A patient with a history of heart failure presents with dependent edema in the lower extremities. Which nursing action is most appropriate for managing the patient's edema?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action for managing a patient with dependent edema in the lower extremities is to administer diuretics as prescribed. Diuretics help the body remove excess fluid, reducing swelling and edema in the extremities. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's orders for administering diuretics to ensure the patient's fluid balance is managed effectively. While elevating the legs above heart level and applying compression stockings may provide temporary relief, addressing the underlying cause of fluid retention with diuretics is essential for long-term management of the edema in a patient with heart failure. Encouraging increased fluid intake would not be appropriate in this case, as the focus should be on reducing fluid overload rather than increasing fluid intake.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Collaborating with interdisciplinary team members to develop a comprehensive care plan demonstrates effective care coordination. In complex healthcare situations, involving various healthcare providers such as physicians, specialists, therapists, social workers, and others is crucial to ensure that all aspects of the patient's care are addressed holistically. By working together, healthcare professionals can share information, expertise, and insights to develop a well-rounded care plan that considers all aspects of the patient's needs. This collaborative approach helps promote better outcomes for the patient and enhances overall care coordination. It also helps to ensure that the patient's preferences and values are taken into account when developing the care plan.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When discharging a suicidal patient who has been taking tricyclic antidepressant drugs, it is crucial for the nurse to evaluate the risk for suicide by overdose of the medication. Tricyclic antidepressants have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose can be quite small. This makes them particularly dangerous in cases of overdose, as they can lead to severe toxic effects, including cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and death.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with acute gastrointestinal bleeding requiring urgent intervention, the healthcare team should prioritize performing endoscopic hemostasis with mechanical or thermal techniques. Endoscopy allows for direct visualization of the source of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, enabling targeted interventions such as clipping, cauterization, or injection of epinephrine to achieve hemostasis. This approach is effective in managing acute bleeds and can help stop the bleeding quickly, reducing the need for more invasive procedures or surgeries. Administering proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be considered for acid-related bleeding, but it is not the primary intervention for acute bleeding requiring urgent management. Strict bed rest may not be necessary and can increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis. Transfusion of fresh frozen plasma may be indicated if there is evidence of coagulopathy, but addressing the bleeding source should be the initial priority to

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The clinical presentation of a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presenting with weakness, anorexia, confusion, severe anemia, low reticulocyte count, elevated serum creatinine, and decreased erythropoietin levels is most consistent with renal failure-associated anemia. In CKD, the kidneys are unable to produce adequate amounts of erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for stimulating red blood cell production in the bone marrow. The decreased erythropoietin levels lead to a state of anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin levels and subsequent symptoms of fatigue and weakness. The anemia in renal failure is typically normocytic and normochromic. Additionally, the elevated serum creatinine in this patient is a hallmark of kidney dysfunction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to have anticholinergic effects, which can lead to various cardiovascular side effects, including orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, and potential hypertension. While hypotension is a possible adverse effect, hypertension is more commonly associated with TCAs. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to monitor the patient for signs of hypertension, such as elevated blood pressure readings, to prevent any adverse outcomes and ensure the patient's safety while on this medication.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Crisis intervention is an important part of secondary prevention in the care of families. Secondary prevention involves activities that aim to reduce the impact of a crisis or event that has already occurred. Crisis intervention provides immediate support and strategies to help families cope with and overcome a crisis situation. By addressing the crisis quickly and effectively, secondary prevention can help prevent further negative outcomes and promote the well-being of the family members.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In planning their care, Nurse Gina should consider holistic care, which emphasizes treating the patient as a whole person - including their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. By addressing all aspects of the patient's well-being, Nurse Gina can provide comprehensive care that promotes overall health and wellness. This approach recognizes that physical health is interconnected with other aspects of a person's life and aims to support the individual in achieving balance and harmony in all areas. Holistic care also encourages the patient to be actively involved in their own healing process, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-awareness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The best example of how the nurse can create a climate in which clients do not feel threatened is by teaching on good nutrition while providing a meal. This approach not only addresses an important topic that is beneficial for the clients but also creates a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. By offering a meal, the nurse is able to engage the clients in a familiar and non-threatening activity, making them more receptive to the information being shared. Additionally, sharing a meal can help to build rapport and create a sense of community among the clients and the nurse, leading to a more positive learning experience.