A patient of African descent is in the critical care unit to be monitored for shock after an accident. What skin characteristics would the nurse expect to find in this patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ashen, grey, or dull. In patients of African descent, skin characteristics may appear ashen, grey, or dull when experiencing shock due to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery. This is because the skin may appear pale or lacking in color due to decreased perfusion. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Ruddy blue - Ruddy blue skin color is not typically associated with shock in patients of African descent. B: Generalized pallor - Generalized pallor refers to an overall paleness of the skin, which is not commonly seen in patients of African descent during shock. D: Patchy areas of pallor - Patchy areas of pallor suggest uneven skin color changes, which are not typically characteristic of shock in patients of African descent.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased white blood cell count. When a client has an infection, the body's immune response triggers an increase in white blood cells to help fight off the infection. Neutrophils and band cells (choice B) may also increase during infection, but a general increase in white blood cells is a more reliable indicator. ESR (choice C) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and may be elevated in various conditions, not just infection. LDH (choice D) is an enzyme found in many tissues and can be elevated in various conditions, not specifically infection. Therefore, an increased white blood cell count is the most indicative of infection in a client with a fever.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Head to toe. The head-to-toe assessment is efficient because it follows a systematic approach starting from the head and progressing downward, ensuring that all body parts are assessed while maintaining the patient's modesty. This approach allows the nurse to gather comprehensive data without compromising the patient's privacy. A: Body systems - While assessing by body systems is important, it may not provide the same level of modesty as the head-to-toe approach. B: Functional - Assessing by function focuses on specific body functions rather than a comprehensive assessment of all body systems. It may not address all aspects of the patient's health. C: Focused - A focused assessment targets specific health issues and may not cover all body systems comprehensively, potentially missing important findings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because stopping medication once blood pressure returns to normal can lead to a relapse of hypertension. Step 1: Educate the patient that hypertension is a chronic condition requiring long-term management. Step 2: Explain the importance of continuing medication even when blood pressure is controlled. Step 3: Emphasize the risks of stopping medication abruptly. Other choices are incorrect because they promote positive behaviors for hypertension management: A: Monitoring blood pressure is essential. B: Taking medication consistently is crucial. C: Avoiding high-sodium foods helps control blood pressure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking the patient to rate pain intensity using a scale (like 0-10) provides a standardized measure of pain perception. This quantitative data helps healthcare providers assess pain severity accurately and track changes over time. Asking about allergies (B) is important but not directly related to pain assessment. Asking the patient to describe the pain (C) provides qualitative information but may not be as reliable or consistent as a numerical rating. Measuring pain intensity using a scale (D) is similar to the correct answer but does not involve the patient's subjective input, which is crucial in pain assessment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client's ECG. This is the priority because it helps in detecting any cardiac abnormalities or arrhythmias which are common in stroke patients. Assessing neurologic status (A) is important but monitoring the ECG takes precedence. Starting an IV line and administering thrombolytics (B) should be done as per protocol but is not the immediate priority. Providing emotional support (D) is important, but ensuring the client's cardiac status is stable is crucial in the acute phase of stroke.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Huntington's chorea. Huntington's chorea is a genetic disorder characterized by involuntary, writhing, and twisting movements of the face and limbs, known as chorea. This is due to degeneration of certain brain cells. Epilepsy (A) involves seizures, not specific movements. Parkinson's (B) is characterized by tremors and rigidity, not chorea. Multiple sclerosis (C) affects the central nervous system, causing a variety of symptoms, but not typically chorea.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C: Reinforce the dressing is the correct intervention for serosanguineous drainage after cholecystectomy. This helps maintain a clean and dry wound environment, promotes healing, and prevents infection. Changing the dressing (B) may disrupt the wound healing process. Notifying the physician (A) is important but not the immediate intervention. Applying an abdominal binder (D) is not indicated for managing serosanguineous drainage.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer morphine. The rationale is that vomiting after surgery can be a side effect of pain medication such as morphine. By administering morphine, the pain is reduced, which can help alleviate the vomiting. This intervention targets the root cause of the vomiting. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Administering antiemetics may help with nausea but does not address the underlying cause of vomiting. B: Placing the client in a supine position may worsen vomiting due to increased abdominal pressure. C: Encouraging deep breathing may help with relaxation but does not directly address the vomiting caused by pain.