Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
An S3 heart sound is auscultated in a client in her third trimester of pregnancy. What intervention should the nurse take?
A. Document in the client's record.
An S3 heart sound can be a normal finding during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and changes in cardiac output. It is known as a physiological S3 and is considered a benign finding in the absence of other concerning symptoms or signs. In this case, there is no immediate need for intervention or concern regarding the S3 heart sound. It is not necessary to prepare the client for an echocardiogram or limit the client's fluids based solely on the presence of an S3 heart sound in the absence of other significant symptoms or complications.
B. Prepare the client for an echocardiogram.
C. Notify the healthcare provider.
D. Limit the client's fluids.
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Full Explanation
An S3 heart sound can be a normal finding during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and changes in cardiac output. It is known as a physiological S3 and is considered a benign finding in the absence of other concerning symptoms or signs.
In this case, there is no immediate need for intervention or concern regarding the S3 heart sound. It is not necessary to prepare the client for an echocardiogram or limit the client's fluids based solely on the presence of an S3 heart sound in the absence of other significant symptoms or complications.
Similar Questions
The nurse-manager is involved in agency restructuring. During this re-engineering process, it is most important for the nurse to address which employee concern?
A. Potential changes in employee benefits.
B. Changes in job descriptions.
C. New management's expectations.
D. Employees' job security.
Agency restructuring can be a time of significant stress and uncertainty for employees, particularly if they feel that their jobs may be at risk. Addressing employees' job security concerns and providing clear and timely communication regarding the restructuring process can help to alleviate anxiety and maintain morale within the workplace. While changes in employee benefits, job descriptions, and management expectations are important considerations, they may be secondary to employees' immediate concerns about their job security. Once job security concerns have been addressed, it may be appropriate to provide additional information and support regarding changes in other areas. Ultimately, maintaining a positive and supportive work environment during agency restructuring can help to minimize disruption and maintain employee satisfaction and engagement.
A client receives a prescription for a fluid bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride, USP 200 mL to be infused in 30 minutes. How many mL/hr should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver?
(Enter numerical value only.)
Full Explanation
To calculate the mL/hr rate for the infusion pump, we can use the following formula: mL/hr = (Total volume to be infused in mL) / (Time in hours)
In this case, the total volume to be infused is 200 mL, and the infusion time is 30 minutes, which is equal to 0.5 hours.
mL/hr = 200 mL / 0.5 hours mL/hr = 400 mL/hr
Therefore, the nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver 400 mL/hr.
The healthcare provider prescribes 5% Dextrose Injection, USP with 20 units of regular insulin for a client with a serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L) and glucose level of 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L). Which evaluation is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care?
Reference Range
- Potassium [Reference Range: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]
- Glucose [Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]
A. Evaluate glucose levels before and after meals.
While monitoring glucose levels before and after meals is important for clients receiving insulin therapy, in this scenario, the primary concern is the elevated potassium level.The nurse should prioritize frequent assessment of the serum potassium level to guide appropriate management and prevent complications associated with hyperkalemia.
B. Assess the serum potassium level every 4 hours.
The client's serum potassium level is elevated at 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L), which is above the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L). Hyperkalemia can have significant cardiac implications, including the potential for life-threatening dysrhythmias. Therefore, close monitoring of the serum potassium level is crucial to assess the effectiveness of interventions and ensure that potassium levels are within a safe range.
C. Monitor and document strict intake and output.
Monitoring and documenting strict intake and output are important for assessing fluid balance and renal function, but in this case, the elevated potassium level takes precedence as it poses a more immediate risk to the client's well-being.
D. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram daily.
Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) daily may be indicated in some cases of hyperkalemia, as certain ECG changes can be associated with elevated potassium levels. However, the more critical aspect is monitoring the potassium level itself, as ECG changes can occur rapidly and may not always be detectable on a daily basis.
Full Explanation
The client's serum potassium level is elevated at 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L), which is above the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L).
Hyperkalemia can have significant cardiac implications, including the potential for life-threatening dysrhythmias. Therefore, close monitoring of the serum potassium level is crucial to assess the effectiveness of interventions and ensure that potassium levels are within a safe range.
While monitoring glucose levels before and after meals is important for clients receiving insulin therapy, in this scenario, the primary concern is the elevated potassium level.
The nurse should prioritize frequent assessment of the serum potassium level to guide appropriate management and prevent complications associated with hyperkalemia.
Monitoring and documenting strict intake and output are important for assessing fluid balance and renal function, but in this case, the elevated potassium level takes precedence as it poses a more immediate risk to the client's well-being.
Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) daily may be indicated in some cases of hyperkalemia, as certain ECG changes can be associated with elevated potassium levels. However, the more critical aspect is monitoring the potassium level itself, as ECG changes can occur rapidly and may not always be detectable on a daily basis.