A nurse is providing education to a patient with hypertension. Which of the following lifestyle changes should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing physical activity and reducing salt intake. Firstly, increasing physical activity helps lower blood pressure by improving heart health and circulation. Secondly, reducing salt intake helps decrease fluid retention and lower blood pressure. The other choices are incorrect because B: Increasing alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, C: Decreasing physical activity is counterproductive, and D: Increasing sodium intake can lead to higher blood pressure due to fluid retention. Prioritizing physical activity and reducing salt intake are evidence-based lifestyle changes to manage hypertension effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Eggs. Eggs are considered a complete protein because they contain all 9 essential amino acids required by the human body. This makes them a high-quality protein source. Corn (B), peanuts (C), and sunflower seeds (D) are not complete proteins as they lack one or more of the essential amino acids. Corn is deficient in lysine, peanuts are deficient in methionine, and sunflower seeds are deficient in lysine. Therefore, only eggs provide all the essential amino acids necessary for optimal health and proper bodily functions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly allows for timely adjustments in treatment. 2. It helps in preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia complications. 3. Enables the patient to understand how their lifestyle choices impact their blood sugar levels. 4. Empowers the patient to make informed decisions regarding their diabetes management. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Limiting physical activity can lead to complications like obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity. C: Diet should focus on balanced nutrition, not just low-fat or high-protein, to manage diabetes effectively. D: Taking insulin regardless of blood sugar levels can result in hypoglycemia or poor blood sugar control.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor for arrhythmias. This is because in a client showing signs of shock after surgery, the priority is to assess for any cardiac complications such as arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring for arrhythmias allows prompt identification and intervention. Administering a blood transfusion (A) may be necessary in some cases of shock but is not the first intervention. Administering oxygen (C) may also be necessary, but addressing cardiac complications takes precedence. Encouraging deep breathing (D) is not a priority in managing shock-related complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics. Antibiotics are crucial in treating pneumonia caused by bacteria. They help to kill the bacteria causing the infection and prevent its spread. Administering fluids (B) is important for hydration but not the most crucial intervention. Monitoring temperature (C) is important but does not treat the root cause. Administering vaccines (D) may prevent certain types of pneumonia but is not the immediate intervention for an existing infection. Administering antibiotics promptly is vital to effectively treat pneumonia and prevent complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the client's airway. This is the priority because airway management is crucial in ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation, which is essential for brain function in a client with a head injury. Maintaining a clear airway takes precedence over other actions such as administering pain relief, performing a CT scan, or monitoring intracranial pressure. While these actions are important, ensuring the client's airway is patent and adequate oxygenation is crucial for preventing further brain injury or complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Elevate the affected leg. This is the first action because elevating the leg helps reduce swelling and improve blood flow, reducing the risk of complications from the DVT. It also helps alleviate pain. Choice B: Applying compression stockings can be helpful in preventing DVT, but it is not the first action to take once it has developed. Choice C: Providing leg elevation is similar to choice A, but it lacks the specificity of elevating the affected leg to address the DVT directly. Choice D: Administering compression therapy may be necessary, but it is not the initial action to take when a client develops a DVT.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because monitoring vital signs and fluid status is crucial in managing chronic heart failure. This intervention helps in assessing the patient's condition, detecting any signs of deterioration, and ensuring appropriate fluid balance. Administering diuretics (A) may be necessary but should be based on the patient's fluid status. Encouraging rest (B) is important, but monitoring vital signs takes precedence. Teaching about dietary changes (D) is essential, but ensuring the patient's immediate stability through monitoring is the priority.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Turn the client every two hours. This action helps prevent pressure ulcers by relieving pressure on specific areas of the body. Turning the client redistributes pressure, promotes circulation, and reduces the risk of tissue damage. It is a crucial part of pressure ulcer prevention in immobile or bedridden patients. Increasing protein intake (B) may aid in wound healing but does not directly prevent pressure ulcers. Encouraging rest (C) may not address the root cause of pressure ulcers. Applying dressings to wounds (D) is a treatment for existing ulcers, not prevention.