering these symptoms. Administering antiemetics is the most direct and effective approach to address severe nausea and vomiting post-surgery. Choice B (Placing the client in a supine position) is incorrect because it does not directly address the underlying cause of nausea and vomiting. Choice C (Providing hydration) is important but may not alleviate the symptoms of severe nausea and vomiting. Choice D (Monitoring bowel sounds) is important for assessing gastrointestinal motility but does not directly address the immediate symptoms of nausea and vomiting.