The nurse is caring for a client who develops dyspnea and chest pain. Which diagnostic finding is consistent with a pulmonary embolism (PE)?

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Nursing a Concept Based Approach Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 5

The nurse is caring for a client who develops dyspnea and chest pain. Which diagnostic finding is consistent with a pulmonary embolism (PE)?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Tachycardia and nonspecific T-wave changes on the EKG are consistent with a pulmonary embolism (PE). Tachycardia is a common finding in PE, as the body tries to compensate for the decreased oxygenation due to the blockage in the pulmonary artery. Nonspecific T-wave changes, such as ST-segment abnormalities or inverted T-waves, can also be seen in patients with PE. These EKG findings, along with symptoms like dyspnea and chest pain, raise the suspicion for pulmonary embolism and warrant further diagnostic workup. Options A, B, and C are not specific findings related to a pulmonary embolism.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is assessing a patient’s deep tendon reflexes. For which endocrine disorder is this nurse assessing?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse is assessing the deep tendon reflexes of the patient to evaluate for signs of hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, there is an excessive production of thyroid hormones, which can lead to symptoms such as hyperactivity of the nervous system. Patients with hyperthyroidism may exhibit brisk deep tendon reflexes, along with other signs such as tremors, weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia. Therefore, the nurse's assessment of deep tendon reflexes is particularly relevant in identifying signs of hyperthyroidism.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is conducting a physical examination of a patient’s renal system. What assessment would the nurse use to assess the hydration status of a patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Palpation for skin turgor is used to assess the hydration status of a patient. Skin turgor is a measure of the skin's elasticity and hydration level. When a patient is well-hydrated, their skin will have good turgor, meaning it will return to its normal position quickly after being pinched. On the other hand, in a dehydrated patient, the skin will have poor turgor and will not return to its normal position promptly. Therefore, assessing skin turgor is a valuable tool for determining a patient's hydration status during a physical examination of the renal system. Palpation of both kidneys, auscultation of renal arteries, and percussion for dullness over the bladder are not specifically related to assessing hydration status.

Question 4 of 5

Following a kidney transplant, the nurse notes that a patient’s urine is cloudy. What should the nurse do about this finding?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Cloudy urine following a kidney transplant may be a common occurrence and could be due to various factors such as dehydration, medication side effects, or the presence of mucus, cells, or proteins in the urine. The nurse should first record the finding and then further assess the patient by checking for other signs and symptoms like pain, fever, or abnormal odors in the urine. If the cloudy urine is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, then the nurse should notify the physician for further evaluation. However, initially recording the finding allows for documentation and monitoring of the patient's condition, providing a baseline for further assessment and intervention if necessary. It is important to remember that cloudy urine alone may not always indicate a serious issue, but thorough assessment and documentation are essential steps in ensuring the patient's well-being.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is preparing an educational session for employees of a manufacturing plant regarding emergency care of amputated digits. What should the nurse include when teaching about the type of injury?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When teaching about the type of injury of an amputated digit, the nurse should include the proper handling of the amputated part. The correct method is to wrap the amputated digit in a clean towel, place it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent direct contact with ice, and then place the bag on ice. Placing the amputated digit directly on ice can cause frostbite and further damage to the tissue. By following this method, the amputated digit can be preserved properly until medical help is received. Transporting the person to the hospital is important but proper handling of the amputated digit is critical to increase the chances of successful reattachment. Placing the amputated digit in warm water or taping it to the hand are not recommended methods for preserving an amputated digit.

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