Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Which of the following data collection findings should the nurse identify as the priority?
A. Potassium 2.5 mEq/L
Choice A: Potassium 2.5 mEq/L. This is the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify according to the ABCDE principle, which prioritizes interventions based on airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. The nurse should identify potassium 2.5 mEq/L as the priority because it indicates hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the electrical activity of the heart and muscles. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paralysis, which can be life-threatening.
B. Blood glucose 150 mg/dL
Choice B: Blood glucose 150 mg/dL. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Blood glucose 150 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which is a high level of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia can be caused by dehydration, stress, infection, or medication side effects. Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and fatigue. It can also lead to complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, which are serious but not as urgent as hypokalemia.
C. Urine specific gravity 1.035
Choice C: Urine specific gravity 1.035. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Urine specific gravity 1.035 indicates concentrated urine, which can be caused by dehydration or fluid loss. Dehydration can result from vomiting and diarrhea, which are common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. Dehydration can cause symptoms such as dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension, and oliguria. It can also lead to complications such as shock or kidney failure, which are serious but not as urgent as hypokalemia.
D. Weight loss of 3% of total body weight.
Choice D: Weight loss of 3% of total body weight. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Weight loss of 3% of total body weight indicates mild to moderate dehydration, which can be caused by fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Weight loss can also reflect loss of muscle mass or fat tissue due to malnutrition or inflammation. Weight loss can affect the client’s nutritional status and immune function, but it is not as urgent as hypokalemia.
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Full Explanation
Choice A: Potassium 2.5 mEq/L. This is the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify according to the ABCDE principle, which prioritizes interventions based on airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. The nurse should identify potassium 2.5 mEq/L as the priority because it indicates hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the electrical activity of the heart and muscles. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paralysis, which can be life-threatening.
Choice B: Blood glucose 150 mg/dL. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Blood glucose 150 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which is a high level of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia can be caused by dehydration, stress, infection, or medication side effects.
Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and fatigue. It can also lead to complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, which are serious but not as urgent as hypokalemia.
Choice C: Urine specific gravity 1.035. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Urine specific gravity 1.035 indicates concentrated urine, which can be caused by dehydration or fluid loss. Dehydration can result from vomiting and diarrhea, which are common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. Dehydration can cause symptoms such as dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension, and oliguria. It can also lead to complications such as shock or kidney failure, which are serious but not as urgent as hypokalemia.
Choice D: Weight loss of 3% of total body weight. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Weight loss of 3% of total body weight indicates mild to moderate dehydration, which can be caused by fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Weight loss can also reflect loss of muscle mass or fat tissue due to malnutrition or inflammation. Weight loss can affect the client’s nutritional status and immune function, but it is not as urgent as hypokalemia.
Similar Questions
A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend for inclusion in the plan of care?
A. Increase the client’s sodium intake.
Choice A: Increase the client’s sodium intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Increasing the client’s sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and exacerbate ascites. The nurse should recommend limiting the client’s sodium intake to less than 2 g per day.
B. Decrease the client’s fluid intake.
Choice B: Decrease the client’s fluid intake. This is an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that causes scarring and impaired liver function. Ascites is a complication of cirrhosis that involves accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Decreasing the client’s fluid intake can help reduce fluid retention and prevent further distension of the abdomen and pressure on the diaphragm.
C. Increase the client’s saturated fat intake.
Choice C: Increase the client’s saturated fat intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Increasing the client’s saturated fat intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and faty liver disease. The nurse should recommend a balanced diet that provides adequate protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
D. Decrease the client’s carbohydrate intake
Choice D: Decrease the client’s carbohydrate intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Decreasing the client’s carbohydrate intake can cause ketosis, which is a metabolic state that occurs when the body uses fat as a fuel source instead of glucose. Ketosis can cause nausea, fatigue, headache, and bad breath. The nurse should recommend a moderate carbohydrate intake that provides enough glucose for energy and prevents ketosis.
Full Explanation
Choice A: Increase the client’s sodium intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Increasing the client’s sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and exacerbate ascites. The nurse should recommend limiting the client’s sodium intake to less than 2 g per day.
Choice B: Decrease the client’s fluid intake. This is an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that causes scarring and impaired liver function. Ascites is a complication of cirrhosis that involves the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Decreasing the client’s fluid intake can help reduce fluid retention and prevent further distension of the abdomen and pressure on the diaphragm.
Choice C: Increase the client’s saturated fat intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Increasing the client’s saturated fat intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and faty liver disease. The nurse should recommend a balanced diet that provides adequate protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
Choice D: Decrease the client’s carbohydrate intake. This is not an intervention that the nurse should recommend for inclusion in the plan of care for a client who has cirrhosis and ascites. Decreasing the client’s carbohydrate intake can cause ketosis, which is a metabolic state that occurs when the body uses fat as a fuel source instead of glucose.
Ketosis can cause nausea, fatigue, headache, and bad breath. The nurse should recommend a moderate carbohydrate intake that provides enough glucose for energy and prevents ketosis.
A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A. Place the client on bedrest.
Choice A: Place the client on bedrest. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Placing the client on bedrest can increase the risk of complications such as thromboembolism, pressure ulcers, and muscle atrophy. The nurse should encourage the client to perform gentle exercises and change positions frequently.
B. Apply warm blankets.
Choice B: Apply warm blankets. This is an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and affects the energy expenditure and body temperature. Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism that causes swelling of the skin and tissues due to accumulation of mucopolysaccharides. Applying warm blankets can help maintain the client’s body temperature and prevent hypothermia, which is a low body temperature.
C. Check the client for weight loss.
Choice C: Check the client for weight loss. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Checking the client for weight loss can indicate hyperthyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss due to increased metabolic rate and appetite. The nurse should check the client for weight gain, which can indicate hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolic rate and fluid retention.
D. Limit high-fiber foods.
Choice D: Limit high-fiber foods. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Limiting high-fiber foods can cause constipation, which can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue. The nurse should encourage the client to eat high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to promote bowel regularity and prevent constipation.
Full Explanation
Choice A: Place the client on bedrest. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Placing the client on bedrest can increase the risk of complications such as thromboembolism, pressure ulcers, and muscle atrophy. The nurse should encourage the client to perform gentle exercises and change positions frequently.
Choice B: Apply warm blankets. This is an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and affects the energy expenditure and body temperature. Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism that causes swelling of the skin and tissues due to accumulation of mucopolysaccharides. Applying warm blankets can help maintain the client’s body temperature and prevent hypothermia, which is a low body temperature.
Choice C: Check the client for weight loss. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Checking the client for weight loss can indicate hyperthyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss due to increased metabolic rate and appetite. The nurse should check the client for weight gain, which can indicate hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolic rate and fluid retention.
Choice D: Limit high-fiber foods. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Limiting high-fiber foods can cause constipation, which can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue. The nurse should encourage the client to eat high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to promote bowel regularity and prevent constipation.
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has diverticular disease. The nurse should expect the client to report abdominal pain in which of the following locations?
A. Upper left quadrant
Choice A: Upper left quadrant. This is not the location where the nurse should expect the client to report abdominal pain who has diverticular disease. The upper left quadrant of the abdomen contains organs such as the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and part of the colon. Abdominal pain in this area can indicate conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, splenomegaly, or colon cancer.
B. Lower left quadrant
Choice B: Lower left quadrant. This is the location where the nurse should expect the client to report abdominal pain who has diverticular disease, which is a condition that involves the formation of pouches or sacs in the wall of the colon. These pouches or sacs are called diverticula, and they can become inflamed or infected, causing diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. The most common site of diverticula formation and diverticulitis is the sigmoid colon, which is located in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen.
C. Upper right quadrant
Choice C: Upper right quadrant. This is not the location where the nurse should expect the client to report abdominal pain who has diverticular disease. The upper right quadrant of the abdomen contains organs such as the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, and part of the colon. Abdominal pain in this area can indicate conditions such as hepatitis, cholecystitis, duodenal ulcer, or colon cancer.
D. Lower right quadrant
Choice D: Lower right quadrant. This is not the location where the nurse should expect the client to report abdominal pain who has diverticular disease. The lower right quadrant of the abdomen contains organs such as the appendix, cecum, and part of the colon. Abdominal pain in this area can indicate conditions such as appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, or colon cancer.
Full Explanation
Choice A: Upper left quadrant. This is not the location where the nurse should expect the client to report abdominal pain who has diverticular disease. The upper left quadrant of the abdomen contains organs such as the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and part of the colon. Abdominal pain in this area can indicate conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, splenomegaly, or colon cancer.
Choice B: Lower left quadrant. This is the location where the nurse should expect the client to report abdominal pain who has diverticular disease, which is a condition that involves the formation of pouches or sacs in the wall of the colon. These pouches or sacs are called diverticula, and they can become inflamed or infected, causing diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. The most common site of diverticula formation and diverticulitis is the sigmoid colon, which is located in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen.
Choice C: Upper right quadrant. This is not the location where the nurse should expect the client to report abdominal pain who has diverticular disease. The upper right quadrant of the abdomen contains organs such as the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, and part of the colon. Abdominal pain in this area can indicate conditions such as hepatitis, cholecystitis, duodenal ulcer, or colon cancer.
Choice D: Lower right quadrant. This is not the location where the nurse should expect the client to report abdominal pain who has diverticular disease. The lower right quadrant of the abdomen contains organs such as the appendix, cecum, and part of the colon. Abdominal pain in this area can indicate conditions such as appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, or colon cancer.
