Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic kidney disease. The nurse should expect the client to have which of the following clinical manifestations?
A. Fruity smelling breath.
Fruity-smelling breath is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is not the expected manifestation of chronic kidney disease (CKD). DKA occurs in uncontrolled diabetes and is not the priority for this client.
B. Painful urination.
Painful urination is not a typical clinical manifestation of chronic kidney disease. It is more commonly associated with urinary tract infections or other urological issues.
C. Hypotension.
Hypotension may occur in end-stage kidney disease, but it is not specific to chronic kidney disease and is not a priority in this scenario.
D. Lethargy.
Lethargy is a common clinical manifestation of chronic kidney disease due to the accumulation of waste products in the blood, leading to uremia. It is a priority as it indicates the progression of the disease and the need for close monitoring and intervention.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI RN VATI Adult Medical Surgical S 2019 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fruity-smelling breath is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is not the expected manifestation of chronic kidney disease (CKD). DKA occurs in uncontrolled diabetes and is not the priority for this client.
Choice B rationale:
Painful urination is not a typical clinical manifestation of chronic kidney disease. It is more commonly associated with urinary tract infections or other urological issues.
Choice C rationale:
Hypotension may occur in end-stage kidney disease, but it is not specific to chronic kidney disease and is not a priority in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Lethargy is a common clinical manifestation of chronic kidney disease due to the accumulation of waste products in the blood, leading to uremia. It is a priority as it indicates the progression of the disease and the need for close monitoring and intervention.
Similar Questions
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for cephalexin oral suspension. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will increase my consumption of foods high in potassium.".
Increasing potassium consumption is unrelated to cephalexin, an antibiotic. It is not a necessary precaution or action to take while on this medication.
B. "I will apply lotion to my skin if I feel any itching.".
Applying lotion to the skin to relieve itching is not related to cephalexin use. Itching is not a common side effect of this antibiotic, so the client's statement indicates a misunderstanding of the teaching.
C. "I will avoid sun exposure while taking this medication.".
Avoiding sun exposure is essential while taking cephalexin because it is known to cause photosensitivity reactions. Sun exposure can lead to severe skin reactions, so the client's statement indicates an understanding of the teaching.
D. "I will keep the medication refrigerated.".
Keeping the medication refrigerated is not necessary for cephalexin oral suspension. It should be stored at room temperature unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer. The client's statement suggests a misunderstanding of the medication storage instructions.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increasing potassium consumption is unrelated to cephalexin, an antibiotic. It is not a necessary precaution or action to take while on this medication.
Choice B rationale:
Applying lotion to the skin to relieve itching is not related to cephalexin use. Itching is not a common side effect of this antibiotic, so the client's statement indicates a misunderstanding of the teaching.
Choice C rationale:
Avoiding sun exposure is essential while taking cephalexin because it is known to cause photosensitivity reactions. Sun exposure can lead to severe skin reactions, so the client's statement indicates an understanding of the teaching.
Choice D rationale:
Keeping the medication refrigerated is not necessary for cephalexin oral suspension. It should be stored at room temperature unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer. The client's statement suggests a misunderstanding of the medication storage instructions.
A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has a basilar skull fracture and serosanguineous nasal discharge following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as reliable for determining that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid?
A. Papilledema.
Papilledema refers to swelling of the optic disc in the eye, which can occur due to increased intracranial pressure. While it may be present in cases of basilar skull fracture, it is not a reliable finding for determining the discharge of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
B. Halo sign.
The halo sign is a reliable finding for determining that the nasal discharge is cerebrospinal fluid. The halo sign is characterized by a ring of blood surrounded by a clear or yellowish fluid (CSF) on a dressing or tissue. This occurs because blood from the fracture mixes with the clear CSF, creating a distinct appearance.
C. Racoon's eyes.
Racoon's eyes, also known as periorbital ecchymosis, is a term used to describe bruising around the eyes. While it can be seen in basilar skull fractures, it is not specific to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and, therefore, not reliable for identifying the nasal discharge as CSF.
D. Elevated WBCs.
Elevated white blood cells (WBCs) in the nasal discharge can indicate infection, inflammation, or an immune response. However, it does not provide direct evidence that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid, so this is not a reliable finding for determining the nature of the nasal discharge in this context.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Papilledema refers to swelling of the optic disc in the eye, which can occur due to increased intracranial pressure. While it may be present in cases of basilar skull fracture, it is not a reliable finding for determining the discharge of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Choice B rationale:
The halo sign is a reliable finding for determining that the nasal discharge is cerebrospinal fluid. The halo sign is characterized by a ring of blood surrounded by a clear or yellowish fluid (CSF) on a dressing or tissue. This occurs because blood from the fracture mixes with the clear CSF, creating a distinct appearance.
Choice C rationale:
Racoon's eyes, also known as periorbital ecchymosis, is a term used to describe bruising around the eyes. While it can be seen in basilar skull fractures, it is not specific to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and, therefore, not reliable for identifying the nasal discharge as CSF.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated white blood cells (WBCs) in the nasal discharge can indicate infection, inflammation, or an immune response. However, it does not provide direct evidence that the discharge is cerebrospinal fluid, so this is not a reliable finding for determining the nature of the nasal discharge in this context.
A nurse is caring for a client who has dysphagia following a stroke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of aspiration?
A. Have the client point their chin upward to swallow.
Having the client point their chin upward to swallow is not a recommended action to reduce the risk of aspiration. In fact, this action can increase the risk of choking and aspiration, as it may cause food or liquids to enter the airway.
B. Offer the client saltine crackers between meals.
Offering the client saltine crackers between meals is not a suitable action for reducing the risk of aspiration. Saltine crackers are dry and can be challenging to swallow for someone with dysphagia, potentially increasing the risk of aspiration.
C. Thicken liquids before serving.
Thicken liquids before serving is the correct action to reduce the risk of aspiration in a client with dysphagia. Thickened liquids are easier to swallow and less likely to enter the airway, reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
D. Place food on the affected side of the mouth.
Placing food on the affected side of the mouth does not address the risk of aspiration directly. Dysphagia may affect both sides of the mouth, and placing food on one side does not ensure safe swallowing and reduces the effectiveness of addressing the problem.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Having the client point their chin upward to swallow is not a recommended action to reduce the risk of aspiration. In fact, this action can increase the risk of choking and aspiration, as it may cause food or liquids to enter the airway.
Choice B rationale:
Offering the client saltine crackers between meals is not a suitable action for reducing the risk of aspiration. Saltine crackers are dry and can be challenging to swallow for someone with dysphagia, potentially increasing the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale:
Thicken liquids before serving is the correct action to reduce the risk of aspiration in a client with dysphagia. Thickened liquids are easier to swallow and less likely to enter the airway, reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Choice D rationale:
Placing food on the affected side of the mouth does not address the risk of aspiration directly. Dysphagia may affect both sides of the mouth, and placing food on one side does not ensure safe swallowing and reduces the effectiveness of addressing the problem.