Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A client with a history of lung cancer reluctantly comes to the clinic because of persistent hoarseness and a chronic cough. The client's respirations are labored when speaking and the capillary refill is 3 seconds. Which additional finding warrants intervention by the nurse?
A. Coarse breath sounds.
The client's history of lung cancer, persistent hoarseness, chronic cough, and labored respirations when speaking indicate potential respiratory complications. Coarse breath sounds may suggest the presence of airway obstruction or fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can be indicative of a worsening condition. The nurse should intervene promptly by assessing the client's respiratory status further, providing appropriate respiratory support, and notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
B. Rust colored sputum.
C. Unexplained fatigue.
D. Clubbed fingernails.
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Full Explanation
The client's history of lung cancer, persistent hoarseness, chronic cough, and labored respirations when speaking indicate potential respiratory complications. Coarse breath sounds may suggest the presence of airway obstruction or fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can be indicative of a worsening condition.
The nurse should intervene promptly by assessing the client's respiratory status further, providing appropriate respiratory support, and notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Similar Questions
The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child with eczema. The child's skin is dry and scaly, and the mother reports that the child frequently scratches the lesions on the skin to the point of causing bleeding. Which guideline is indicated for care of this child?
A. Apply baby lotion to the skin twice daily.
B. Bathe the child daily with bath oil.
C. Allow the child to wear only 100% cotton clothing.
D. Keep the nails trimmed short.
Full Explanation
Keeping the child's nails trimmed short helps minimize the risk of further skin damage and infection resulting from scratching. It reduces the likelihood of breaking the skin and causing bleeding. This preventive measure can help protect the child's skin and promote healing. It is important to combine nail trimming with other appropriate interventions for managing eczema, such as moisturizing the skin, avoiding irritants, and following the healthcare provider's recommendations for treatment.
The nurse is preparing to send a client to the cardiac catheterization lab for an angioplasty. Which client report is most important for the nurse to explore further prior to the start of the procedure?
A. Drank a glass of water in the past 2 hours.
Choice A Reason: Drinking a glass of water in the past 2 hours is not typically a concern unless the patient has been instructed to fast. For most cardiac catheterization procedures, patients are asked to fast for a certain period before the procedure to reduce the risk of aspiration. However, small sips of water may be allowed with medications.
B. Reports left chest wall pain prior to admission.
Choice B Reason: While reports of left chest wall pain are clinically significant and warrant investigation, they are not as immediately concerning for the angioplasty procedure itself. Chest pain is a symptom that may have led to the decision to perform angioplasty but does not pose an immediate risk of complication during the procedure as an allergy might.
C. Experiences facial swelling after eating crab.
Choice C Reason: As previously mentioned, experiencing facial swelling after eating crab is indicative of a shellfish allergy. This is important because the contrast dye used in angioplasty may contain iodine, and patients with shellfish allergies could have an increased risk of an allergic reaction to the iodine in the dye. It is essential to explore this further to take necessary precautions, such as premedication with antihistamines or using a different contrast agent.
D. Verbalizes a fear of being in a confined space.
Choice D Reason: Verbalizing a fear of being in a confined space, or claustrophobia, is a psychological concern that should be addressed to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure. However, it does not pose a direct risk to the safety of the angioplasty procedure like an allergic reaction does. Managing patient anxiety is important, but it is not the most critical factor to explore prior to the procedure.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is: C. Experiences facial swelling after eating crab.
Choice A Reason: Drinking a glass of water in the past 2 hours is not typically a concern unless the patient has been instructed to fast. For most cardiac catheterization procedures, patients are asked to fast for a certain period before the procedure to reduce the risk of aspiration. However, small sips of water may be allowed with medications.
Choice B Reason: While reports of left chest wall pain are clinically significant and warrant investigation, they are not as immediately concerning for the angioplasty procedure itself. Chest pain is a symptom that may have led to the decision to perform angioplasty but does not pose an immediate risk of complication during the procedure as an allergy might.
Choice C Reason: As previously mentioned, experiencing facial swelling after eating crab is indicative of a shellfish allergy. This is important because the contrast dye used in angioplasty may contain iodine, and patients with shellfish allergies could have an increased risk of an allergic reaction to the iodine in the dye. It is essential to explore this further to take necessary precautions, such as premedication with antihistamines or using a different contrast agent.
Choice D Reason: Verbalizing a fear of being in a confined space, or claustrophobia, is a psychological concern that should be addressed to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure. However, it does not pose a direct risk to the safety of the angioplasty procedure like an allergic reaction does. Managing patient anxiety is important, but it is not the most critical factor to explore prior to the procedure.
Which breakfast selection should the nurse recommend for a 16-year-old with diarrhea?
A. Buttered whole wheat toast and coffee.
B. Sausage, poached eggs, and milk.
C. Granola, strawberries, and tea.
D. Oatmeal, banana, and herbal tea.
This breakfast selection is the most appropriate for a 16-year-old with diarrhea. Oatmeal is a bland and easily digestible food that can help to firm up the stool. Bananas are a good source of potassium and can help replace electrolytes that may be lost through diarrhea. Herbal tea is a non-caffeinated option that can help to soothe the digestive system. It is important to avoid foods that are greasy, high in fat, or spicy, as they can worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Full Explanation
This breakfast selection is the most appropriate for a 16-year-old with diarrhea. Oatmeal is a bland and easily digestible food that can help to firm up the stool. Bananas are a good source of potassium and can help replace electrolytes that may be lost through diarrhea. Herbal tea is a non-caffeinated option that can help to soothe the digestive system. It is important to avoid foods that are greasy, high in fat, or spicy, as they can worsen diarrhea symptoms.