A client has a total serum calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L). Based on this information, which action is most important for the nurse to include while measuring the client's vital signs?

Reference Range:

Total Calcium (9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L)]

Measure blood pressure in both arms.

Assess skin turgor for elasticity.

Observe the skin for signs of bruising.

Note the rhythm of the pulse.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   While it is generally good practice to measure blood pressure in both arms for a comprehensive assessment, this is not the primary concern with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia primarily affects neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems, so while blood pressure monitoring is important, it does not directly address the critical symptoms associated with low calcium levels.
B.   Assessing skin turgor is a useful practice for evaluating hydration status and skin elasticity but is not specifically related to the management or symptoms of hypocalcemia. In hypocalcemia, skin changes are not the most relevant concern compared to neuromuscular symptoms.
C.   Hypocalcemia can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising due to impaired blood clotting mechanisms. Monitoring for bruising can be an important aspect of assessing the effects of low calcium levels on the client’s hemostatic function. Bruising can be a direct indicator of the impact of hypocalcemia on blood coagulation and is relevant to the clinical management of the condition.
D.   Hypocalcemia can affect cardiac function, potentially leading to changes in heart rhythm and rate. Monitoring the rhythm of the pulse is crucial, as it can help identify arrhythmias or other cardiac disturbances associated with low calcium levels.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Asking the client to describe the pain is the most direct way to gather information about the quality of the pain. This approach allows the client to express characteristics such as whether the pain is sharp, dull, burning, aching, throbbing, or stabbing.
B. A visual analog scale (VAS) is useful for assessing the intensity of pain, not the quality. The VAS typically involves a line with endpoints representing no pain and worst possible pain, where the client marks their pain level.
C. The numeric pain scale is designed to measure the intensity of pain on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 represents the worst pain imaginable. Like the VAS, this scale assesses pain intensity rather than quality.
D. Palpation and observing the client's response can help assess the location and intensity of pain, particularly if there are physical findings associated with the pain. However, this method does not provide information about the pain’s quality, such as its character or nature.

A. Decrease time intervals between toileting assistance and encourage Kegel exercises. B. Apply disposable undergarments and change frequently to prevent skin breakdown. C. Limit fluid intake during the evening meal and throughout the evening hours until bedtime. D. Offer emotional support and explain that urinary incontinence is a common occurrence among older women.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Decreasing the time intervals between toileting can help prevent accidents by ensuring that the resident has more frequent opportunities to use the bathroom. Encouraging Kegel exercises (pelvic floor exercises) can help strengthen the muscles responsible for controlling urination and may improve incontinence.
B. Using disposable undergarments and changing them frequently can help manage incontinence and protect the skin from irritation and breakdown. However, this intervention primarily addresses the symptoms of incontinence rather than the underlying causes.
C. Limiting fluid intake in the evening can reduce the likelihood of nocturia (nighttime urination) and may help in managing urinary incontinence. However, reducing fluid intake can also lead to dehydration and other health issues.
D. Offering emotional support and reassurance is important for the resident’s mental well-being and can help reduce anxiety related to incontinence. Understanding that urinary incontinence is common among older adults can be comforting, but this approach alone does not address the practical management of the condition or contribute to improving urinary control.

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A client has a total serum calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L). Based on this information, which action is most important for the nurse to include while measuring the client's vital signs? Reference Range: Total Calcium (9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L)]

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When assessing a client's pain, the nurse determines the location and intensity of the pain. To gather data about the quality of the pain, which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An older female resident of a long-term care facility is experiencing frequent episodes of urinary incontinence. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement with this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client is having trouble breathing while lying in a dorsal recumbent position. Which action should the nurse implement first?

A client started a 24-hour urine collection several hours ago. The client tells the nurse that the last voiding was accidentally flushed instead of saved in the container. Which intervention should the nurse initiate?

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An older adult client is admitted to a long term care facility. Upon admission, the client is oriented but fatigued, is incontinent of urine, and has a stage II pressure ulcer on the left heel. Which additional finding requires further assessment?

The nurse is assessing an older female client who was admitted to a long-term facility two days ago. The resident refuses to go to the dining room for meals and calls for help with all activities of daily living. Which nursing problem is best to include in this client's plan of care?

An older adult woman who lives alone talks with the clinic nurse about her fears of falling at home. Which interventions should the nurse suggest? Select all that apply.

A client has a total serum calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L). Based on this information, which action is most important for the nurse to include while measuring the client's vital signs?

Reference Range:

Total Calcium (9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L)]