A nurse is assisting in monitoring a client who is receiving a tube feeding. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Temperature 38.2° C (100.8° F)

Hematocrit 45%

Respiratory rate 12/min

Urine specific gravity 1.015

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   This temperature is slightly elevated (normal range is typically around 36.5-37.5°C or 97.7-99.5°F). While a mild temperature elevation could indicate infection or other underlying issues, it may not be immediately critical unless accompanied by other symptoms such as chills, increased heart rate, or signs of respiratory distress.
B.   Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. A hematocrit of 45% is within the normal range for adults. However, changes in hematocrit levels over time can indicate fluid balance issues

or nutritional status, which are important to monitor but may not be an acute priority unless significantly abnormal.
C.   A respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute is within the normal range for adults. However, it's essential to consider if this rate is stable or if there are signs of respiratory distress such as increased effort or decreased oxygen saturation. Respiratory status should always be closely monitored, but a normal rate alone is not a priority concern.
D.   Urine specific gravity measures the concentration of urine and can indicate hydration status. A specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range for urine concentration. However, changes in urine output or specific gravity can provide insights into fluid balance and renal function over time.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Positioning the client's arm above heart level can result in a falsely low blood pressure reading. This is because gravity assists in the flow of blood downward, artificially reducing the pressure measured in the arteries. For accurate blood pressure measurement, the client's arm should be positioned at heart level or slightly below heart level.
B. If the blood pressure cuff is wrapped too loosely around the client's arm, it can lead to inaccurate readings. A loose cuff may allow leakage of air during inflation or may not provide sufficient compression to accurately detect the arterial pressure pulses.
C. Deflating the cuff too slowly can cause a falsely high diastolic pressure reading. When the cuff is deflated slowly, the pressure in the cuff remains close to the systolic pressure for a longer duration, leading to incorrect readings, especially in diastolic pressure.
Blood pressure can temporarily increase after meals due to digestion, particularly in clients with hypertension. Measuring blood pressure immediately after a meal may result in a higher reading that does not reflect the client's baseline blood pressure. However, this would typically lead to a higher reading rather than a lower one.

A. Administer glucagon IM. B. Check the client for a positive Chvostek's sign. C. Request a potassium replacement. D. Discontinue the TPN infusion.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Glucagon is administered to increase blood glucose levels in hypoglycemic states. However, the client's glucose level is within the normal range (72 mg/dL), so administering glucagon is not appropriate.

B. Chvostek's sign is assessed to detect hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia. It involves tapping the facial nerve anterior to the earlobe and observing for facial muscle contraction. This action is not relevant to the potassium level and is not indicated based on the laboratory findings provided.
C. The client's potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating hypokalemia. Potassium replacement is essential to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse should follow the facility's protocol for administering potassium replacement, which may include adjusting the TPN solution or administering intravenous potassium supplements.
D. Discontinuing the TPN infusion is not warranted based solely on the potassium level. The TPN infusion provides essential nutrition and should not be stopped without addressing the electrolyte imbalance separately.

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A nurse is assisting in monitoring a client who is receiving a tube feeding. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When a nurse obtains an unusually low blood pressure measurement for a client whose blood pressure is generally elevated, she considers the possibility of a problem with her technique. Which of the following sources of error should she consider as a possible cause of the low reading?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN): glucose 72 mg/dL, chloride 100 mEq/L. sodium 138 mEq/L and potassium 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) 750 mL IV to infuse over 8 hr. The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Round to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A nurse is emptying a client's urinal when she notices the urine is dark amber, cloudy, and has an unpleasant odor. The nurse should identify that these findings are likely to be the result of which of the following?

A nurse is preparing an in-service presentation about preventing health care-associated infections (HAIs). The nurse should include which of the following as a common cause of these infections?

A nurse is caring for a client who has urinary incontinence. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the development of skin breakdown?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about a high-fiber diet with a client who has constipation. Which of the following statements indicates the client understands the best choice for a high-fiber diet?

The nurse is preparing to administer ear drops to an adult client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

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