Which sign might a nurse observe in a client with a high ammonia level?

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Question 1 of 9

Which sign might a nurse observe in a client with a high ammonia level?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: coma. High ammonia levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, causing impaired brain function and potentially leading to coma. Edema (B) is typically associated with fluid retention, not high ammonia levels. Hypoxia (C) is a condition of low oxygen levels, not directly related to high ammonia levels. Polyuria (D) is excessive urination, which is not a common sign of high ammonia levels.

Question 2 of 9

What is the primary nutritional deficiency concern for strict vegetarians?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vitamin B12. Strict vegetarians, especially those who exclude all animal products, are at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency as it is primarily found in animal products. Vitamin C (A) deficiency is more common in those with poor fruit and vegetable intake. Vitamin E (C) deficiency is rare and usually seen in individuals with specific medical conditions. Magnesium (D) deficiency can occur in individuals with poor dietary intake or certain medical conditions, but it is not the primary concern for strict vegetarians.

Question 3 of 9

What is the most important action when caring for a client on intravenous heparin?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor aPTT levels. This is crucial in intravenous heparin therapy to ensure the therapeutic range is maintained for anticoagulation without causing bleeding. Monitoring aPTT helps adjust heparin dosage to prevent clot formation or excessive bleeding. B: Monitoring for bleeding is important but not the most important action compared to monitoring aPTT levels for appropriate dosing. C: Checking platelet count is important for some anticoagulants like heparin, but aPTT monitoring is more directly related to heparin's anticoagulant effect. D: Administering a heparin antidote (protamine sulfate) is necessary in case of heparin overdose or in emergency situations but is not the primary action in routine care.

Question 4 of 9

What is the most important nursing action for a client who has a history of seizures?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antiepileptic drugs. This is the most important nursing action for a client with a history of seizures because antiepileptic drugs help prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. By ensuring the client receives their prescribed medication, the nurse can help manage the condition effectively. Placing the client on their side (B) is important to prevent aspiration if a seizure occurs, but administering antiepileptic drugs is more crucial for long-term management. Checking the airway (C) is important during and after a seizure but does not address the underlying cause. Monitoring for hypoglycemia (D) is important as a potential trigger for seizures, but administering antiepileptic drugs takes precedence in managing the condition.

Question 5 of 9

What do ABG values of pH 7.38, PO2 78 mmHg, PCO2 36 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L indicate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: 1. pH within normal range (7.35-7.45) indicates homeostasis. 2. PO2 (normal 75-100 mmHg) and PCO2 (normal 35-45 mmHg) are slightly deviated but not clinically significant. 3. HCO3 within normal range (22-26 mEq/L) further supports overall balance. Summary: A: Incorrect - HCO3 level is within normal range, ruling out metabolic alkalosis. C: Incorrect - PCO2 is within normal range, ruling out respiratory acidosis. D: Incorrect - PCO2 is slightly low but not significantly, ruling out respiratory alkalosis. Overall, the ABG values indicate the body is in homeostasis.

Question 6 of 9

What should the nurse do when caring for a client who is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it helps to quickly reverse severe symptoms by constricting blood vessels and opening airways. Administering corticosteroids (B) is not the immediate priority. Placing the client on their side (C) is important to prevent aspiration but does not address the anaphylactic reaction. Monitoring blood pressure (D) is essential but administering epinephrine takes precedence in managing anaphylaxis.

Question 7 of 9

What should the nurse do first for a client who is post-operative and experiencing confusion?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Place in a safe environment. This is the first priority to ensure the safety of the confused post-operative client. Placing the client in a safe environment prevents harm from falls or accidents. Reorienting the client (choice A) can come after ensuring safety. Administering pain relief (choices C and D) should be done based on assessment but is not the first priority when the client is confused.

Question 8 of 9

What term refers to a soft-tissue injury caused by blunt force?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, contusion. A contusion is a soft-tissue injury caused by blunt force resulting in bruising, without breaking the skin. This is different from the other choices. Strain (B) refers to an injury to a muscle or tendon due to overstretching. Sprain (C) is an injury to a ligament from overstretching. Dislocation (D) involves the displacement of bones at a joint, not a soft-tissue injury. Therefore, the term that specifically aligns with a soft-tissue injury from blunt force is contusion.

Question 9 of 9

What is the most appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client's blood pressure drops significantly?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct action is to administer IV fluids when a client's blood pressure drops significantly. This helps increase blood volume and improve circulation, stabilizing the blood pressure. Administering pain medication (B) does not address the root cause of low blood pressure. Applying a heating pad (C) is not effective in treating low blood pressure. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (D) is important but not the immediate action needed to address a significant drop in blood pressure.

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