The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an older client who is receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer. Which finding is the highest priority for the PN to report to the charge nurse?

Reference ranges:

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): [Adult: 10 to 20 mg/dL or 3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L] Platelets: [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 or 150 to 400 x 10^9/L]

Periodic nausea and vomiting.

Decreased deep tendon reﬂexes.

Platelet count 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 10^9/L

Blood urea nitrogen 75 mg/dL or 12.9 mmol/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level indicates impaired renal function, which can be caused by dehydration, infection, or nephrotoxic drugs. Chemotherapy can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of renal failure. The PN should report this finding to the charge nurse, as it may require ﬂuid replacement, dose adjustment, or discontinuation of the chemotherapy.

The other options are not correct because:

A. Periodic nausea and vomiting are common side eﬀects of chemotherapy that can be managed with antiemetics, hydration, and dietary modifications. They are not as urgent as a high BUN level.

B. Decreased deep tendon reﬂexes may indicate hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, or peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by chemotherapy or other factors. They are not as urgent as a high BUN level.

C. A platelet count of 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 10^9/L is slightly below the normal range, but not significantly low. Chemotherapy can cause thrombocytopenia, which increases the risk of bleeding. The PN should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, but this finding is not as urgent as a high BUN level.

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Correct Answer is ["0.6"]

Explanation

Step 1: The medication is prescribed as 30 mg every 12 hours, which means it is given twice a day. So, the total daily dosage in mg is 30 mg × 2 = 60 mg.

Step 2: The medication is available in 30 mg per 0.3 mL. So, to find out how many mL correspond to 60 mg, we set up a proportion: (30 mg / 0.3 mL) = (60 mg / x mL). Solving for x gives x = (0.3 mL / 30 mg) × 60 mg = 0.6 mL.

Therefore, the practical nurse should administer 0.6 mL of the medication each day.

A. “Come into the recreation area. We have your favorite card game and I will play it with you." B. "Why do you want to stay in your room today?” C. "I know you are sad about not seeing your family as often, but they are visiting as much as they can.” D. “May I sit with you for a while?"

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This comment shows empathy, respect, and support for the client, without being intrusive or judgmental. The PN acknowledges the client's feelings and oﬀers companionship, which can help reduce isolation and loneliness.

The other options are not correct because:

A. This comment may be perceived as coercive or dismissive of the client's feelings, as it tries to persuade the client to do something he does not want to do or enjoy.

B. This comment may be perceived as accusatory or interrogatory, as it questions the client's decision or motive for staying in his room.

C. This comment may be perceived as minimizing or invalidating the client's feelings, as it implies that the client should not be sad or that his family is doing enough for him.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who had knee replacement surgery receives a prescription for enoxaparin 30 mg subcutaneously every 12 hours for 10 days. The medication is available in 30 mg per 0.3 mL prefilled syringes. How many mL should the practical nurse (PN) administer each day? (Enter numerical value only.).

Correct Answer is ["0.6"]

Explanation

A chronically depressed older male resident of a long-term care facility has become more reclusive and today refuses to leave his room. His family has moved away and are unable to visit as much as in the past. Which comment by the practical nurse (PN) is likely to be most helpful to this client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) administers an injection using a syringe with a retractable needle. After the needle is removed from the client's skin, the needle does not retract, and the PN gets stuck in the finger with the used needle. What action should the PN take first?

When caring for postoperative clients, which situation requires the most immediate intervention by the practical nurse (PN)?

A client who had orthopedic surgery three days ago verbalizes difficulty in sleeping. Which initial intervention is best for the practical nurse (PN) to implement?

A client is receiving palliative care, and death is anticipated within the next 24 hours. The practical nurse (PN) observes that the client's legs have a mottled appearance. What should the PN apply to the client's legs?

When monitoring a client's abdominal incision, the practical nurse (PN) observes a large amount of sanguineous drainage on the dressing. Which client data collection should the PN complete first?

While caring for a client with Guillain-Barre syndrome, which finding should the practical nurse (PN) report to the charge nurse?

The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the preparation of a client for fecal diversion surgery. While inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, the client asks if the surgical opening will be visible. Which action should the PN implement?