Hypothyroidism
S/S
Description: insufficient circulation of thyroid hormones resulting in a hypometabolic state.
S/S: fatigue, lethargy, personality and mental changes, mental dullness, decreased cardiac output, anemia, constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, weight gain,
Hypothyroidism
Labs
History and PE
Thyroid function tests: elevated TSH, Low T3/T4
Thyroid scan
Radioactive Iodine Uptake test
Hypothyroidism
Nursing Interventions
LOOK AT S/S- then select appropriate action.
vital signs
warm environment
teach importance of lifelong Rx regiment
Hypothyroidism
Complications
Goiter
Decreased metabolic rate
Myxedema due to a deficiency of thyroid hormone (adult form)
--Myxedema Coma
Cretinism (infant form)
Atherosclerosis
Hyperthyroid (if too much Rx)
Hypoglycemia
Thyroiditis (Hashimoto's)
Hyperthyroidism
S/S
Weight loss with increased appetite
Exophthalmos (bulging eyes)
Heat intolerance
Menstrual problems- amenorrhea
Insomnia
hyperexcitable
Hyperthyroidism
Labs
...
Hyperthyroidism
Nursing Interventions
Vital signs including weight
Antithyroid meds
Thyroidectomy pt teaching
monitor for s/s of Thyroid Storm
Hyperthyroidism
Complications
Increased metabolic rate r/t increased circulating thyroid hormone
Thyroid Storm- may result in mania or heart failure
Common Preoperative Medications:
1) Benzodiazepines and barbiturates: for sedation and amnesia
2) Anticholinergics: to reduce secretions
3) Opioids: to decrease intraoperative anesthetic requirements and pain
4) Additional drugs include antiemetics, antibiotics, eye drops, and regular pr
Drug Use in Pre-Op setting:
Benzodiazepines and barbiturates
Drug used in pre-op setting for sedation and amnesia
Drug Use in Pre-Op setting:
Anticholinergics
Drug used in pre-op setting to reduce secretions.
Drug Use in Pre-Op setting:
Opioids
Drug used in pre-op setting to decrease intraoperative anesthetic requirements and pain.
Pre-Op patients should be screened for possible critical allergies?
Pre-Op pts should be screened for critical allergies:
Latex, Iodine, and allergies to anesthesia that may result in Malignant Hyperthermia.
In the surgical setting, where is the center of the sterile field?
The center of the sterile field is the site of the surgical incision.
Five minutes after receiving a preoperative sedative medication by IV injection, a patient asks the nurse to get up to go to the bathroom to urinate. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A.) Assist patient to bathro
C. Offer the patient to use the urinal/bedpan after explaining the need to maintain safety.
The prime issue after administration of either sedative or opioid analgesic medications is safety. Because the medications affect the central nervous system, the p
As the nurse is preparing a patient for surgery, the patient refuses to remove a wedding ring. Which of the following is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
A. Note the presence of the ring in the nurse's notes of the chart.
B. Insist the patient re
C. Explain that the hospital will not be responsible for the ring.
It is customary policy to tape a patient's wedding band to the finger and make a notation on the preoperative checklist that the ring is taped in place.
While performing preoperative teaching, the patient asks when she needs to stop drinking water before the surgery. Based on the most recent practice guidelines established by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the nurse tells the patient that:
A.
C. She can drink clear liquids up to 2 hours before surgery.
Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting state the minimum fasting period for clear liquids is 2 hours. Evidenced-based practice no longer supports the long-standing practice of requiring pa
The nurse is admitting a patient to the same day surgery unit. The patient tells the nurse that he was so nervous he had to take kava last evening to help him sleep. Which of the following nursing actions would be most appropriate?
A. Inform the anesthesi
A. Inform the anesthesiologist of the patient's ingestion of kava.
Kava may prolong the effects of certain anesthetics. Thus the anesthesiologist needs to be informed of recent ingestion of this herbal supplement.
The nurse would be alerted to the occurrence of malignant hyperthermia when the patient demonstrates:
A. Hypocapnia
B. Muscle rigidity
C. Decreased body temperature
D. Confusion upon arousal from anesthesia
B. Muscle rigidity
Malignant hyperthermia is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperthermia with rigidity of skeletal muscles occurring secondary to exposure to certain anesthetic agents in susceptible patients. Hypoxemia, hypercarbia, and dysrhythmias
Before admitting a patient to the operating room, the nurse recognizes that which of the following must be attached to the chart of all patients?
A. A functional status evaluation
B. Renal and liver function tests
C. A physical examination report
D. An el
C. A physical examination report.
It is essential to have a physical examination report attached to the chart of a patient going for surgery. This document explains in detail the overall status of the patient for the surgeon and other members of the surgi
Which of the following nursing interventions should receive highest priority when a patient is admitted to the postanesthesia care unit?
A. Positioning the patient
B. Observing the operative site
C. Checking the postoperative orders
D. Receiving report fr
A. Positioning the patient.
A patient is received in the postanesthesia care unit on a bed or stretcher. Proper positioning is necessary to ensure airway patency in a sedated, unconscious, or semiconscious patient. Observation of the operative site, recei
Which of the following may be left in place when a patient is sent to the operating room?
A. Wig
B. Hearing aid
C. Engagement ring
D. Well-fitting dentures
B. Hearing aid
If a patient is wearing a hearing aid, the perioperative nurse should be notified. Leaving the hearing aid in place enhances communication in the operating room. The nurse should make certain to record that the appliance is in place. Wigs,
In caring for a person receiving an opioid analgesic through an epidural catheter, the nursing responsibility of prime importance is
A. assessing for respiratory depression.
B. establishing a baseline laboratory profile.
C. inspecting the catheter inserti
A. assessing for respiratory depression.
Possible side effects of epidural opioids are pruritus, urinary retention, and delayed respiratory depression, occurring 4 to 12 hours after a dose. Establishing a baseline laboratory profile is outside the scope o
Which of the following is most appropriate after administration of preoperative medications?
A. Confirming that the patient has voided
B. Monitoring vital signs every 15 minutes
C. Placing the patient in bed with the rails up
D. Transporting the patient i
C. Placing the patient in bed with the rails up.
After administration of preoperative medications, a nurse should instruct a patient not to get up without assistance because medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Confirming that the patient has re
Which of the following should be included in the plan of care for a patient who had spinal anesthesia?
A. Elevating the head of the bed to decrease nausea
B. Elevating the patient's feet to increase blood pressure
C. Instructing the patient to remain flat
C. Instructing the patient to remain flat in bed for 6 hours.
In addition to interventions designed to replace fluids and indirectly replace lost spinal fluid after administration of spinal anesthesia, the patient is instructed to lie flat for 6 to 8 hour
A nurse has requested and gotten permission to observe a surgical procedure of interest in the hospital in which the nurse is employed. While the patient is being draped, the nurse notices that a break in sterile technique occurs. Which of the following a
D. Point out the observation immediately to the personnel involved.
Any break in sterile technique in the operating room should be immediately pointed out and remedied.
In the operating room, a patient tells a circulating nurse that he is going to have the cataract in his left eye removed. If the nurse notes that the consent form indicates that surgery is to be performed on the right eye, what should be the nurse's first
A. Ask the patient his name.
Ensuring proper identification of a patient is a responsibility of all members of the surgical team. In a specialty surgical setting where many patients undergo the same type of surgery each day, such as cataract removal, it i
When administering low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) after an operation, a nurse should
A. explain that the drug will help prevent clot formation in the legs.
B. check the results of the partial thromboplastin time before administration.
C. administer t
A. explain that the drug will help prevent clot formation in the legs.
Unfractionated heparin or LMWH is given as a prophylactic measure for venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. These anticoagulants work by inhibiting thrombin-mediated conversion of
A physician is performing a sterile procedure at a patient's bedside. Near the end of the procedure, the nurse thinks that the physician has contaminated a sterile glove and the sterile field. The nurse should
A. report the physician for violating surgica
D. point out the possible break in surgical asepsis and provide another set of sterile gloves and fresh sterile field.
It is the responsibility of the nurse to point out any possible break in surgical asepsis when others are unaware that they have contami
Which of the following preoperative assessment findings should be reported to a surgeon for preoperative treatment?
A. Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L
B. Serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L
C. Hb concentration of 13.5 mg/dl
D. Partial thromboplastin time of
B. Serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L.
Electrolyte imbalances increase operative risk. Preoperative laboratory results should be checked to see whether they are within the normal range. The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A low serum potassium l
Which of the following is most likely to be effective in meeting a patient's teaching/learning needs preoperatively?
A. Teaching only the patient
B. Teaching the patient and family
C. Using brief verbal instructions
D. Using only written instructions
B. Teaching the patient and family.
A nurse should determine learning needs preoperatively and teach both the patient and the family before surgery. Using only written instructions does not provide the opportunity for evaluation for learning. Brief verbal
Which of the following preoperative assessment findings should be reported to a surgeon for preoperative treatment?
A. Excessive thirst
B. Gradual weight gain
C. Overwhelming fatigue
D. Recurrent blurred vision
A. Excessive thirst.
The classic clinical manifestations of diabetes mellitus are increased frequency of urination (polyuria); increased thirst and fluid intake (polydipsia); and as the disease progresses, weight loss despite increased hunger and food int
What would be the most effective way for a nurse to validate "informed consent"?
A. Ask the family whether the patient understands the procedure.
B. Check the chart for a completed and signed consent form.
C. Ask the patient what he or she understands reg
C. Ask the patient what he or she understands regarding the procedure.
Informed consent in the health care setting is a process whereby a patient is informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a certain procedure, and then gives consent for it to
If a 77-year-old patient who is NPO after surgery has dry oral mucous membranes, which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Increase oral fluid intake.
B. Perform oral hygiene frequently.
C. Swab the inside of the mouth with p
B. Perform oral hygiene frequently.
Frequent oral hygiene will help alleviate discomfort for a patient who is NPO. IV fluid rate is prescribed by the physician. Petroleum is always inappropriate intraorally. Oral fluid intake is contraindicated in a patie
While a nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled to have surgery in 2 hours, the patient states, "My doctor was here and told me a lot of stuff I didn't understand and then I signed a paper for her." To fulfill the role of advocate, what is the best
D. Call the physician to return and clarify information for the patient.
Examples of nursing advocacy include questioning doctors' orders, promoting patient comfort, and supporting patient decisions regarding health care choices.
A patient is scheduled for a hemorrhoidectomy at an ambulatory day-surgery center. An advantage of performing surgery at an ambulatory center is a decreased need for
A. laboratory tests and perioperative medications.
B. preoperative and postoperative teac
A. laboratory tests and perioperative medications.
Ambulatory surgery is usually less expensive and more convenient, generally involving fewer laboratory tests, fewer preoperative and postoperative medications, less psychological stress, and less suscepti
A patient has the following preoperative medication order: morphine 10 mg with atropine 0.4 mg IM. The nurse informs the patient that this injection will
A. decrease nausea and vomiting during and after surgery.
B. decrease oral and respiratory secretions
B. decrease oral and respiratory secretions, thereby drying the mouth.
Atropine, an anticholinergic medication, is frequently used preoperatively to decrease oral and respiratory secretions during surgery, and the addition of morphine will help to relieve
The primary goal of the circulating nurse during preparation of the operating room, transferring and positioning the patient, and assisting the anesthesia team is
A. avoiding any type of injury to the patient.
B. maintaining a clean environment for the pa
A. avoiding any type of injury to the patient.
The protection of the patient from injury in the operating room environment is maintained by the circulating nurse by ensuring functioning equipment, preventing falls and injury during transport and transfer,
Conscious sedation is being considered for a patient undergoing a cervical dilation and endometrial biopsy in the health care provider's office. The patient asks the nurse, "What is this conscious sedation?" The nurse's response is based on the knowledge
B. enables the patient to respond to commands and accept painful procedures.
Conscious sedation is a moderate sedation that allows the patient to manage his or her own airway and respond to commands, and yet the patient can emotionally and physically acce
To prevent airway obstruction in the postoperative patient who is unconscious or semiconscious, the nurse
A. encourages deep breathing.
B. elevates the head of the bed.
C. administers oxygen per mask.
D. positions the patient in a side-lying position.
D. positions the patient in a side-lying position.
An unconscious or semiconscious patient should be placed in a lateral position to protect the airway from obstruction by the tongue. Deep breathing and elevation of the head of the bed are implemented to
In the absence of postoperative vomiting, GI suctioning, and wound drainage, the physiologic responses to the stress of surgery are most likely to cause
A. diuresis.
B. hyperkalemia.
C. fluid overload.
D. impaired blood coagulation.
C. fluid overload.
Secretion and release of aldosterone and cortisol from the adrenal gland and ADH from the posterior pituitary as a result of the stress response cause fluid retention during the first 2 to 5 days postoperatively, and fluid overload is p
Select all that apply.
Which of the following best describes a consent form?
A. May be signed by an emancipated minor.
B. Protects the health care facility but not the physician
C. Signifies that the patient understands all aspects of the procedure.
D. Si
A. May be signed by an emancipated minor. (&)
C. Signifies that the patient understands all aspects of the procedure.
A consent form may be signed by an emancipated minor, and consent may be obtained by fax or phone with appropriate witnesses. Only in the
Select all that apply.
Advantages of laser surgery include diminished
A. bleeding.
B. swelling.
C. tissue damage.
D. postoperative pain.
E. postoperative infection.
A, B, C, D, & E
(All of the above)
Laser surgery offers the benefits of diminished bleeding, swelling, tissue damage, and postoperative pain and infection.
Select all that apply.
A nurse is caring for a surgical patient in the preoperative area. The nurse obtains the patient's informed consent for the surgical procedure. Which statements are true regarding informed consent?
A. Informed consent must be signed
A. Informed consent must be signed while the patient is free from mind-altering medications.
B. Informed consent must be witnessed.
An informed consent must be signed while the patient is free from mind-altering medications and must be witnessed after it
Select all that apply.
A nurse is caring for patients on a medical-surgical unit. The nurse plans the patients' care and instructs the nursing assistant to assist in repositioning patients every 2 hours. Which patients are at the greatest risk for complic
A. A 20-year-old unconscious patient
B. A 90-year-old frail patient (&)
D. A 40-year-old patient who has paraplegia
Patients who are at the greatest risk for complications if not properly repositioned are those who are unconscious, frail, or paralyzed.
What are some common Nursing Interventions to reduce risk/avoid post-op complications?
1. Turn & reposition the pt to promote circulation and reduce the risk of skin breakdown, especially over boney prominences.
Initially position pt in a Lateral recumbant position until arousal from anesthesia, then position pt in Semi or Fowler position t
Definition:
Atelectasis
Respiratory complication when the alveoli within the lung becomes deflated, resulting in a complete or partial collapse of a lung.
Common causes/ risk factors:
Atelectasis
Respiratory complication that may be the result of a blocked airway, diminished surfactant, or mucus plug.
Recent general anesthesia, shallow breathing, respiratory muscle weakness and immobility are common risk factors.
The reason pts are sent to a PACU after surgery is:
A. to be monitored while recovering from anesthesia.
B. to remain near the surgeon immediately after surgery.
C. to allow the medical-surgical unit time to prepare for transfer.
D. to provide time for th
A.
Pts are sent to a PACU to be monitored while they're recovering from anesthesia.
Which statement should be stressed while giving instructions after adrenalectomy?
A. Stop taking medication when pts physical appearance improves.
B. Pt should take steroids on an empty stomach.
C. Pt should take the prescribed medication as directed.
C.
The pt should take prescribed medication as directed. Sudden withdrawl of steroids can precipitate adrenal crisis.
An adrenal crisis is characterized by all of the signs and symptoms except:
A. weakness and fatigue
B. nausea & vomiting
C. hypotension
D. sodium & fluid retention
D.
Sodium and fluid retention are characteristics of Cushing's Syndrome.
Adrenal crisis causes decreased sodium levels and hypotension.
Which statement about diabetes mellitus is false?
A. Type 2 diabetes commonly occurs in adults <40 yr. old.
B. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs before age 30.
C. Type 1 diabetes is treatable with exercise, meal planning, and antidiabetic drugs.
D. An increa
C.
Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin and dietary management.
Patients may experience which problem 24-48 hrs post-op as a result of anesthetics?
A. colitis
B. Stomatitis
C. Paralytic ileus
D. Gastrocolic reflux
C.
After surgery, pts are clients are at risk for paralytic ileus as a result of anesthesia.
What are some common RN interventions to prevent/ minimize paralytic ileus?
The nurse can prevent/minimize paralytic ileus after surgery with pt positioning and early ambulation.
Evidence of bowel function returning to normal includes auscultation of bowel sounds and passing of flatus and stool.
A pt has returned from surgery with a tracheostomy tube in place. After about 10 minutes in postoperative recovery, the pt begins to have noisy, increased respirations and an elevated heart rate. What action should the RN take immediately?
A. Suction the
A.
Noisy, increased respiration & increased pulse are signs that the pt needs immediate suctioning to clear the airway of secretions. A complete respiratory assessment may then be completed.
A nurse is assessing a pt with a closed chest tube drainage system connected to suction. Which finding would require additional evaluation in the post-operative period?
A. 75ml of bright red drainage in the system.
B. A column of water 20cm high in the su
D.
Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber is indicative of an air leak. The nurse should assess the entire system to the pt to find the sourse of he leak. The leak may be with in the pts chest or at the insertion site. If it is, notify physician. Thi
A pediatric nurse is preparing a child for cleft palate repair surgery. The nurse recognizes that this type of surgery is categorized as:
A. Transplantation surgery
B. Constructive surgery
C. Palliative surgery
D. Reconstructive surgery
B) Cleft palate repair considered constructive surgery because the goal is to restore function in congenital anomalies. Reconstructive surgery serves to restore function to traumatized or malfunctioning tissues and includes plastic surgery or skin graftin
Upon assessment, a patient reports that he drinks 5-6 bottles of beer every evening after work. Based upon this information, the nurse is aware that the patient may require:
A. Larger doses of anesthetic agents and larger doses of postoperative analgesics
A) Patients with a larger habitual intake of alcohol require larger doses of anesthetic agents and postoperative analgesics, increasing the risk for drug-related complications.
The nurse is providing teaching to a patient regarding pain control after surgery. The nurse informs the patient that the best time to request pain medication is:
A. Before the pain becomes severe.
B. When the patient experiences a pain rating of 10 on a
A) The question states that the patient is being instructed on when to "request" pain medication. If a pain medication is ordered PRN, the patient should be instructed to ask for the medication before the pain becomes severe.
The nurse is preparing to send a patient to the operating room for an exploratory laparoscopy. The nurse recognizes that there is no informed consent for the procedure on the patient's chart. The nurse informs the physician who is performing the procedure
A) The responsibility for securing informed consent from the patient lies with the person who will perform the procedure. The nurse's best action is to inform the physician that it is his responsibility to obtain the signature.
The PACU has received a semiconscious patient from the operating room and reviews the chart for orders related to positioning of the patient. There are no specific orders on the chart related to specific orders for the patient's position. In this situatio
C) If the patient is not fully conscious, place the patient in the side-lying position, unless there is an ordered position on the patient's chart.
The nurse is preparing a patient for a colonoscopy. The nurse is familiar with the colonoscopy procedures at the hospital and is aware that which type of anesthesia os commonly used for his procedure?
A. Spinal anesthesia
B. Nerve block
C. Conscious sedat
C) Moderate sedation/analgesia is also known as conscious sedation or procedural sedation and is used for short-term and minimally invasive procedures such as a colonoscopy.
The telemetry unit nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient who is scheduled for an operative procedure later in the day. The nurse notes on the laboratory report that the patient has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L, indicative of hyperkal
A) Hyper/hypokalemia increases the patient's risk for cardiac problems. A decrease in the hematocrit and hemoglobin level may indicate the presence of anemia or bleeding. An elevated WBC occurs in the presence of infection. Abnormal urine constituents may
Upon admission for an appendectomy, the patient provides the nurse with a document that specifies instructions his healthcare team should follow in the event he is unable to communicate these wishes postoperatively. This document is best known as:
A. An i
D) An advance directive, a legal document, allows the patient to specify instructions for his or her healthcare treatment should he or she be unable to communicate these wishes postoperatively. The advance directive allows the patient to discuss his or he
A patient returning to the floor after orthopedic surgery is complaining of nausea. The nurse is aware that an appropriate intervention is to:
A. Hold all medications.
B. Avoid strong smelling foods.
C. Avoid oral hygiene until the nausea subsides.
D. Pro
B)Nursing care for a patient with nausea includes avoiding strong smelling foods. Providing oral hygiene, administering prescribed medications (especially if medications ordered are anti-nausea/antiemetics), and avoid the use of a straw.
The operating room is aware that which of the following patients are at a greater risk related to a surgical procedure?
A. 34 yr old female
B. 83 yr old female
C. 48 yr old male
D. 8 yr old male
B)Infants and older adults are at greatest risk from surgery than are children and young or middle-aged adults. Physiologic changes associated with aging increase the surgical risk for older patients.
A client who is started on metformin and glyburide would have initially present with with symptoms?
A. Polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss
B. Weight gain, tiredness, and bradycardia
C. irritability, diaphoresis and tachycardia
D. Diarrhea, abdominal pai
A) symptoms of hyperglycemia included polydispia, polyuria, and weightloss. Metformin and sulfonylureas are commonly ordered medications. Weight gain, tiredness, and bradycardia are symptoms of hypothyroidism. Irritability, diaphoresis, and tachycardia ar
A client admitted for acute pyelonephritis is about to start antibiotic therapy. Which symptom would be expected in this client?
1) Hypertension
2) Flank pain on the affected side
3) Pain that radiates toward the unaffected side
4) No tenderness with deep
RATIONAL: 2) The client may complain of pain on the affected side because the kidney is enlarged and might have formed an abscess.
Hypertension is associated with chronic pyelonephritis. Pain may radiate down the ureters or to the epigastrium. The client
Discharge instructions for a client treated for acute pyelonephritis should include which statement?
- 1. Avoid taking any dairy products.
- 2. Return for follow-up urine cultures.
- 3. Stop taking the prescribed antibiotics when the symptoms subside.
- 4
RATIONALE: 2) The client needs to return for follow-up urine cultures because bacteriuria may be present but asymptomatic. Intake of dairy products won't contribute to pyelonephritis. Antibiotics need to be taken for the full course of therapy regardless
A client is complaining of severe flank and abdominal pain. A flat plate of the abdomen shows urolithiasis. Which intervention is important?
- 1. Strain all urine
- 2. Limit fluid intake
- 3. Enforce strict bed rest.
- 4. Encourage a high-calcium diet
RATIONALE: 1) Urine should be strained for calculi and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Fluid intake of 3 to 4 qt. 3 to 4 L/day is encouraged to flush the urinary tract and prevent further calculi formation. Ambulation is encouraged to help pass the c
A client is diagnosed with cystitis. Client teaching aimed at preventing a recurrence should include which instruction?
- 1. Bathe in a tub.
- 2. Wear cotton underwear.
- 3. Use a feminine hygiene spray.
- 4. Limit your intake of cranberry juice.
RATIONALE: 2) Cotton underwear prevents infection because it allows for air to flow to the perineum. Women should shower instead of taking a tub bath to prevent infection. Feminine hygiene spray can act as an irritant. Cranberry juice helps prevent cystit
When performing a physical assessment, the nurse discovers a client's urinary drainage bag lying next to him. Based on this finding, the nurse identifies which priority nursing diagnosis?
- 1. Risk for infection
- 2. Reflex urinary incontinence
- 3.
RATIONALE: 1) The drainage bag shouldn't be placed alongside the client or on the floor because of the increased risk of infection caused by microorganisms. It should hang on the bed in a dependent position. The other nursing diagnoses are not appropriate
Which method should be used to collect a specimen for urine culture?
- 1. Have the client void in a clean container.
- 2. Clean the foreskin of the penis of uncircumcised men before specimen collection.
- 3. Have the client void into a urinal, and then po
RATIONALE: 4) Catching urine midstream reduces the amount of contamination by microorganisms at the meatus. Voiding in a clean container is done for a random specimen, not a clean-catch specimen for urine culture. When cleaning an uncircumcised male, the
A client with renal insufficiency is admitted with a diagnosis of pneumonia. He's being treated with IV antibiotics, which can be nephrotoxic. Which laboratory value(s) should be monitored closely?
- 1. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
RATIONALE: 1) BUN and creatinine levels should be monitored closely to detect elevations due to nephrotoxicity. ABG determinations are inappropriate for this situation. Platelets and potassium levels should be monitored according to routine.
During a health history, which statement by a client indicates a risk of renal calculi?
- 1. "I've been drinking a lot of cola soft drinks lately."
- 2. "I've been jogging more than usual."
- 3. "I've had more stres
RATIONALE: 4) Renal calculi are commonly composed of calcium. Diets high in calcium may predispose a person to renal calculi. Milk and milk products are high in calcium. Cola soft drinks don't contain ingredients that would increase the risk of renal calc
The nurse is assessing a client who reports painful urination during and after voiding. The nurse suspects the client may have a problem with which area of the client's urinary system?
- 1. Bladder
- 2. Kidneys
- 3. Ureters
- 4. Urethra
RATIONALE: 1) Pain during or after voiding indicates a bladder problems, usually infection. Kidney and ureter pain would be in the flank area, and problems or the urethra would cause pain at the external orifice that's commonly felt at the start of voidin
A nurse is instructing a client with oxalate renal calculi. What foods should the nurse urge the client to eliminate from his diet?
1) Citrus fruits, molasses, and dried apricots
2) Milk, cheese, and ice cream
3) Sardines, liver and kidney
4) Spinach rhub
RATIONALE: 4) To reduce the formation of oxalate calculi, urge the client to avoid foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, and asparagus. Other oxalate- rich foods to avoid include tomatoes, beets, chocolate, cocoa, celery, and parsley.
Citrus fr
A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis. Which of the following symptoms does the nurse expect to see?
1) Jaundice and flank pain
2) Costovertebral angle tenderness and chills
3) Burning sensation on urination
4) Polyuria and noc
RATIONALE: 2) Costovertebral angle tenderness and chills are symptoms of acute pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidney and renal pelvis).
Jaundice indicates gallbladder or liver obstruction.
A burning sensation on urination is a sign of lower urinary t
A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone surgery to create an ileal conduit. Which expected outcome statement is appropriate for this client?
1) The client uses sterile gloves when changing the appliance.
2) The client demonstrates the ability to
RATIONALE: 4) A healthy stoma is pink and moist.
Sterile gloves aren't necessary when changing the appliance.
The stoma isn't to be irrigated.
There's no physiologic reason why the client can't engage in sexual relations.
A client is admitted with dark urine, fever, and flank pain and is diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis. What finding is the nurse most likely to find in the client's history?
1) Renal calculi
2) Renal trauma
3) Recent sore throat
4) Family history of
RATIONALE: 3) Recent sore throat. Typically, acute glomerulonephritis occurs 2 to 3 weeks after a strep throat infection. The Most Common form of acute glomerulonephritis is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection elsewhere in the body.
R
A nurse is assessing a client who might have a UTI. What statement by the client suggests that a UTI is likely?
1) I urinate large amounts.
2) It burns when I urinate.
3) I go for hours without the urge to urinate.
4) My urine has a sweet smell.
RATIONALE: 2) Dysuria (painful urination) is a common symptom of a UTI.
Voiding large amounts of urine isn't associated with UTI's; clients with UTI's commonly report frequent voiding of small amounts of urine.
A client with a UTI is unlikely to be able t
While undergoing hemodialysis, a client complains of muscle cramps. What intervention is effective in relieving muscle cramps?
1) Encourage active ROM exercises.
2) Administer a 5% dextrose solution.
3) Infuse normal saline solution.
4) Increase the rate
RATIONALE: 3) Because muscle cramps can occur when sodium and water are removed too quickly during dialysis, treatment includes administering normal saline or hypertonic normal saline solution.
ROM exercises and an infusion of 5% dextrose solution wouldn'
A nurse is instructing a client how to obtain an accurate clean-catch urine specimen for a urine culture. She should include what instruction?
1) Clean the perineal area well.
2) Wash the inside of the container.
3) Void to fill the container.
4) Leave th
RATIONALE: 1) when obtaining a clean-catch urine specimen, the perineal area should be thoroughly cleaned.
The inside of the container is already sterile, so washing it would only contaminate it.
Only a small specimen of urine is needed, so it isn't neces
Which client is at greatest risk for developing a UTI?
1) A 35 year old woman with an arm fracture.
2) An 18 year old woman asthma.
3) A 50 year old postmenopausal woman.
4) A 28 year old woman with angina.
RATIONALE: 3) Women are more prone to UTI's after menopause. Urinary stasis may develop due to a loss of pelvic muscle tone and prolapse of the bladder or uterus. Reduced estrogen levels lead to reduced levels of vaginal Lactobacilli bacteria, which prote
A client is hospitalized and diagnosed with acute hydronephrosis. Which complaint does the nurse expect from this client?
1) Sudden onset of acute, colicky pain
2) Sharp left flank pain
3) Sharp, throbbing pain
4) Felling of pressure and distention
RATIONALE: 1) Sudden, acute colicky pain is a clinical sign of acute hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis occurs when urine collects in the renal pelvis and calyces due to obstruction or atrophy of the urinary tract.
Flank pain most commonly indicates a kidney
A nurse is instructing a client with renal calculi about recommended daily fluid consumption. The nurse would be most helpful by telling the client to drink approximately:
1) 4 cups per day
2) 8 cups per day
3) 12 cups per day
4) 16 cups per day
RATIONALE: 3) A client with renal calculi should drink 3L (12 cups) of fluid per day.
A nurse is caring for a client after a renal biopsy. The nurse observes the client for:
1) Increased activity
2) Bleeding
3) Changes in mental status
4) Increased blood pressure
RATIONALE: 2) A renal biopsy is obtained through needle insertion into the lower lobe of the kidney, which can need to hemorrhage, so the nurse needs to watch for signs and symptoms of bleeding.
After the procedure, the client should remain still for 4 to
A nurse is writing the teaching plan for a client with cystitis who's receiving phenazopyridine (Pyridium). What instruction should the nurse include?
1) Call the physician if urine turns orange-red
2) Take phenazopyridine just before urination to relieve
RATIONALE: 4) Phenazopyridine is taken to relieve dysuria because it provides an analgesic and anesthetic effect on the urinary tract mucosa. The client can stop taking it after the dysuria is relieved.
Warn the client that the dye in the drug (azo dye) m
A nurse is teaching a female client how to prevent the recurrence of urinary tract infection. The nurse should teach her to do which action?
1) Wipe from back to front after urination or a bowel movement.
2) Urinate every 2 to 3 hours.
3) Drink at least 8
RATIONALE: 2) The nurse should instruct the client to void every 2 to 3 hours to flush bacteria from the urethra and prevent urinary stasis in the bladder.
Wiping from front to back (Not back to front) after a bowel movement or urination moves bacteria aw
A nurse is caring for a client with chronic renal failure. The laboratory results indicate hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. When assessing the client, the nurse should be alert for which of the following? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.
1) Trousseau's sign
2) C
RATIONALE: 1, 2, 6.
Hypocalcemia is a calcium deficit that causes irritability and repetitive muscle spasms.
S/S of hypocalcemia include Trousseau's sign, cardiac arrhythmias, diarrhea, increased clotting times, anxiety, and irritability.
The calcium-phos
A nurse is teaching a male client how to collect a clean-catch midstream urine specimen. What cleaning technique should the nurse include in her teaching?
1) Clean in a circular motion, starting at the urethral meatus and moving several inches down the sh
RATIONALE: 1) before collecting a clean-catch urine specimen, a male client should clean around the urethral meatus in a circular motion and move several inches down the shaft of the penis.
When the penis is cleaned from down the shaft to up toward the ur
A client is receiving peritoneal dialysis. What should the nurse do when the return fluid is slow to drain?
1) Check for kinks in the outflow tubing
2) Raise the drainage bag above the level of the abdomen
3) Place the client in a reverse Trendelenburg po
RATIONALE: 1) Tubing problems are common cause of outflow difficulties. When the return fluid is slow to drain, check the tubing for kinks and ensure all clamps are open.
Other measures that may improve drainage include having the client change positions
After a retropubic prostatectomy, a client needs continuous bladder irrigation. The client has an I.V. of D5W infusing at 40ml/hr and a triple lumen urinary catheter with normal saline solution infusing at 200,l/hr. A nurse empties the urinary catheter dr
RATIONALE: During 8 hrs, 1600ml of bladder irrigation has been infused (200ml x 8hrs = 1600ml/8hrs).
The nurse then subtracts this amount of infused bladder irrigation from the total volume in the drainage bag (2780ml - 1600ml = 1180ml) to determine urine
A nurse is caring for a client in the immediate postoperative period after a prostatectomy.
What complication requires priority assessment?
1) Pneumonia
2) Hemorrhage
3) Urine retention
4) Deep vein thrombosis
RATIONALE: 2) Immediately after a prostatectomy, , hemorrhage is a potential complication.
Pneumonia may occur if the client doesn't turn, cough, and breathe deeply after surgery.
Urine retention isn't a problem immediately after surgery because a cathete
A client is scheduled to undergo a transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) under spinal anesthesia. During the preoperative teaching, the nurse explains to the client that as a result of spinal anesthesia he'll:
1) Be unable to move his arms immediately after
RATIONALE: 3) a client who had anesthesia can't move extremities below the level of the anesthesia. This client wouldn't be able to move his legs but could move his arms.
Back pain isn't necessarily caused by spinal anesthesia.
He wouldn't have difficulty
While undergoing hemodialysis, a client becomes restless and tells a nurse that he has a headache and feels nauseous. Which complication does the nurse suspect?
1) Infection
2) Disequilibrium syndrome
3) Air embolus
4) Acute hemolysis
RATIONALE: 2) Disequilibrium syndrome is caused by a rapid reduction in urea, sodium, and other solutes from the blood. This may lead to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure (IICP).
S/S of ICCP include HA, nausea, and restlessness as well as
A nurse is caring for a client with end stage renal disease. Which nursing diagnosis has priority?
1) Activity intolerance
2) Excess fluid volume
3) Deficient knowledge
4) Chronic pain
RATIONALE: 2) Excess Fluid Volume is a top priority nursing diagnosis for a client with end stage renal disease because the kidney can no longer remove fluid and wastes. The other diagnoses may also apply, but they don't take priority.
A nurse is caring for a client with renal calculi. Which drug does the nurse expect the physician to order?
1) Opioids analgesics
2) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
3) Muscle relaxants
4) Salicylates
RATIONALE: 1) Opioid analgesics are usually needed to relieve the severe pain of renal calculi.
NSAIDs and Salicylates are used for their anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and to treat less severe pain.
Muscle relaxants are typically used to tr
A client admitted with renal failure is in the oliguric phase. A nurse expects the client's 24-hr urine output to be less than what amount?
1) 200ml
2) 400ml
3) 800ml
4) 1,000ml
RATIONALE: Oliguria is defined as a diminished urine output of less than 400ml/24hrs
A client in acute renal failure becomes severely anemic and the physician prescribes 2 units of packed red blood cells. A nurse should plan to administer each unit:
1) As quickly as the client can tolerate the infusion
2) Over 30minutes to an hour
3) Betw
RATIONALE: Infusing a unit of RBCs over 1 to 3 hours is standard practice.
A nurse is teaching a client how to collect a clean catch midstream urine specimen for culture and sensitivity testing. What instructions should a nurse include?
1) Collect the first 30ml of urine voided on rising in the morning
2) Discard the first void
RATIONALE: 3) To collect a clean catch midstream urine specimen; tell the client to void 30ml, stop, and then begin collecting the urine in a sterile urine container. After the sterile container is removed, the client should then finish voiding rest of th
A client with chronic renal failure is undergoing peritoneal dialysis. A nurse knows that the proper infusion time for the dialysate is:
1) 15 min
2) 30min
3) 1hr
4) 2hrs
RATIONALE: 1) Dialysate should be infused quickly. When performing dialysis, the dialysate should be infused over 15 minutes or less. The fluid then dwells in the peritoneum, whre the exchange of fluid and waste products takes place over a period ranging
A client with hiatal hernia reports to the nurse that he has trouble sleeping because of abdominal pain. The nurse should instruct the client to sleep:
1) With his upper body elevated
2) In a prone position
3) Flat or in a side lying position
4) With his
RATIONALE: 1) Upper body elevation can reduce the gastric reflux associated with hiatal hernia.
Sleeping in a prone or side lying position, or with his lower body slightly elevated, won't help the client.
A nurse is caring for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse expects which of the following lab values to be abnormal?
1) Ammonia
2) Amylase
3) Calcium
4) Potassium
RATIONALE: 1) Hepatic encephalopathy is a degenerative disease of the brain caused by advanced liver disease. It develops because of increasing blood ammonia levels. Ammonia levels increase because of proper shunting of blood, causing ammonia to enter the
A client is admitted to the med-surg. Floor with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. His BP 136/76, P 96 bpm, R 22 breaths/min, and T 101F/38.3C. His PMHx reveals hyperlipidemia and alcohol abuse. The physician prescribes an NG tube for the client. The nur
RATIONALE: 1) an NG tube is inserted into the client's stomach to drain fluids and gas.
An NG tube doesn't prevent spasms at the sphincter of Oddi or prevent air from forming in the small and large intestine.
A T tube collects bile drainage from the commo
While preparing a client for an upper GI endoscopy, which interventions should the nurse implement?
SELECT ALL THAT APPLY!
1) Administer a preparation, such as polyethylene glycol (GoLYTELY), to clean the GI tract
2) Tell the client not to eat or drink 6-
RATIONALE: 2) and 4) The client shouldn't eat or drink for 6-12 hrs before the procedure to ensure that his upper GI tract is clear for viewing.
The client will receive a sedative before the endoscope is inserted that will help him relax while allowing hi
A client returns from the operating room after extensive abdominal surgery. He has 1,000ml of lactated Ringer's solution infusing via central line. The physician orders the I.V. fluid to be infused at 125ml/hr plus the total output of the previous hour. T
RATIONALE: 65ggt/min. First calculate the volume to be infused in milliliters: 75ml + 50ml + 10ml = 135ml total output for the previous hour; 135ml + 125ml ordered as a constant flow = 260ml to be infused over the next hour.
Next, used the formula: Volume
A nurse is teaching the family of a client with liver failure. The nurse instructs them to limit which foods in the client diet?
1) Meats and beans
2) Butter and gravies
3) Potatoes and pasta
4) Cakes and pastries
RATIONALE: 1) Meats and beans are high in protein foods. In liver failure, the liver can't metabolize protein adequately, causing protein by-products to build up in the body rather than be excreted. This causes such problems as hepatic encephalophathy (a
A nurse is conducting discharge teaching for a client with Hepatitis B. Which statement by the client indicates that he understands the teaching?
1) Now I can never get Hepatitis again
2) I can safely give blood after 3 months
3) I'll never have a problem
RATIONALE: 4) Hep.B is characterized by reappearing S/S, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, bleeding and bruising.
Hep.B can recur.
Clients who have had Hepatitis are permanently barred from donating blood. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver and should
A client is experiencing an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. What should be the nurse's highest priority?
1) Replace loss of fluid and sodium
2) Monitor for increased serum glucose level from steroid therapy
3) Restrict the dietary intake of foods hig
RATIONALE: 1) Diarrhea caused by an acute episode of ulcerative colitis leads to fluid and electrolyte losses; therefore; fluid and sodium replacement is necessary.
There is no need to restrict foods high in potassium; potassium may need to be replaced.
I
A client is receiving pancrelipase (Viokase) for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Which observation by the nurse best indicates the treatment is effective?
1) Aspirate for gastric secretions with a syringe
2) Begin feeding slowly to prevent cramping
RATIONALE: 1) before starting a feeding, it's essential to ensure that the tube is in the proper location. Aspiration for stomach contents confirms correct placement.
Giving the feeding without confirming proper placement puts the client at risk for aspir
A client, with cirrhosis of the liver, develops asciteis. The nurse should expect the physician to write which of the following orders.
1) Restrict fluid to 1,000ml per day
2) Ambulate 100ft, TID
3) High Sodium diet
4) Maalox 30 mg PO BID
RATIONALE: Restrict fluids decreases in the amount fluid present in the body, thus decreasing the amount of fluid, accumulation in the peritoneal space.
Other temp. treatments include a restriction of physical activity, a low-sodium diet. And the use of d
A client is receiving pancrelipase (Viokase) for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Which observation by the nurse best indicates the treatment.
1) The client has no skin breakdown.
2) The client's appetite improves
3) The client loses more than 10lbs
RATIONALE: 4) Pancrelipase provides a exocrine and pancreatic enzyme necessary for proper protein, fat and carbohydrate digestion.
With increased fat digestion and absorption, stools become less frequent and are normal in appearance.
Lack of skin breakdow
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with diverticulous. Which should be the nurse expect to institute?
1) Low Fiber diet and fluid restriction
2) Total parenteral nutrition and bed rest.
3) High fiber diet and administration of psyllium
4) Administer
RATIONALE: 3) Diverticulosis is characterized by an out-pouching of the colon. The client needs a high fiber diet and psyllim (bulk laxative) administration to promote normal soft stools.
A low fiber diet, decreased fluid intake, bed rest, analgesics, and
A nurse is caring for a client who requires a NG tube for feeding. What should the nurse do immediately after inserting an NG tube for enteral feedings.
1) Aspirate for gastric secretions with a syringe
2) Begin feeding slowly to prevent cramping
3) Get a
RATIONALE: 1) Before starting a feeding, it's essential to ensure that the tube is in the proper location. Aspirating for stomach contents confirms correct placement.
Giving the feeding without proper placement puts the client at risk for aspiration.
If a
A client with a history of long term anti inflammatory use has dark, tarry stools. The nurse knows that this indicates bleeding in the:
1) Upper colon
2) Lower colon
3) Upper GI tract
4) Small intestine
RATIONALE:
3) Melena is the passage of dark, tarry stools that contain a large amount of digested blood. It occurs with bleeding from the upper GI tract.
Passage of red blood from the rectum indicates lower GI (colon, small intestine, and rectum) bleeding
After an abdominal resection for colon cancer, the client returns to his room with a Jackson-Pratt drain in place. The client's spouse asks the nurse about the purpose of the drain. The best response would be for the nurse to say:
1) It irrigates the inci
RATIONALE:
4) The accumulation of fluid in a surgical wound interferes with the healing process. A Jackson-Pratt drain promotes wound healing by allowing fluid to escape from the wound. The drain may be placed in the client's incision, or it may be placed
A nurse is doing preoperative teaching with a client expected to undergo a herniorrhaphy (surgical repair of a hernia). The nurse should instruct the client to:
1) Avoid the use of pain medication
2) Cough and deep breathe every 2 hrs
3) Splint the incisi
RATIONALE:
3) After herniorrhaphy, teach the client to avoid activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or straining with bowel movement. If the client must cough or sneeze, splinting the incision with a pillow is helpf
Daily abdominal girth measurements are prescribed for a client with liver dysfunction and ascites. To increase accuracy, the nurse should use which landmark?
1) Xiphoid process
2) Umbilicus
3) Illiac crest
4) Symphysis pubis
RATIONALE:
2) The proper technique for measuring abdominal girth involves using the umbilicus as a landmark while encircling the abdomen with a tape measure.
Using the xiphoid process, the iliac crest, or the symphysis pubis as a landmark would yield inac
Following abdominal surgery, a client has developed a gaping incision due to delayed wound healing. The nurse is preparing to irrigate the incision using a piston syringe and sterile normal saline solution. Which method should the nurse use as a part of t
RATIONALE:
4) To wash away tissue debris and drainage effectively, irrigate the wound until the solution becomes clear or until all of the solution is used.
After the irrigation, dry the area around the wound; moistening it promotes microorganism growth a
A nurse is caring for a client who requires total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The client asks the nurse why he's getting TPN. The nurse best response is:
1) It adds necessary fluids and electrolytes to the body
2) It gives you complete nutrition by the I.
RATIONALE:
2) TPN is given I.V. to provide all the nutrients the client needs; it provides more than just fluids and electrolytes.
TPN solutions typically provide glucose, amino acids, trace elements and vitamins, and fats.
TPN is neither a tube feeding n
The nurse is developing a care plan for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. Which of the following should the nurse include?
1) Administering a lactulose enema as ordered.
2) Encouraging a protein rich diet
3) Adminis.tering sedatives as needed.
4) Enco
RATIONALE:
1) Hepatic encephalopathy is a degenerative disease of the brain that is a complication of cirrhosis. For the client with hepatic encephalopathy, the nurse may administer the laxative lactulose to reduce ammonia levels in the colon.
Protein int
A client is admitted with inflammatory bowel syndrome (Crohn's disease). Which treatment measures should the nurse expect to be part of the care plan?
SELECT ALL THAT APPLY!
1) Laculose therapy
2) High fiber diet
3) High protein milkshakes
4) Corticostero
RATIONALE:
4) and 5) Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, reduce the S/S of diarrhea, pain, and bleeding by decreasing inflammation. Antidiarrheals, such as diphenoxylate (Lomotil), combat diarrhea by decreasing peristalsis.
Lactulose is used to treat chr
A client who recently had abdominal surgery tells the nurse he felt a popping sensation in his incision during a coughing spell, following by severe pain. The nurse anticipates an evisceration.
Which supplies should she bring to the client's room?
1) A su
RATIONALE:
4) Saline solution is isotonic, or close to body fluids in content, and is used along with sterile dressings to cover an eviscerated wound (a wound that opened, allowing the intestines to protrude outside the body) and keep it moist.
Sterile wa
A client is admitted with upper GI bleeding. The nurse promotes hemodynamic stability by:
1) Encouraging oral fluid intake
2) Monitoring central venous pressure (CVP)
3) Monitoring laboratory test results and vital signs
4) Giving blood, electrolyte, and
RATIONALE:
4) to stabilize a client with acute bleeding, normal saline solution or lactated Ringer's solution is given until blood pressure rises and urine output returns to 30ml/hr.
A CVP line is inserted to monitor circulatory volume.
When shock is seve
A client has undergone a colostomy for a ruptured diverticulum. The nurse is assessing the client's colostomy stoma 2 days after surgery. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the physician?
1) Blanched stoma
2) Edematous stoma
3) Reddish pi
RATIONALE:
4) A brownish black stoma color indicates a lack of blood flow to the stoma, and necrosis is likely.
A blanched or pale stoma indicates possible decreased blood flow and should be assessed regularly.
2 days postoperatively, the stoma should be
A nurse is caring for a client with liver cirrhosis who has developed ascites and requires paracentesis. Relief of which symptom indicates that the paracentesis was effective?
1) Pruritus
2) Dyspnea
3) Jaundice
4) Peripheral neuropathy
RATIONALE:
2) Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen) puts pressure on the diaphragm. Paracentesis (surgical puncture of the abdominal cavity to aspirate fluid) is done to remove fluid from the abdominal cavity and thus reduce pressure on the diaphragm.
Th
A client admitted with peritonitis is under a NPO order. The client is complaining of thrist. Which action is the most appropriate for the nurse to take?
1) Increase the I.V. infusion rate
2) Use diversion activities
3) Provide frequent mouth care
4) Give
RATIONALE:
3) frequent mouth care helps relieve dry mouth. Increasing the I.V. infusion rate does not alleviate the feeling of thirst. Diversion activities aren't specific. Ice chips are a form of liquid and shouldn't be given as long as the client is und
A nurse is preparing to teach a client who has been newly diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Which statement should the nurse include in her teaching?
1) Stomach pain is typically a late symptom of stomach cancer.
2) Surgery is commonly a successful treatment
RATIONALE:
1) Stomach pain is typically a late sign of stomach cancer; outcomes are particularly poor when the cancer reaches that point.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have minimal positive effects on stomach cancer.
TPN may increase the growth of
A client is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result should the nurse expect?
1) Creatinine of 4.3 mg/dl
2) ALT of 124 international units/L
3) Amylase of 306 units/L
4) Troponin level of 3.5 mcg/L
RATIONALE:
3)Pancreatitis involves activation of pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase and lipase. Therefore, serum amylase and lipase levels are elevated in a client with acute pancreatitis.
Serum creatinine levels are elevated with kidney disfunction.
Inj
A client is admitted with possible bowel obstruction. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to perform?
1) Obtain daily weights.
2) Measure abdominal girth.
3) Keep strict intake and output.
4) Encourage the client to increase fluids.
RATIONALE:
2) With a bowel obstruction, abdominal distention occurs. Measuring abdominal girth provides quantitative information about increases or decreases in the amount of distention.
Monitoring daily weights provides information about fluid status. An
A nurse is advising a client with a colostomy who reports problems with flatus. Which food should the nurse recommend?
1) Peas
2) Cabbage
3) Broccoli
4) Yogurt
RATIONALE:
4)High fiber food stimulate peristalsis and thus, flatulence.
Tell the client to include yogurt in his diet to reduce gas formation. Other helpful foods include crackers and toast.
Peas, cabbage, and broccoli are all gas forming foods.
speed shock
caused by rush of IV fluid administered; med races to blood-rich heart and brain and floods them w/toxic levels of med
s/s of speed shock
dizziness, facial flushing, HA, chest tightness, hypotension, irregular pulse, progression of shock
What does RN do if hematoma develops
- elevate
- cool compress if blood is new
- warm compress if blood is old
how often should IV site be checked by RN
q 1-2 hrs
What is empiric treatment?
treatment that is started before C & S comes back with definitive cause of infection.
3 types of phlebitis:
1) mechanical (cannula causes issue)
2) chemical (solution is irritating)
3) bacterial (microorganism introduced to vein)
s/s of phlebitis:
palpable cord, pain, redness
s/s of infection:
redness, fever, pain, increased WBC
s/s fluid overload:
rapid/bounding pulse, distended neck veins, HTN, cough, SOB, crackles, HA, restlessness
s/s of IV infection:
local- redness, pain, drainage @ site
systemic - fever, chills, elevated WBC, shock
antacid:
medication that neutralizes acid that's already been made
What classification of meds decreases bowel motility?
anti-diarrheals
True or False an anti-diarrheal is contraindicated w/a bowel obstruction:
True - colitis, N/V, and diarrhea should not be suppressed if underlying cause is not known
What is acid reflux?
when stomach acid splashes up into esophagus
Maalox & Mylanta commonly interfere w/absorption of other meds. T or F
true - especially when kidneys have failed
What classification is Pepcid and what does it treat?
H2 antagonist (blocks histamine receptor)
Treats dyspepsia, GERD, PUD, esohagitits
When teaching a patient about taking Pepcid what should you include:
Take 1 hr before meals (causes acid-producing parietal cells of stomach to be less responsive to stimulation-blocks 90% of acid secretion)
Clonus:
rhythmic contraction and alternate relaxation of a limb that is caused by suddenly stretched position
Paralysis:
loss of movement
-Paresis:
weakness or incomplete loss of muscle function
Plegia:
paralysis
Monoparesis or Monoplegia:
affecting one limb
Hemiparesis or hemiplegia:
affecting both limbs on one side
Diparesis, diplegia, paraparesis, or paraplegia:
affecting both upper OR both lower limbs
Quadriparesis or quadriplegia:
affecting all four limbs
Physical Assessment of Renal System-
INSPECTION:
Skin, Mouth, Face & extremities, Abdomen, Weight, General State of Health
Renal System- INSPECTION:
SKIN: pallor, yellow-gray cast, excoriations, changes in turgor, bruises, texture (e.g., rough, dry skin)
MOUTH: stomatitis, ammonia breath odor
FACE & EXTREMITIES: generalized edema, peripheral edema, bladder distention, masses,
Physical Assessment of Renal System-
PALPATION:
Renal System- PALPATION:
A landmark useful in locating the kidneys is the costovertebral angle formed by the rib cage and the vertebral column.
The normal-size kidney is usually not palpable.
If the kidney is palpable, its size, contour, and tenderness sh
Physical Assessment of Renal System-
PERCUSSION:
Renal System- PERCUSSION:
Tenderness in the flank area may be detected by fist percussion (kidney punch).
Normally a firm blow in the flank area should not elicit pain.
Normally a bladder is not percussible until it contains 150 ml of urine. If the bladde
Physical Assessment of Renal System-
AUSCULTATION:
AUSCULTATION:
With a stethoscope the abdominal aorta and renal arteries are auscultated for a bruit (an abnormal murmur), which indicates impaired blood flow to the kidneys.
Physical Assessment of Renal System-
CREATININE CLEARANCE:
CREATININE CLEARANCE:
Because almost all creatinine in the blood is normally excreted by the kidneys, creatinine clearance is the most accurate indicator of renal function. The result of a creatinine clearance test closely approximates that of the GFR.
Physical Assessment of Renal System-
URODYNAMIC TESTS:
URODYNAMIC TESTS: study the storage of urine within the bladder and the flow of urine through the urinary tract to the outside of the body.
BELL'S PALSY :
disease discription
Facial nerve inflammation;
Peripheral facial paralysis due to CN VII motor dysruption; affects one side of face.
Inflammation, edema, ischemia, demyelination of nerve, causing sensory and motor loss.
Outbreak of herpes vesicles in or around ear; Caused by
BELL'S PALSY :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
Unilateral weakness of facial muscles
Pain around ear
Unilateral inability to close eye
Drooping of mouth
Inability to smile, frown, whistle
paralysis that distorts smiling, eye closure, salivation, and tear formation on the affected side.
Distinguishing
ICP: Intracranial Pressure
...
INTRACRANIAL TUMORS :
disease discription
CNS Abresses, tumors of brain and spinal cord due to:
Brain Trauma
Extradural brain abscesses are related with osteomyelitis- following mastoidititis, sinusitis or even sinusitis surgery
INTRACRANIAL TUMORS :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
s/s: Depends on location: visual, motor, neurologic, GI
HEADACHE AND SEIZURE
cognitive dysfunction, muscle weakness, sensory losses, aphasia, increased ICP, cerebral edema, obstruction of CSF pathways.
Crisis prevention: Prevent Intracranial Pressure, rem
ALS: AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS :
disease discription
Degeneration of motor neurons in brain stem and spinal cord: brain's messages don't reach the muscles
No cure.
ALS: AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
s/s: Weakness, dysarthria, dysphagia
No loss of cognitive function
Complications/Crisis: respiratory failure.
Assess Respiratory function: ABC's, clear lungs.
Swallowing: proper food choices & eventual NG tube. Mobility. Skin. Suctioning: difficult chewin
GUILLIAN-BARRE' SYNDROME :
disease discription
Polyneuritis: peripheral nerve disease; autoimmune inflammatory response to prior infection.
Acute immune-mediated polyneuropathy d/t damage to myelin sheath of Peripheral Nerves.
GUILLIAN-BARRE' SYNDROME :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
Begins in extremities: weakness, paralysis, respiratory failure
Progressive ascending muscle weakness of the limbs with: symmetric flaccid paralysis; paresthesias or numbness; loss of tendon reflexes.
Autonomic nervous system involvement causes postural h
TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA :
disease discription
Trigeminal Nerve- degeneration/ pressure.
Chronic disease of trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) causing severe facial pain
The maxillary and mandibular divisions of nerve are effected
TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
s/s: facial pain.
Severe facial pain occurring for brief seconds to mins hundreds of x/day, several x/yryear
Usually occurs unilaterally in area of mouth and rises toward ear &eye
Triggers: areas on the face may initiate the pain- eating, swallowing, talk
MENINGITIS :
disease discription
Acute infection of the meninges.
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the ventricular system and the CSF.
MENINGITIS :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
s/s: Severe HA, fever, delirium,
Nuchal Rigidity: stiff neck
Kernig's Sign: from bent leg/knee to strait is painful
Brudzinski's Sign: pain; resistance and involuntary flex of hip/knee when neck is flexed to chest when lying supine
Photo/Phonophobia;
Incr
MG: MYASTHENIA GRAVIS :
disease discription
Chronic neuromuscular disorder characterized by fatigue and severe weakness of skeletal muscles
Occurs with remissions and exacerbations.
Causes decrease in muscle's ability to contract, despite sufficient acetylcholine.
MG: MYASTHENIA GRAVIS :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
s/s: Risk complications: Swallowing/Arrest
Ptosis, diplopia
Weakness, dysarthria, dysphagia, difficulty sitting up,
Respiratory distress
Eye and periorbital muscles most affected- manifested by diplopia, ptosis, ocular palsies
Sx least evident in the AM a
MS: MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS :
disease discription
Autoimmune dz, progressive degeneration of CNS; the body attacks its own tissues, destroying nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord (disseminated demyelination)
No Cure
MS: MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
Relapsing/Remitting:
Difficulty chewing, speaking, walking. Shakiness, muscle weakness, tinnitus, visual problems, incontinent,
Ataxia, Nystagmus, Spasticity, tremors, dysphagia, speech impaired, fatigue
Help pts identify triggers: illness, stress
PD: PARKINSON'S DISEASE :
disease discription
slow, progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.
Characterized by tremor at rest, muscle rigidity and akinesia due to lack of dopamine.
PD: PARKINSON'S DISEASE :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
Classic s/s: tremor at rest, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia.
Complications: risk for fall, aspiration, urinary retention/UTI, dysphagia, oculogyric crisis: fixed lateral and upward gaze.
SEIZURE :
disease discription
Paroxysmal, uncontrolled electrical discharge of neurons in the brain that interrupts normal function.
SEIZURE :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
Tonic Phase: Loss of consciousness; muscles contract 10-20 sec
Clonic Phase: rhythmic contraction <2min
Aura: warning sx
Crisis Preventions:
HAVE SUCTION, AIRWAY, O2 AT BEDSIDE!
Protect pt: lower to floor, pad siderails, pillow under head, don't restrain,
CVA: CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT :
disease discription
Ischemia of brain tissue: Hemorrhage, thrombus, embolus.
Medical Emergency
CVA: CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT :
S/S
Complication
Crisis
Motor changes: opposite side, balance, coordination, gait, proprioception
Sensory Changes: Aphasia, Agnosia, Apraxia, Visual problems, hemianopsia
Cognitive Changes: impaired memory, disoriented
Paralysis, difficulty swallowing, talking, memory, pain.
Ass
Bowel obstruction :
disease discription
Blockage in small intestine or colon that prevents food and fluid from passing through. Tissue death & perforation of intestine can lead to severe infection and shock.
Can be life-threatening.
Plasmapheresis
Used to remove antibodies. Often done when respiratory involvement has occurred, or before planned surgery.
Akinesia
Slowed or delayed movement that affects chewing, speaking, eating
Bradykinesia
slowed movement
The nurse is assessing the motor function of an unconscious client. The nurse would plan to use which of the following to test the client's peripheral response to pain?
? A. Sternal rub
? B. Nail bed pressure
? C. Pressure on the orbital rim
? D. Squeezin
B- Nail bed pressure
Rationale: Motor testing in the unconscious client can be done only by testing response painful stimuli. Nail bed pressure tests a basic peripheral pressure on the orbital rim, or squeezing the clavical or sternoleidomastoid muscle.
The nurse is planning to institute seizure precautions for a client who is being admitted from the emergency department. Which of the following measures would the nurse avoid in planning for the client's safety?
? A. Padding the side rails of the bed
? B.
B- Putting a padded tongue blade at the head of the bed
Rationale: seizure precautions may vary from agency to agency but the generally have some common features. Usually an airway, oxygen, and suctioning equipment are kept available at the bedside. The s
The nurse is caring for the client who begins to experience seizure activity while in bed. Which of the following actions by the nurse would be contraindicated?
? A. Loosening restrictive clothing
? B. Restraining the client's limbs
? C. Removing the pill
B- Restraining the Client's Limbs
Rationale: Nursing Actions during a seizure include providing for privacy, loosening restrictive clothing, removing the pillow and raising the side rails in the bed, and placing the client on one side with the head flexed
Brudzinski's Sign:
pain with resistance and involuntary flex of hip/knee when neck is flexed to chest when lying supine
1) Photophobia
2) Phonophobia
1) related to Light
2) related to Sound
Papilledema
Edema and inflammation of the optic nerve at its point of entrance into the retina.
Ptosis:
drooping of eyelids
Diplopia
double vision
dysarthria
...
dysplagia
...
Mnemonic for Cholinergic Crisis Symptoms:
"SLUDGE
SLUDGE"
S- SALIVATION
L- LACRIMATION (tearing)
U- URINATION
D- DEFECATION
G- GASTRIC UPSET
E- EMESIS
The nurse is assigned to care for a client with complete right-sided hemiparesis, the nurse plans care knowing that in this condition:
? A. The client has complete bilateral paralysis of the arms and legs
? B. The client has weakness on the right side of
B- The client has weakness on the right side of the body, including the face and tongue
Rationale: Hemiparesis is a weakness of one side of the body that may occur after a stroke. Complete hemiparesis is weakness of the face and tongue, arm and leg on one
The client with a stroke has residual dysphagia. When the diet order is initiated, the nurse avoids doing which of the following?
? A. Giving the client thin liquids
? B. Thickening liquids to the consistency of oatmeal
? C. Placing food on the unaffected
A- Giving the client thin liquids
Rationale: before the client with dyshagia is started on a diet, the gag and swallow reflexes must have returned. The client is assisted with meals as needed and is given ample time to chew and swallow. Food is placed on
The nurse has instructed the family of a client with a stroke who has homonymous hemianopsia about measures to help the client overcome the deficit. The nurse determines that the family understands the measures to use if the state that they will:
? A. Pla
D- Remind the client to turn the head to scan the lost visual field
Rationale: Homonymous hemianopsia is loss of half of the visual field. The client with Homonymous hemianopsia should have objects placed in the intact field of vision, and the nurse also
The nurse is assessing the adaptation of the client to changes in the functional status after a stroke. The nurse assesses that the client is adapting most successfully if the client:
? A. Gets angry with family if they interrupt a task
? B. Experiences b
D- Consistently uses adaptive equipment in dressing self
Rationale: Client's are evaluated as coping successfully with lifestyle changes after a brain attack (stroke) if they make appropriate lifestyle alterations, use the assistance of others, and have a
A nursing student is caring for a client with a stroke who is experiencing unilateral neglect. The nurse would intervene if the student plans to use which of the following strategies to help the client adapt to this deficit?
? A. Tells the client to scan
B- Approaches the client from the unaffected side.
Rationale: The nurse teaches the client to scan the environment to become aware of that half of the body and approaches the client form the affected side to increase awareness further.
The nurse is trying to communicate with a client with a stroke and aphasia. Which of the following actions by the nurse would be least helpful to the client?
? A. Speaking to the client a slower rate
? B. Allowing plenty of time for the client to respond
C- Completing the sentences that the client cannot finish.
Rationale: Note that the question asks which is least helpful. These words indicate a negative event query and ask you to select an option that is and incorrect action.
The client has experienced an episode of Myasthenic crisis. The nurse would assess whether the client has precipitating factors such as:
? A. Getting too little exercise
? B. Taking excess medication
? C. Omitting doses of medication
? D. Increasing intak
C- Omitting doses of medication
The nurse is teaching the client with myasthenia gravis, about the prevention of myasthenic and cholinergic crises. The nurse tells the client that this is most effectively done by:
? A. Eating large, well-balanced meals
? B. Doing muscle-strengthening ex
D- Taking medications on time to maintain therapeutic blood levels
The client with Parkinson's disease has a nursing diagnosis of falls, Risk for related to an abnormal gait documented in the nursing care plan. The nurse assesses the client, expecting to observe which type of gait?
? A. Unsteady and staggering
? B. Shuff
B- Shuffling and propulsive
The nurse has given instructions to the client with Parkinson's disease about maintaining mobility. The nurse determines that the client understands the directions if the client sates that he or she will:
? A. Sit in soft, deep chairs
? B. Exercise in the
C- Rock back and forth to start movement with bradykinesia
The nurse has given suggestions to the client with trigeminal neuralgia about strategies to minimize episodes of pain. The nurse determines that the client needs reinforcement of information if the client makes which of the following statements?
? A. "I w
C- I'll try to eat my food either very warm or very cold
The nurse is planning to test the function of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). The nurse would gather which of the following items to perform the test?
? A. Tuning fork and audiometer
? B. Snellen chart, ophthalmoscope
? C. Flashlight, pupil size c
D- Safety pin, hot and cold water in test tubes, cotton wisp
The nurse has given the client with Bell's Palsy instructions on preserving muscle tone in the face and preventing denervation. The nurse determines that the client needs additional information if the client states that he or she will:
? A. Expose the fac
A- Expose the face to cold and drafts
The client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Guillian-Barre syndrome. The nurse inquires during the nursing admission interview if the client has a history of:
? A. Seizures or trauma to the brain
? B. Meningitis during the last 5 years
? C.
D- Respiratory or gastrointestinal infection during the previous month
The client with Guillian-Barre syndrome has ascending paralysis and is intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following strategies would the nurse incorporate in the plan of care to help the client cope with this illness?
? A. Giving
C- Providing information, giving positive feedback, and encouraging relaxation.
The nurse is admitting a client with Guillian- Barre syndrome to the nursing unit. The client has an ascending paralysis to the level of the waist. Knowing the complication of the disorder, the nurse brings which of the following items into the client's r
D- Electrocardiographic monitoring electrodes and intubation tray
The nurse is evaluation the respiratory outcomes for the client with Guillain-Barre syndrome. The nurse determines that which of the following is the least optimal outcome for the client?
? A. Spontaneous breathing
? B. Oxygen saturation of 98%
? C. Adven
C- Adventitious breath sounds
The nurse is evaluating the status of the client who had a craniotomy 3 days ago. The nurse would suspect that the client is developing meningitis as a complication of surgery if the client exhibits:
? A. A negative Kernig's sign
? B. Absence of nuchal ri
C- A positive Brudzinski's sign
A nurse is preparing to administer an I.M. injection in a client with a spinal cord injury. Which muscle is best to use in this case?
1) Deltoid
2) Dorsal gluteal
3) Vastus lateralis
4) Ventral gluteal
RATIONALE: 1) IM injections should be give in the deltoid muscle in clients with spinal cord injuries. These clients exhibit reduced use of - and consequently reduced blood flow to - muscles in the buttocks (dorsal gluteal and ventral gluteal) and legs (v
Describe extrapyramidal signs and symptoms:
Restlessness or desire to keep moving, rigidity, tremors, pill rolling, mask-like face, shuffling gait, muscle spasms, twisting motions, difficulty speaking or swallowing, loss of balance control
T or F Antacids promote premature dissolving of enteric-coated meds
T - separate administration of other meds by 1-2 hours
Medications used to treat H pylori:
prilosec and prevacid - acid reducers and proton pump inhibitors -
Teaching for prilosec and prevacid should include:
1) take 30-60 mins before meals
2) highly protein bound. Stronger than Pepsid (H2 antagonist)
T or F Nauseas & vomitting should not be treated until pt acutally vomits.
F- n/v should be treated aggressively; preventing comfort,safety, and compliance w/tx regimen
Compazine is a(an)______ and results in _______
An antiemetic and is calming and sedating (putting pt at risk for aspiration)
This drug is an antiemetic that should never be given IV and when given IM MUST be Z-tracked
Vistaril (hydroxyzine) - is also antihistamine and antidepressant that is often used for post-op pts
Reglan (metoclopramide) is a (an) _______ that is most effective when given prophylactically (at least 30 min prior to chemo/radiation)
an antiemetic that blocks CTZ(no response to vomitus stimulus) and stimulates gastric emptying (downward into GI)
Zofran (ondansetron):
antiemetic; antiserotonergic (blocks serotonin receptor in GI tract and CTZ)
Ginger is a herbal remedy thought to be effective in treating _______
nausea and vomiting (n/v) particularly w/ chemo & radiation tx and hyperemesis in pregnancy
Ipecac should not be used if____
ingested substance is sedating (may become too lethargic to prevent aspiration) or caustic (cause more oral and esophageal damage).
What allergy would you assess for in pts being given Pancrelipase?
Pork - used as enzyme supplement to aid in break down of food so that it can be utilized for energy, cell growth and repair
Lomotil inhibits what?
GI motility - it is a non-analgesic opiod that stops diarrhea in its tracks and is contraindicated w/ infectious diarrhea
What category is simethicone (Gas-X, Mylicon) and how does it work?
anti-flatulent that reduces surface tension of air bubbles which helps alleviate the pain associated with gas
RN implications before GI meds can be given:
-Upper and lower GI assessment
-Allergies
-Assess fluid/electrolyte status
A pt that presents w/UTI s/s may be experiencing what:
frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, dysuria, hematuria, fever, confusion in older adult
S/s of pyleonephritis are the same as UTI except for ____
flank pain and/or pain at the costovertebral angle
TMP-SMZ(Bactrim) may be prescribed for a pt with what?
UTI
a pt who is being prescribed TMP-SMZ should be assessed for what allergy?
allergy to sulfas
Pts taking Pyridium should be taught what?
that a reddish orange discoloration of urine may occur.
Bacterium most commonly causing UTI's?
E.coli
If pt is scheduled for an IVP what allergy should you assess for?
allergy to iodine or seafood
What is glomerulonephritis?
-loss of kidney function
-acute lasts 5-21 days
-chronic after acute phase or slowly over time
s/s of pyleonephritis:
HA, increased BP, facial/periorbital edema, lethargic, low grade temp, wt gain (edema), and protein-, hema-, olgi-, dys- uria
alkaline-ash diet consists of:
...
what is the antidote for a cholenergic medication?
Atropine
What is Steven-Johnson's Syndrome?
severe allergic reaction to meds flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful red or purplish rash leads to top layer of skin necrosising if pt develops lesions in the lungs, death may result.
who are the most susceptible pts for UTI?
pregnant and/or sexually active women
what symptom is different for older pts suffering from UTI?
they are more likely to present with confusion and not abd pain.
if UTI is suspected how many mls of fluid should the RN encourage daily?
3000 ml unless contraindicated ie CHF pt
interventions for UTI may include
heating pad for discomfort and Pyridium for spasms
Macrobid may be used for tx of UTI, why?
it acts as a disinfectant in the urinary tract but is not effective outside of the UT
T or F Macrobid should be given with milk?
True
If Macrobid causes pulmonary side effects such as SOB, cough, etc when will they subside?
2-3 days after stopping
While taking Cipro or Levaquin if you experience dizziness, light sensitivity or light-headedness what might this indicate:
CNS toxicity
While taking Bactrim what side effect would be a concern:
sore throat
Most important assessment if pyleonephritis is suspected?
check temperature
Common test for renal caliculi?
CT scan
If alkaline-ash diet is ordered to increase pH of urine what will it include:
Milk, veggies, beef, halibut, trout, salmon
No prunes or plums
if pt is on acid-ash diet to decrease pH of urine what will it include:
bread, cereal, whole grains, cranberries, legumes, tomatoes,oysters, fish, poultry, pastries
types of urinary tract caliculi
calcium oxalate (30-45%)
calcium phosphate (8-10%)
struvite (10-15%)
cystine (1-2%)
oxalate rich foods include:
dark roughage, spinach, rhubarb, asparagus, cabbage, tomatoes, beets, nuts, celery, parsley, runner beans, chocolate, instant coffee, Ovaltine, tea, worcestershire sauce
calcium rich foods include:
dairy products, lentils, fish w/ fine bones, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, cocoa, Ovaltine
If pt is undergoing shockwave therapy as tx for stones what is an important teaching?
push fluids - stones will be broken up into sandlike particles
T or F calcium stones are alkaline:
True - this pt would need acid ash diet
Uric acid stone (excess purine) would require what kind of diet?
alkaline ash
Post surgery for stone removal hematuria is expected T or F
True bright red blood would be cause for concern
If pt has renal insufficiency what would you assess for?
this is end-stage kidney disease, kidneys aren't functioning; assess for psychosocial changes - depression, anxiety, ability to cope, suicide, withdraw from loved ones
if pt needs a blood transfusion what must be obtained?
signed consent
When hospitalized every pt is considered a _________
psych pt
What are the four phases of the Nurse/client relationship
1) preorientation
2) orientation
3) working
4) termination
In what phase of the RN/Client relationship is the RN meeting the client and establishing his/her role?
orientation
In what phase is the RN maintaining the contract, gathering further data, promoting self-sufficiency and continuing the nursing process?
working phase
in what phase would the symptoms of the client be relieved/managed and the contract fulfilled?
termination phase
Post EGD procedure pt would need to remain NPO until ___________ :
gag reflex returns (pt is at risk for aspiration until it has returned)
EGD pt what must be checked every 15 to 30 mins for 1-2 hrs and why
temp must be checked a spike could mean possible perforation
if you are teaching a GI pt to push fluids and that his stool may be white for up to 72 hrs after test, what test has this pt just undergone?
barium swallow - detects structural abnormalities
If you want to view a pts gallbladder and ducts what would be ordered?
an ERCP - gag is paralyzed so NPO until returns
If serum amylase and lipase are high what might this indicate?
pancreatitis
Hematocrit (HCT) and Hemaglobin(Hgb) can be ordered to detect what in a GI pt?
GI bleed results would indicate anemia
T or F cardiac enzymes are ordered for GI pts?
T - they will rule out if s/s are due to cardiac issue rather than GI issue
T or F while caring for pt w/suspected appendicitis you would give enema or laxatives in prep for sx?
False - peristalsis can cause appendix to ruputure
Pt has severe pain in periumbilical area that gets increasing worse and then goes away, what may have just happened?
ruptured appendix
Peritonitis s/s:
rebound tenderness, muscular rigidity, laying still w/fast shallow breaths, distended abd, ascites, fever
Diverticulitis:
inflamed matter trapped in the diverticula (out pouches)
Diverticulosis:
out pouching in intestinal wall
What would you teach a pt that has diverticulitis?
increase fiber, decrease fat and red meat, increase activity to increase peristalsis, avoid tight restrictive clothing
If auscultating bowel sounds in pt w/obstruction what would you expect to hear?
high pitch above obstruction and absent below obstruction
In diagnosing bowel obstruction what must you do before barium enema?
must see xray - may not be administered if peritonitis is present
The name of the scale used globally to assess a person's consciousness
Glasgow Coma Scale
The Glasgow Coma scale is a 15 point scale that is used to measure neurological status, what does it measure responses to?
Eyes Open, Verbal Response, Motor Response
What is the high and low score of a Glasgow Coma Scale indicate?
Above 15 = Non-neurological impaired
8 or less = Coma
3 or less is = likely brain death
The Glasgow Coma Scale
System for assessing the degree of consciousness, or impairment in the critically ill and for predicting the duration + outcome of coma.
Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange)
Removal of patients plasma and plasma components Produces a temporary reduction in the antibodies Does not treat the underlying abnormality
Cholinergic Crisis
Too much medication
N&V, diarrhea, cramps hypotension
Tensilon to distinguish from Myasthenia Crisis Atropine to reverse
Respiratory support may be needed
Parkinson's disease Complications
Respiratory tract infections.
Urinary tract infections.
Skin breakdown.
Falls.
Adverse affects of medications.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Supportive care
Treat symptoms. NG tubes. Mechanical ventilation.
Cranial Nerve Disorders
Bell's palsy (CN VII), unilateral paralysis of the facial muscles. Trigeminal neuralgia (CN V), chronic disease severe facial pain.
Etiology Pathophysiology Cranial Nerve Disorders
Inflammation, Infection, Viral
Clinical Manifestations Bell's palsy
One-sided facial paralysis, Loss of corneal reflex, Loss or impairment of taste, Increased tearing from lachrymal gland
5 S/S of ICP:
1. Visual changes and headaches.
2. Change in LOC and blown pupil.
3. widened pulse pressure, increased BP, bradycardia, and hyperflexia.
4. Vomiting
5. papilledema (choked eye disc)
NSG Interventions for ICP:
elevate HOB 30-45 degrees to promote venous return, place neck in neutral position, avoid flexion of hip as well as head, restrict fluids, avoid val salves maneuver, insert foley, admin O2 via mask or cannula, and increase body temp.
Tonic Clonic (Grand-Mal) Seizure:
loss of consciousness and falling to floor.
Signs: aura, cries, loss of consciousness, fall, tonic clonic movements, incontinence, cyanosis, excessive salvation, tongue or cheek biting. Posticatal period: need 1-2hr for sleep after.
Absence (Petite-Mal) Seizure
usually occurs during childhood and decreases with age. Sudden LOC w/ little or no tonic clonic movement, occurs without warning, and appears a few hours after arising or when pt is quiet.
Signs: vacant facial expression w/ eyes focused straight ahead.
Agnosia
the inability to recognize familiar objects.
Myasthenic Crisis
an acute exacerbation of disease caused by inadequate amount of meds, infection fatigue or stress.
Cholinergic Crisis
Caused by overmedication with anticholinesterase.
Treatment: hold medication and give atropine if ordered.
Tensilon Test
Used to diagnose MG and to differentiate between myasthenic crisis and cholinergic crisis.
Bell's Palsy Nursing Interventions:
protect the eyes.
Eyes can be excessively dry or teary.
Guillian-Barre S/S
starts with weakness of lower extremities and gradually progresses to upper extremities and facial muscles.
Recovery is slow and can take years.
"ground to brain
Major Nursing Concern for Guillian-Barre syndrome (polyneuritis)
Breathing Problems
Kerning's sign
the inability to extend legs
brudzinski's sign
flexing of the hip and knee when neck is flexed
Diagnosis of meningitis
diagnosed by lumbar puncture where the CSF is analyzed for organisms.
agnosia
the inability to recognize objects by sight
dysgraphia
difficulty writing
nystagmus
rapid shaking of the eyes
hemianopsia
visual field cut; defective vision or blindness 1/2 visual field
homonymous hemianopsia
visual field cut both eyes
dysphasia
difficulty swallowing
ataxia
impaired ability to coordinate movement
apraxia
impairment of the ability to perform purposeful acts or to use objects properly
Aura
sensation of light or warmth that may precede the onset of a migraine or seizure.
bradykinesia
abnormal slowness of voluntary movements and speech
diplopia
double vision
dysarthia
difficult poorly articulated speech resulting from interference in the control over the muscles of speech
dysphasia
difficulty swallowing
flaccid
weak, soft and flabby muscles lacking normal tone
When feeding someone with a stroke or brain injury it may be better to have them ________________ while eating.
tuck their chin.
What neurological symptoms of hypokalemia would be observed in a patient?
decreased reflexes
In preparation for a cerebral angiography, what do you need to ask the patient before the test?
allergies to Iodine - contrast media (dye)
When is a lumbar puncture indicated?
to determine if there is an infection in the spine (CNS) such as meningitis.
When is a lumbar puncture not indicated?
When the patient has a possible brain tumor.
What do we do to check function of the optic nerve?
Snellen's Chart:
Field of vision, visual acuity and structures (external, internal, red reflex and optic disc.)
Reading a newspaper or magazine.
Holding up fingers
When doing a corneal reflex, we need to remember what key factor?
Age slows down the reflex. Contact lenses can affect the corneal reflex as well.
Cranial nerve 7 comes out of the temple and runs all the way down to the corner of the mouth. If there are problems with this nerve, what might we see?
Drooping of the corner of the mouth (Bell's Palsy)
Components of a neurological examination
LOC, pupillary evaluation, neuromuscular response, vital signs
Nursing care that can decrease ICP
positioning to prevent neck and hip flexion, limiting suctioning, space nursing care, preventing isometric muscle contraction, elevate HOB as ordered, and carefully regulate administration of IV fluids to prevent fluid volume excess.
What is decorticate posturing?
Abnormal flexion:
Hands pulled to chest and hyper-extended.
Internal rotation and adduction of the arms with flexion of the elbows, wrists & fingers.
"flexor - toward the cord
What is decerebrate posturing?
Extensor response:
Hands pushed to sides and body hyper-extended.
Arms are stiffly extended, adducted & hyperpronated. Hyperextension of the legs with plantar flexion of the feet. (May indicate more serious damage.)
"extensor = All E's
IICP:
What is the most common sign of Increased Intracranial Preasure?
#1 sign = Mental status changes indicate brain cells are deprived of O2.
Changes may be subtle:
- flat affect
- change in pts orientation (ie: pt is no longer A&Ox3)
- decreased level of attention
ICP: What are some expected changes in vital signs when a patient shows signs of increased ICP?
Cushing's triad (3 sx) = may present over time or present suddenly.
1. Widening pulse pressure= SPB increases, but DBP stays same.
2. Bradycardia
3. Hypertension
Temperature will also increase if hypothalamus is impacted.
IICP: What are some expected changes that may be seen when assessing pts w/ compression of oculomotor nerves as a result of IICP?
Assess PERRLA, extraocular movements:
- dilation of pupil on the same side as the mass lesion,
- sluggish or no response to light
- inability to move the eye upward
- ptosis (drooping) of the eyelid
What are some expected changes that may be seen when assessing pts w/ Brain Herniation as a result of IICP?
IICP Brain Herniation:
- Unilateral dilated pupil.
- sluggish, equal pupil response.
What are some expected changes that may be seen when assessing pts w/ Opitic Nerve dysfunction (II, IV, VI) as a result of IICP?
IICP Optic Nerve Dysfunction:
- Blurred vision
- diplopia: double vision
- changes in extraocular eye movements
Signs of IICP:
(basic ideas)
1) changes in LOC
2) changes in Vital Signs
3) changes in Eyes
4) decreased motor function
5) HA
Critical complication of IICP:
Coma
Acute complication of cerebral edema:
Seizure
What rehab exercises differ for client with homonymous hemianopsia during Acute versus the Rehab phase?
Where would you place this pts plate of food?
Acute Phase: Put plate of food in pt's line of vision.
Rehab Phase: Help pt to retrain their eye. Put plate of food on table in front of them, but out of line of vision. Teach family to remind pt to turn head to scan the lost visual field.
What is the PPE transmission precaution for meningococcal meningitis?
Respiratory Isolation = Droplet precautions: Gloves, Gown, Mask within 3 ft of pt.
measures should an RN take when placing a client in seizure precautions?
Have suction, airway & oxygen at bedside.
status epilepticus -a state of continuous seizure activity or a condition in which seizures recur in rapid succession without return to consciousness between seizures.
A nurse is assessing a pt who has been identified as a seizure risk. When assessing the pt risk factors, the nurse assesses for status epilepticus. What is SE?
A state of continuous seizure activity, or a condition in which seizures recur in rapid succession, without return to consciousness between seizures.
Nuchal rigidity:
- the inability to flex the head forward due to rigidity of the neck muscles.
*
If flexion of the neck is painful, but full range of motion is present, nuchal rigidity is absent
*
Positive Kernig's sign:
- positive when the leg is fully bent in the hip and knee, and subsequent extension in the knee is painful (leading to resistance)
What safety intervention should a nurse ensure for a pt identified as needing Seizure Precautions?
- padded side rails;
- all four up to prevent falling out of bed --> during a seizure
GERD:
dietary interventions
Elevate head of bed and sit up after eating.
Decrease high fat foods.
Drink fluids BETWEEN meals not with meals.
Avoid: milk at bedtime & late night snacking/meals, chocolate, peppermint, caffiene, tomato & orange juice.
Weight loss.
**
NPO status after s
Appendicitis
Cause: Inflammation of the appendix r/t obstruction of lumen by stool, tumors or foreign bodies.
S/S: N/V, fever, pain in RLQ, rebound tenderness, abd. muscle guarding
Tx: Surgery
Critical: Perforation/rupture will likely lead to peritonitis
Cholelithiasis:
If pt presents w/ acute pain related to stones lodged in duct, what urine and feces characteristics are expected?
clay colored stools and dark amber urine
Crohn's Dz:
ACUTE
Lining (and deaper) of the digestive tract have PATCHES of inflammation/ulceration that occur anywhere in the digestive tract and often spreads deep into the layers of affected tissues.
S/S: Relapsing/Remitting- Severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, maln
Ulcerative Colitis
CHRONIC symptoms
Chronic inflammation of the inner-most lining of large intestine (colon) and rectum
in CONTINUOUS STRETCHES of colon, only.
Can be debilitating or life-threatening.
NO CURE, w/ occasional remission.
Bowel Perforation:
s/s
Spillage of gastric or duodenal contents into peritoneal cavity.
S/S: Sudden, severe pain unrelated to intensity & location at admittance, Rigid, boardlike abdomen, shallow, grunting respirations
Inflammatory Bowel Dietary interventions
Low Residue/ NO Fiber diet - A high residue diet may irritate an inflamed mucosa. Avoid HOT, spicy foods & pepper (increase peristalsis). Increase Protein, Decrease Lactose. NO Alcohol, carbonated beverages, tea, coffee, broth.
Ulerative Bowel: Dietary modification
Expect pt to have physician orders for:
*
NPO
* w/ TPN
Bowel rest until ulcers have healed.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and
Diverticulosis:
dietary intervention
High fiber: dietary consideration to prevent constipation/ diarrhea, to normalize bowel water content, and add bulk.
Bowel Obstruction:
Dietary modification
*
NPO
* to prevent obstruction to progress to bowel perforation.
TPN & Bowel rest until obstruction resolved.
Peritonitis
etiology/ cause
Cause: Localized or generalized inflammatory process of the peritoneum
Primary - blood borne organisms enter peritoneal cavity
Secondary - abd. Organs perforate/rupture & release contents into peritoneal cavity (ex. Appendix rupture)
*
Can be fatal!
*
Steatorrhea
fat in feces with strong-foul smell, frothy urine and stool
Glomerulonephritis is commonly related to what infection?
Strep.
Intervention- prevent and treat strep quickly!
Also: Immune dz such as Lupus. Vasculitis, Scarring from: HTN, Diabetic kidney dz.
Intervention- control blood sugars and hypertension.
Common interventions related to:
UTI/ Cystitis
Empty bladder/bowel regularly & completely; Avoid stagnant urine in the bladder or urethra.
Drink water prior to intercourse to promote urination & empty bladder after intercourse.
Clean perineal area: front to back.
Drink large amt fluids daily.
Characteristic of Hematuria:
cola-colored urine from blood
Characteristic of Proteinuria:
foamy urine due to excess protein
What is the difference between and ischemic & hemorrhagic stroke?
ISCHEMIC STROKE- results from inadequate blood flow to the brain from partial or complete occlusion of an artery. They are further divided into thrombotic and embolic.
**Warning sign is usually a TIA and happens during or after sleep, slower progression,
A nurse is preparing to administer an I.M. injection in a client with a neuro/paralytic injury. Which muscle is best to use in this case?
1) Deltoid
2) Dorsal gluteal
3) Vastus lateralis
4) Ventral gluteal
RATIONALE: 1) IM injections should be give in the deltoid muscle in clients with neuropathic/ paralytic and spinal cord injuries.
These clients exhibit reduced use of - and consequently reduced blood flow to - muscles in the buttocks (dorsal gluteal and v