How will the nurse assess for flank tenderness in a patient with suspected pyelonephritis?
Percuss between the iliac crest and ribs at the midaxillary line.
Push fingers upward into the two lowest intercostal spaces.
Palpate along both sides of the lumbar vertebral column.
Strike a flat hand covering the costovertebral angle (CVA).
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Percussion between the iliac crest and ribs at the midaxillary line is not the standard method for assessing flank tenderness associated with pyelonephritis. This technique may not elicit the characteristic pain of kidney inflammation.
Choice B rationale
Pushing fingers upward into the two lowest intercostal spaces is not a specific test for flank tenderness and may not accurately assess for pyelonephritis. This action is more related to assessing the integrity of the rib cage and intercostal muscles.
Choice C rationale
Palpating along both sides of the lumbar vertebral column is not the correct method for assessing flank tenderness due to pyelonephritis. This approach is more suited for assessing the musculoskeletal structure rather than the kidneys.
Choice D rationale
Striking a flat hand over the costovertebral angle is the correct method for assessing flank tenderness in cases of suspected pyelonephritis. This technique, known as costovertebral angle tenderness, elicits pain when the kidneys are inflamed, which is a common sign of pyelonephritis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pericardiocentesis is a procedure used to remove fluid from the pericardial sac and is not typically used to treat atrial fibrillation. It is more commonly indicated for conditions such as pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade.
Choice B rationale
Septal myectomy is a surgical intervention to remove part of the thickened septal wall that separates the ventricles of the heart. It is primarily used to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, not atrial fibrillation.
Choice C rationale
A pericardial window is a procedure that creates an opening in the pericardium to allow fluid to drain into the surrounding chest cavity. This procedure is not a treatment for atrial fibrillation.
Choice D rationale
Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a procedure where a controlled electric shock is delivered to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. It is a common and effective treatment for atrial fibrillation, especially when the condition is causing significant symptoms like palpitations, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
In prerenal AKI, the kidneys are not receiving enough blood flow. As a result, they cannot filter potassium out of the blood efficiently, leading to hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. This condition is dangerous because it can cause cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness.
Choice B rationale
Hypernatremia, an elevated sodium level, is not typically associated with prerenal AKI. It is more commonly related to dehydration or an excessive intake of sodium, which are not direct consequences of prerenal AKI.
Choice C rationale
Hypercalcemia, an elevated calcium level, is also not a common finding in prerenal AKI. It is usually associated with other conditions such as hyperparathyroidism or malignancy.
Choice D rationale
Hypophosphatemia, a low level of phosphate in the blood, is not a typical result of prerenal AKI. It can occur due to malnutrition or malabsorption, but it is not directly caused by prerenal AKI.
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