When percussing over the ribs of a patient, the nurse notes a dull sounThe nurse would:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the dull sound over the ribs is a normal finding due to the presence of underlying solid structures such as the liver or spleen. Repositioning the hands or using more force is unnecessary as it won't change the nature of the sound. Referring the patient for additional investigation (choice D) is not warranted as this finding is commonly expected during percussion over the ribs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer nitroglycerin. This is the priority intervention because nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels, reducing chest pain in clients with heart disease. It improves blood flow to the heart, relieving ischemia. Morphine (B) can mask symptoms and should be used if pain persists after nitroglycerin. Beta blockers (C) are beneficial in chronic management but not for immediate relief. Aspirin (D) helps prevent clot formation but is not the priority in acute chest pain.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct approach is to defer the rest of the mental health examination. This is because the patient's symptoms of dysarthria and lethargy indicate a potential medical emergency or brain injury, which should take precedence over the mental health assessment. It is important to first ensure the patient's physical well-being before proceeding with the mental health evaluation. Choice B is incorrect as skipping the language portion of the examination may overlook crucial information related to the patient's condition. Choice C is also incorrect as an in-depth speech evaluation may delay necessary medical interventions. Choice D is incorrect as assuming dysarthria is always linked to severe depression can lead to overlooking urgent medical needs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the dull sound over the ribs is a normal finding due to the presence of underlying solid structures such as the liver or spleen. Repositioning the hands or using more force is unnecessary as it won't change the nature of the sound. Referring the patient for additional investigation (choice D) is not warranted as this finding is commonly expected during percussion over the ribs.

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client's blood pressure. When a client develops a fever after surgery, it could indicate various causes, including infection or inflammatory response. Monitoring blood pressure is essential to assess circulatory status, as fever can lead to increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. Administering antibiotics (choice A) should only be done if infection is confirmed. Monitoring temperature and assessing for infection (choice B) is important but not the immediate priority. Administering fluid resuscitation (choice D) may be necessary based on the client's overall condition but should be guided by monitoring blood pressure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Functional. Functional assessment focuses on roles and relationships of the client by evaluating how well they can perform daily activities and interact with others. This type of assessment provides valuable insights into a client's overall well-being and ability to function independently. Incorrect choices: A: Body systems - This type of assessment focuses on the physical structures and functions of the body, not on the client's roles and relationships. B: Head to toe - This refers to a comprehensive physical examination from head to toe, which does not specifically address the client's roles and relationships. D: Focused - This type of assessment targets a specific issue or concern, but it may not necessarily delve into the client's roles and relationships.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: a set of rules. Novice nurses rely on established guidelines and protocols to make decisions as they lack the experience to rely solely on intuition or journal articles. Rules provide structure and consistency in decision-making, reducing the margin of error. Intuition (choice A) may not be reliable without prior experience. Journal articles (choice C) can be overwhelming and may not directly apply to the specific situation. Advice from supervisors (choice D) can be helpful but may not always be readily available, and it's important for novice nurses to develop their own decision-making skills.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. High HDL cholesterol is considered beneficial as it helps remove LDL cholesterol from arteries, reducing the risk of plaque buildup. 2. Low HDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 3. Low total cholesterol may not necessarily indicate a decreased risk, as it could be due to low levels of protective HDL cholesterol. 4. Low triglycerides, while generally considered good, do not directly indicate a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease like high HDL cholesterol does. In summary, high HDL cholesterol is the correct answer as it plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by removing LDL cholesterol, whereas the other choices do not offer the same protective benefits.