Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who reports pain in the jaw, back, and shoulder, and shortness of breath and nausea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Administer enteric-coated acetaminophen.
Administer enteric-coated acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is not typically used to address the symptoms described by the client, such as pain in the jaw, back, and shoulder, shortness of breath, and nausea. Moreover, an enteric-coated form of acetaminophen is not likely to address the acute symptoms.
B. Administer ibuprofen.
Administer ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and may not be appropriate for the reported symptoms, especially if they are indicative of a cardiac event.
C. Obtain an EKG.
Obtain an EKG: This is the correct answer. The client's symptoms, including pain in the jaw, back, and shoulder, shortness of breath, and nausea, are concerning for a possible cardiac event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a crucial diagnostic tool to assess for cardiac abnormalities and should be done promptly.
D. Maintain oxygen saturations greater than or equal to 92%.
Maintain oxygen saturations greater than or equal to 92%: While maintaining adequate oxygen saturation is important in various clinical situations, the client's symptoms, especially when associated with potential cardiac issues, warrant an immediate EKG to assess for cardiac abnormalities.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Smith Chason Los Angeles ATI Med Surg Proctored Exam 2. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Administer enteric-coated acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is not typically used to address the symptoms described by the client, such as pain in the jaw, back, and shoulder, shortness of breath, and nausea. Moreover, an enteric-coated form of acetaminophen is not likely to address the acute symptoms.
B. Administer ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and may not be appropriate for the reported symptoms, especially if they are indicative of a cardiac event.
C. Obtain an EKG: This is the correct answer. The client's symptoms, including pain in the jaw, back, and shoulder, shortness of breath, and nausea, are concerning for a possible cardiac event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a crucial diagnostic tool to assess for cardiac abnormalities and should be done promptly.
D. Maintain oxygen saturations greater than or equal to 92%: While maintaining adequate oxygen saturation is important in various clinical situations, the client's symptoms, especially when associated with potential cardiac issues, warrant an immediate EKG to assess for cardiac abnormalities.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?
A. Dependent edema
Dependent edema: Dependent edema is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In left-sided heart failure, fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to pulmonary symptoms such as cough and frothy sputum.
B. Jugular distention
Jugular distention: Jugular distention is often associated with right-sided heart failure due to impaired blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. It is less likely to be prominent in left-sided heart failure.
C. Nocturnal polyuria
Nocturnal polyuria: Nocturnal polyuria (increased urination at night) is a common symptom of heart failure, but it is not specific to left-sided heart failure. It can be seen in both left- and right-sided heart failure.
D. Frothy sputum
Frothy sputum: This is the correct answer. Left-sided heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion, resulting in the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Frothy, pink-tinged sputum is a characteristic finding in left-sided heart failure and is often associated with pulmonary edema.
Full Explanation
A. Dependent edema: Dependent edema is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In left-sided heart failure, fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to pulmonary symptoms such as cough and frothy sputum.
B. Jugular distention: Jugular distention is often associated with right-sided heart failure due to impaired blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. It is less likely to be prominent in left-sided heart failure.
C. Nocturnal polyuria: Nocturnal polyuria (increased urination at night) is a common symptom of heart failure, but it is not specific to left-sided heart failure. It can be seen in both left- and right-sided heart failure.
D. Frothy sputum: This is the correct answer. Left-sided heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion, resulting in the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Frothy, pink-tinged sputum is a characteristic finding in left-sided heart failure and is often associated with pulmonary edema.
A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hacking cough
Hacking cough: This is the correct answer. Left-sided heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion, resulting in a cough that is often described as "hacking" or "persistent." This cough may be worse at night when the client is lying down.
B. Abdominal distension
Abdominal distension: Abdominal distension is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, as fluid accumulates in the abdomen (ascites). In left-sided heart failure, fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to pulmonary symptoms.
C. Dependent edema
Dependent edema: Dependent edema is also more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In left-sided heart failure, fluid tends to accumulate in the lungs, causing pulmonary congestion and related symptoms.
D. Jugular venous distention
Jugular venous distention: Jugular venous distention is often seen in right-sided heart failure due to impaired blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. This finding is less likely to be prominent in left-sided heart failure.
Full Explanation
A. Hacking cough: This is the correct answer. Left-sided heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion, resulting in a cough that is often described as "hacking" or "persistent." This cough may be worse at night when the client is lying down.
B. Abdominal distension: Abdominal distension is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, as fluid accumulates in the abdomen (ascites). In left-sided heart failure, fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to pulmonary symptoms.
C. Dependent edema: Dependent edema is also more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In left-sided heart failure, fluid tends to accumulate in the lungs, causing pulmonary congestion and related symptoms.
D. Jugular venous distention: Jugular venous distention is often seen in right-sided heart failure due to impaired blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. This finding is less likely to be prominent in left-sided heart failure.
A nurse is teaching a client who has septic shock about the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
A. "DIC is controllable with lifelong heparin usage."
"DIC is controllable with lifelong heparin usage": This statement is not accurate. While heparin may be used in the treatment of DIC, it is not a lifelong therapy, and the approach to treatment depends on the underlying cause.
B. "DIC is caused by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen."
"DIC is caused by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen": This is the correct answer. DIC is a condition characterized by widespread activation of the clotting cascade, leading to the formation of microthrombi throughout the body. Abnormal coagulation involves the consumption of clotting factors, including fibrinogen.
C. "DIC is a genetic disorder involving a vitamin K deficiency."
"DIC is a genetic disorder involving a vitamin K deficiency": This statement is not accurate. DIC is not a genetic disorder, and it is not primarily related to vitamin K deficiency. It is an acquired condition often associated with severe infections, sepsis, trauma, or other critical illnesses.
D. "DIC is characterized by an elevated platelet count."
"DIC is characterized by an elevated platelet count": This statement is not accurate. In DIC, there is often a decrease in platelet count due to consumption and activation of platelets in the widespread formation of microthrombi.
Full Explanation
A. "DIC is controllable with lifelong heparin usage": This statement is not accurate. While heparin may be used in the treatment of DIC, it is not a lifelong therapy, and the approach to treatment depends on the underlying cause.
B. "DIC is caused by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen": This is the correct answer. DIC is a condition characterized by widespread activation of the clotting cascade, leading to the formation of microthrombi throughout the body. Abnormal coagulation involves the consumption of clotting factors, including fibrinogen.
C. "DIC is a genetic disorder involving a vitamin K deficiency": This statement is not accurate. DIC is not a genetic disorder, and it is not primarily related to vitamin K deficiency. It is an acquired condition often associated with severe infections, sepsis, trauma, or other critical illnesses.
D. "DIC is characterized by an elevated platelet count": This statement is not accurate. In DIC, there is often a decrease in platelet count due to consumption and activation of platelets in the widespread formation of microthrombi.