Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is assisting in the care of an older adult client who was admitted from a long-term care facility.
Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.
A. Oxygen saturation level
None
B. Tremors
None
C. Respiratory rate
None
D. Heart rate
None
E. Current level of consciousness
None
F. Chronic health condition
None
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - RN Comprehensive Online Practice 2019 B with NGN Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Since the client is experiencing upper chest discomfort and coughing up sputum, it is important to assess their oxygen saturation level. This finding can provide vital information about the client's respiratory status and the adequacy of their oxygenation.
The client's report of upper chest discomfort and coughing up thick clear sputum should prompt an assessment of their respiratory rate. Abnormal respiratory rates may indicate respiratory distress or compromise, which requires immediate attention.
Assessing the client's current level of consciousness is crucial, as any sudden changes in their mental status may indicate a serious underlying issue. Since the client has a history of Parkinson's disease and reported "feeling bad," it is important to evaluate their neurological status promptly.
The other options listed (tremors, heart rate, and chronic health condition) may also require follow-up, but they are not the most immediate concerns in this situation.
Similar Questions
A nurse is planning to administer packed RBCs to an older adult client who has a low hemoglobin level.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
A. Hang the transfusion with dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride.
Hanging the transfusion with dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is incorrect. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are transfused with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and not with dextrose-containing solutions. Using dextrose can cause the red blood cells to hemolyze.
B. Infuse the transfusion over 5 hr.
Infusing the transfusion over 5 hours is incorrect. PRBC transfusions are typically administered over 2-4 hours, not 5 hours. Infusing the blood too slowly may cause the patient discomfort and may also increase the risk of bacterial growth in the blood product.
C. Use a 20-gauge IV catheter to transfuse the blood.
Using a 20-gauge IV catheter to transfuse the blood is incorrect. While a 20-gauge IV catheter is suitable for most blood transfusions, it may not be appropriate for older adults or patients with fragile veins. A smaller gauge, such as 22 or 24, might be more suitable to prevent phlebitis and ensure a steady flow without damaging the blood cells.
D. Monitor vital signs every hour throughout the transfusion.
Monitoring vital signs every hour throughout the transfusion is the correct action. During a blood transfusion, it's crucial to monitor the patient's vital signs frequently to detect any adverse reactions promptly. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, should be assessed before the transfusion, 15 minutes after starting the transfusion, and then hourly thereafter. This vigilant monitoring helps in identifying potential transfusion reactions, such as fever, chills, or hypotension, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hanging the transfusion with dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is incorrect. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are transfused with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and not with dextrose-containing solutions. Using dextrose can cause the red blood cells to hemolyze.
Choice B rationale:
Infusing the transfusion over 5 hours is incorrect. PRBC transfusions are typically administered over 2-4 hours, not 5 hours. Infusing the blood too slowly may cause the patient discomfort and may also increase the risk of bacterial growth in the blood product.
Choice C rationale:
Using a 20-gauge IV catheter to transfuse the blood is incorrect. While a 20-gauge IV catheter is suitable for most blood transfusions, it may not be appropriate for older adults or patients with fragile veins. A smaller gauge, such as 22 or 24, might be more suitable to prevent phlebitis and ensure a steady flow without damaging the blood cells.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring vital signs every hour throughout the transfusion is the correct action. During a blood transfusion, it's crucial to monitor the patient's vital signs frequently to detect any adverse reactions promptly. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, should be assessed before the transfusion, 15 minutes after starting the transfusion, and then hourly thereafter. This vigilant monitoring helps in identifying potential transfusion reactions, such as fever, chills, or hypotension, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.
A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old toddler who has dehydration.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Sodium 142 mEq/L.
Sodium level of 142 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) for adults. However, normal ranges for children might vary slightly, but 142 mEq/L is not indicative of dehydration on its own.
B. Respiratory rate 22/min.
Respiratory rate of 22/min is within the normal range for a 3-year-old child (20-30 breaths/min) This rate alone does not provide evidence of dehydration.
C. Potassium 3.9 mEq/L.
Potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.1 mEq/L) for children. Like sodium, normal ranges for potassium may differ slightly in pediatric patients, but 3.9 mEq/L is not alarming on its own.
D. Heart rate 148/min.
Heart rate of 148/min is elevated for a 3-year-old child. Tachycardia is a common sign of dehydration in pediatric patients. This increased heart rate indicates the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased blood volume, a typical consequence of dehydration.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sodium level of 142 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) for adults. However, normal ranges for children might vary slightly, but 142 mEq/L is not indicative of dehydration on its own.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory rate of 22/min is within the normal range for a 3-year-old child (20-30 breaths/min) This rate alone does not provide evidence of dehydration.
Choice C rationale:
Potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.1 mEq/L) for children. Like sodium, normal ranges for potassium may differ slightly in pediatric patients, but 3.9 mEq/L is not alarming on its own.
Choice D rationale:
Heart rate of 148/min is elevated for a 3-year-old child. Tachycardia is a common sign of dehydration in pediatric patients. This increased heart rate indicates the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased blood volume, a typical consequence of dehydration.
A community health nurse is developing a plan of care for an older adult client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus and lives independently in a rural area.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
A. Suggest that the client attend adult day care three times per week.
Suggesting that the client attend adult day care three times per week is incorrect. While social interaction is essential for the elderly, it does not address the specific needs of a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, attending adult day care may not necessarily promote diabetes management.
B. Review assisted living accommodations with the client.
Reviewing assisted living accommodations with the client is incorrect. Assisted living facilities might be suitable for some elderly individuals, but in this case, the client lives independently. There is no indication in the question stem that the client needs assisted living arrangements at this time.
C. Discuss a long-term care referral for the client with the provider.
Discussing a long-term care referral for the client with the provider is incorrect. Long-term care facilities are designed for individuals who require extensive assistance with daily activities. There is no information in the question suggesting that the client's condition has deteriorated to the extent of needing long-term care.
D. Instruct the client about the use of telehealth services.
Instructing the client about the use of telehealth services is the correct intervention. Telehealth services, including remote monitoring of blood glucose levels, virtual consultations with healthcare providers, and medication management, can enhance diabetes management for elderly individuals living independently in rural areas. Telehealth provides access to healthcare professionals without the need for frequent travel, addressing the challenges faced by individuals residing in remote areas.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Suggesting that the client attend adult day care three times per week is incorrect. While social interaction is essential for the elderly, it does not address the specific needs of a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, attending adult day care may not necessarily promote diabetes management.
Choice B rationale:
Reviewing assisted living accommodations with the client is incorrect. Assisted living facilities might be suitable for some elderly individuals, but in this case, the client lives independently. There is no indication in the question stem that the client needs assisted living arrangements at this time.
Choice C rationale:
Discussing a long-term care referral for the client with the provider is incorrect. Long-term care facilities are designed for individuals who require extensive assistance with daily activities. There is no information in the question suggesting that the client's condition has deteriorated to the extent of needing long-term care.
Choice D rationale:
Instructing the client about the use of telehealth services is the correct intervention. Telehealth services, including remote monitoring of blood glucose levels, virtual consultations with healthcare providers, and medication management, can enhance diabetes management for elderly individuals living independently in rural areas. Telehealth provides access to healthcare professionals without the need for frequent travel, addressing the challenges faced by individuals residing in remote areas.