A 23-year-old borderline client is admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit following an impulsive act of self-mutilation. A few hours after admission, she requests special privileges, and when these are not granted, she stands up and angrily shouts that the people on the unit do not care, and she storms across the room. The nurse should respond to this behavior by:
A client is placed in five-point restraints after exhibiting sudden violence after illegal drug use, and haloperidol (Haldol) 5 mg IM is administered. After 1 hour, his behavior is more subdued, but he tells the nurse, “The devil followed me into this room, I see him standing in the corner with a big knife. When you leave the room, he’s going to cut out my heart.” The nurse’s best response is:
A 6-year-old girl is visiting the outpatient clinic because she has a fever and a rash. The doctor diagnoses chickenpox. Her mother asks the nurse how many baby aspirins her daughter can have for fever. The nurse should:
A 35-year-old primigravida comes to the clinic for her first prenatal visit. The midwife, on examining the client, suspects that she is approximately 11 weeks pregnant. The pregnancy is positively confirmed by finding:
A client who has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa reluctantly agrees to eat all prescribed meals. The most important intervention in monitoring her dietary compliance would be to:
A client is being admitted to the labor and delivery unit. She has had previous admissions for “false labor.” Which clinical manifestation would be most indicative of true labor?
A husband and wife and their two children, age 9 and age 5, are requesting family therapy. Which of the following strategies is most therapeutic for the nurse to use during the initial interaction with a family?
A seventh grader lost consciousness after being hit in the head with a basketball. In the emergency room his vital signs are stable, and he demonstrates no neurologic deficit. He will not be admitted to the hospital. It is most important that you advise his mother to:
A client undergoes a transurethral resection, prostate (TURP). He returns from surgery with a three-way continuous Foley irrigation of normal saline in progress. The purpose of this bladder irrigation is to prevent:
A male client is experiencing auditory hallucinations. His nurse enters the room and he tells her that his mother is talking to him, and he will take his medicine after she leaves. The nurse looks around the room and sees that she and the client are the only ones in the room. The nurse’s most therapeutic response will be:
While the nurse is taking a male client’s blood pressure, he makes flirtatious remarks to her. The nurse will handle this effectively if she:
Blood work reveals the following lab values for a client who has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa: hemoglobin 9.6 g/dL, hemocrit 27%, potassium 2.7 mEq/L, sodium 126 mEq/L. The greatest danger to her at this time is:
A client has had amniocentesis. One of the tests performed on the amniotic fluid is a lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio. The results show a ratio of 1:1. This is indicative of:
Diagnostic assessment findings for an infant with possible coarctation of the aorta would include:
The nurse provides a male client with diet teaching so that he can help prevent constipation in the future. Which food choices indicate that this teaching has been understood?
Assessment of parturient reveals the following: cervical dilation 6 cm and station 22; no progress in the last 4 hours. Uterine contractions decreasing in frequency and intensity. Marked molding of the presenting fetal head is described. The physician orders, “Begin oxytocin induction at 1 mU/min.” The nurse should:
In addition to changing the mother’s position to relieve cord pressure, the nurse may employ the following measure (s) in the event that she observes the cord out of the vagina:
A client is taught to eat foods high in potassium. Which food choices would indicate that this teaching has been successful?
The nurse is caring for a laboring client. Assessment data include cervical dilation 9 cm; contractions every 1–2 minutes; strong, large amount of “bloody show.” The most appropriate nursing goal for this client would be:
Which nursing implication is appropriate for a client undergoing a paracentesis?
Prenatal clients are routinely monitored for early signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). For the prenatal client, which of the following blood pressure changes from baseline would be most significant for the nurse to report as indicative of PIH?
Which one of the following is considered a reliable indicator for assessing the adequacy of fluid resuscitation in a 3-year-old child who suffered partial- and fullthickness burns to 25% of her body?
A client with severe PIH receiving MgSO4 is placed in a quiet, darkened room. The nurse bases this action on the following understanding:
A nasogastric (NG) tube inserted preoperatively is attached to low, intermittent suctions. A client with an NG tube exhibits these symptoms: He is restless; serum electrolytes are Na 138, K 4.0, blood pH 7.53. This client is most likely experiencing:
A client is being discharged and will continue enteral feedings at home. Which of the following statements by a family member indicates the need for further teaching?
A 68-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She is started on an aminophylline infusion. Three days later she is breathing easier. A serum theophylline level is drawn. Which of the following values represents a therapeutic level?
A 26-year-old client is in a treatment center for aprazolam (Xanax) abuse and continues to manifest moderate levels of anxiety 3 weeks into the rehabilitation program, often requesting medication for “his nerves.” Included in the client’s plan of care is to identify alternate methods of coping with stress and anxiety other than use of medication. After intervening with assistance in stress reduction techniques, identifying feelings and past coping, the nurse evaluates the outcome as being met if:
With a geriatric client, the nurse should also assess whether he has been obtaining a yearly vaccination against influenza. Why is this assessment important?
A client is pregnant with her second child. Her last menstrual period began on January 15. Her expected date of delivery would be:
A 28-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for a thyroidectomy. Postoperatively she is taken to the postanesthesia care unit for several hours. In preparing for the client’s return to her room, which nursing measure best demonstrates the nurse’s thorough understanding of possible postthyroidectomy complications?
A 10-month-old infant’s mother says that he takes fresh whole milk eagerly, but that when she offered him baby foods at 6 months of age, he pushed them out of his mouth. Because he has gained weight appropriately, she has quit trying to get him to eat other foods. The nurse’s response is based on the knowledge that:
Succinylcholine chloride (Anectine) is ordered prior to electroconvulsive therapy treatment for depressed clients. The nurse explains that the purpose of the drug is to:
A male client received a heart-lung transplant 1 month ago at a local transplant center. While visiting the nursing center to have his blood pressure taken, he complains of recent weakness and fatigue. He also tells the nurse that he is considering stopping his cyclosporine because it is expensive and is causing his face to become round. He fears he will catch viruses and be more susceptible to infections. The nurse responds to this last statement by explaining that cyclosporine:
A client had a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm that was repaired surgically. Her postoperative recovery progressed without complications, and she is ready for discharge. Client education in preparation for discharge began 7 days ago on her admission to the nursing unit. Evaluation of nursing care related to client education is based on evaluation of expected outcomes. Which statement made by the client would indicate that she is ready for discharge?
A 5-year-old child is hospitalized for an acute illness. The nurse encourages the family to bring her favorite objects from home. What is the nurse’s rationale?
A 42-year-old client presents with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. She has become increasingly restless and verbally argumentative, and her speech has become pressured. She is exhibiting signs of:
A client has developed congestive heart failure secondary to his myocardial infarction. Discharge diet instructions should emphasize the reduction or avoidance of:
In admitting a client to the psychiatric unit, the nurse must explain the rules and regulations of the unit. A client with antisocial personality disorder makes the following remark, “Forget all those rules. I always get along well with the nurses.” Which nursing response to him would be most effective?
A 33-year-old client was brought into the emergency room unconscious, and it is determined that surgery is needed. Informed consent must be obtained from his next of kin. The sequence in which the next of kin would be asked for the consent would be:
A behavioral modification program is recommended by the multidisciplinary team working with a 15-year-old client with anorexia nervosa. A nursing plan of care based on this modality would include:
A 37-year-old client has been taking antipsychotic medication for the past 10 days. The nurse observes her walking with a shuffling gait and postural rigidity and notes a masklike expression on her face. Which side effect is this client exhibiting?
An 8-year-old child is admitted to the hospital for surgery. She has had no previous hospitalizations, and both she and her family appear anxious and fearful. It will be most helpful for the nurse to:
A 9-month-old infant is being examined in the general pediatric clinic for a routine well-child checkup. His immunizations are up to date, and his mother reports that he has had no significant illnesses or injuries. Which of the following signs would lead the nurse to believe that he has had a cerebral injury?
The parents of a 2-year-old child are ready to begin toilet training activities with him. His parents feel he is ready to train because he is now 2 years old. What would the nurse identify as readiness in this child?
A client suspected of having anorexia nervosa is placed on bed rest with an IV infusion and a high-carbohydrate liquid diet. Within 72 hours, the results of her lab work show a return to normal limits. She is transferred to the psychiatric service for further treatment. A behavior modification plan is initiated. Three days after her transfer, the client tells the nurse, “I haven’t exercised in 6 days. I won’t be eating lunch today.” This statement by her most likely reflects:
A 14-year-old boy has a head injury with laceration of his scalp over his ear. The nurse should call the physician to report:
The client will be more comfortable and the results more accurate when the nurse prepares the client for Leopold’s maneuvers by having her:
A violent client remains in restraints for several hours. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate while he is in restraints?
The physician of an alcoholic client places him on a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet. When choosing his menu, the client’s best choice from the items below would be:
The doctor has ordered a restricted fluid intake for a 2- year-old child with a head injury. Normal fluid intake for a child of 2 years is:
An 18-year-old girl is admitted to the hospital with a depressed skull fracture as a result of a car accident. If the nurse were to observe a rising pulse rate and lowering blood pressure, the nurse would suspect that the client:
A client’s congestive heart failure has been treated, and he will soon be discharged. Discharge teaching should include instruction to call the physician if he notices a 2-lb weight gain in a 24-hour period. Increased weight gain may indicate:
The nurse should facilitate bonding during the postpartum period. What should the nurse expect to observe in the taking-hold phase?
A 45-year-old male client was admitted to a chemical dependency treatment center following legal problems related to alcohol abuse. He states, “I know that alcohol is a problem for some people, but I can stop whenever I want to. I’m never sick or miss work, and no one can complain about me.” During the initial assessment, the best response by the nurse would be:
A client presents to the psychiatric unit crying hysterically. She is diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder. The first nursing action is to:
A client’s physician has prescribed theophylline (Theo- Dur) to help control the bronchospasm associated with the client’s COPD. Instructions that should be given to the client include:
While the RN is assessing a mother’s perineum on her 2nd postpartum day after having a vaginal delivery, the RN notes a large ecchymotic area located to the left of the mother’s perineum. Which one of the following interventions should the RN initiate at this time?
A type I diabetic client delivers a male newborn. The newborn is 45 minutes old. What is the primary nursing goal in the nursery during the first hours for this newborn?
A 66-year-old female client has smoked 2 packs of cigarettes per day for 20 years. Her arterial blood gases on room air are as follows: pH 7.35; PO2 70 mm Hg; PCO2 55 mm Hg; HCO3 32 mEq/L. These blood gases reflect:
In client teaching, the nurse should emphasize that fetal damage occurs more frequently with ingestion of drugs during:
What is the appropriate nursing action for a child with increased intracranial pressure?
A first-trimester primigravida is diagnosed with anemia.
The nurse should suspect that this anemia is a result of:
A 19-year-old client fell off a ladder approximately 3 ft to the ground. He did not lose consciousness but was taken to the emergency department by a friend to have a scalp laceration sutured. The nurse instructs the client to:
A 19-year-old client has sustained a C-7 fracture, which resulted in his spinal cord being partially transected. By 2 weeks’ postinjury, his neck has been surgically stabilized, and he has been transferred from the intensive care unit. A potential life-threatening complication the nurse monitors the client for is:
A schizophrenic client who is experiencing thoughts of having special powers states that “I am a messenger from another planet and can rule the earth.” The nurse assesses this behavior as:
A 16-year-old client with anorexia nervosa is on an inpatient psychiatric unit. She has a fear of gaining weight and is refusing to eat sufficient amounts to maintain body weight for her age, height, and stature. To assist with the problem of powerlessness and plan for the client to no longer need to withhold food to feel in control, the nurse uses the following strategy:
A client has a chest tube placed in his left pleural space to re-expand his collapsed lung. In a closed-chest drainage system, the purpose of the water seal is to:
A 24-year-old client presents to the emergency department protesting “I am God.” The nurse identifies this as a:
A male client tells his nurse that he has had an ulcer in the past and is afraid it is “flaring up again.” The nurse begins to ask him specific questions about his symptoms. The nurse knows that a symptom that might indicate a serious complication of an ulcer is:
A client is pregnant for the fourth time and has had three normal vaginal deliveries. She is in active labor and fully dilated. Suddenly she calls, “Nurse, the baby is coming.” As the nurse responds to her call, which one of the following observations should the nurse make first?
A female client at 36 weeks’ gestation has been treated successfully for premature labor for 4 weeks. She has begun having uterine contractions today and has been admitted to the labor and delivery suite. Her amniocentesis results reveal a lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of 2 and positive phosphatidylglycerol (PG). These lab values indicate:
A 15-year-old female adolescent is frequently breaking the rules of the unit. She has left the unit and was found
smoking in the bathroom and spending a large amount of time in the male ward. Which statement by the nurse would best explain to the teenager why she must follow the rules of the unit?
Seven days ago, a 45-year-old female client had an ileostomy. She is self-sufficient and well otherwise. Which of the following long-term objectives would be unrealistic?
A male client seeks counseling after his wife of 19 years threatened to divorce him. For most of their marriage, he has physically and verbally abused her. When asked about his behavior in the process of the nursing assessment, the client states, “I was mean to my wife because she insists on cooking meals and wearing clothes that I do not like.” This defense mechanism is an example of:
A female client is anticipating a visit with her parents over the Thanksgiving holidays. She has recently begun experiencing periods of extreme shortness of breath, which her physician has labeled as panic attacks. Which of the following statements by the nurse would enhance therapeutic communication?
The pediatrician has diagnosed tinea capitis in an 8- year-old girl and has placed her on oral griseofulvin. The nurse should emphasize which of these instructions to the mother and/or child?
Newborns are routinely screened for phenylketonuria. The nursery nurse ensures that this screening test is performed:
A 5-year-old has just had a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Which of these nursing measures should be included in the postoperative care?
A client is dilated 8 cm and entering the transition phase of labor. Common behaviors of the laboring woman during transition are:
A male client is experiencing extreme distress. He begins to pace up and down the corridor. What nursing intervention is appropriate when communicating with the pacing client?
A male client is admitted to the medical-surgical unit from the emergency room with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse performs the admission nursing assessment. He is NPO with IV fluids infusing at 100 mL/hour. He is experiencing excruciating abdominal pain. Based on an analysis of these data, which nursing diagnosis would receive the highest priority?
A male client has heart failure. He has been instructed to gradually increase his activities. Which signs and symptoms of worsening heart failure should the nurse tell him to watch for that would indicate a need for him to lower his activity level?
For the past several months, an elderly female client with Alzheimer’s disease has experienced paranoia; hallucinations; and aggressive, disruptive behavior. The family is utilizing haloperidol as needed to control her behavior. On nursing assessment, you note that the client demonstrates involuntary movements of the tongue and fingers. This may most likely indicate:
A 45-year-old male client experiences a sense of depression because he has not yet achieved his life’s goals. His career has not been satisfying. He is still looking for the right job. His wife spends too much money, and his children seem to ignore him while being very selfish. He is tired of all of their attitudes and is considering buying a red Corvette convertible. While obtaining these data concerning the client’s feelings about his life, the nurse is able to determine he is experiencing what psychological crisis according to Erikson’s stages?
A 44-year-old female client is receiving external radiation to her scapula for metastasis of breast cancer.
Teaching related to skin care for the client would include which of the following?
A female client is seeking counseling for personal problems. She admits to being very unhappy lately at both home and work. During the nursing assessment, she uses many defense mechanisms. Which statement or action made by the client is an example of adaptive suppression?
A 32-year-old male client is a marketing representative. His job requires him to have a tremendous amount of energy during the day. He frequently uses cocaine to sustain his energy level. Lately he has increased his use of cocaine and even experimented with crack cocaine. Realizing he can no longer continue this destructive behavior, he is seeking treatment for cocaine addiction. In planning nursing care for the client’s inpatient stay, which expected outcome is most appropriate?
Three hours postoperatively, a 27-year-old client complains of right leg pain after knee reduction. The first action by the nurse will be to:
A client reports to the nurse that the voices are practically nonstop and that he needs to leave the hospital immediately to find his girlfriend and kill her. The best verbal response to the client by the nurse at this time is:
The nurse will be alert to the most potentially lifethreatening side effect associated with the administration of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. This is:
The nurse writes the following nursing diagnosis for a client in acute renal failure—Impaired gas exchange related to:
The nurse is teaching a child’s parents how to protect the child from lead poisoning. The nurse knows that a common source of lead poisoning in children is:
In planning daily care for a client with multiple sclerosis, the nurse would take into consideration that multiple sclerosis:
A child is to receive atropine 0.15 mg (1/400 g) as part of his preoperative medication. A vial containing atropine 0.4 mg (1/150 g)/mL is on hand. How much atropine should be given?
A 9-week-old female infant has a diagnosis of bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate. She has been admitted to the pediatric unit after surgical repair of the cleft lip. Which of the following nursing interventions would be appropriate during the first 24 hours?
A client had a cardiac catheterization with angiography and thrombolytic therapy with streptokinase. The nurse should initiate which of the following interventions immediately after he returns to his room?
A woman diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is disturbed with diplopia. The nurse will teach her to:
The mother of a child taking phenytoin will need to plan appropriate mouth care and gingival stimulation. When tooth-brushing is contraindicated, the next most effective cleansing and gingival stimulation technique would be:
Prior to his discharge from the hospital, a cardiac client is started on digoxin (Lanoxin) 25 mg po qd. The nurse initiates discharge teaching. Which of the following statements by the client would validate an understanding of his medication?
A child has a nursing diagnosis of fluid volume excess related to compromised regulatory mechanisms. Which of the following nursing interventions is the most accurate measure to include in his care?
A client is started on prednisone 2.5 mg po bid. Which of the following instructions should be included in her discharge teaching specific to this medication?
A 19-month-old child is admitted to the hospital for surgical repair of patent ductus arteriosus. The child is being given digoxin. Prior to administering the medication, the nurse should:
Which of the following findings would necessitate discontinuing an IV potassium infusion in an adult with ketoacidosis?
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with an electrolyte imbalance and identifies a nursing diagnosis of decreased physical mobility. Which alteration is most likely the etiology?
When assessing a client, the nurse notes the typical skin rash seen with systemic lupus erythematosus. Which of the following descriptions correctly describes this rash?
The mother of a preschooler reports to the nurse that he frequently tells lies. The admission assessment of the child indicates possible child abuse. The nurse knows that his:
Diabetes during pregnancy requires tight metabolic control of glucose levels to prevent perinatal mortality. When evaluating the pregnant client, the nurse knows the recommended serum glucose range during pregnancy is:
A 3-year-old child is hospitalized with burns covering her trunk and lower extremities. Which of the following would the nurse use to assess adequacy of fluid resuscitation in the burned child?
Which of the following would the nurse expect to find following respiratory assessment of a client with advanced emphysema?
A long-term goal for the nurse in planning care for a depressed, suicidal client would be to:
When inspecting a cardiovascular client, the nurse notes that he needs to sit upright to breathe. This behavior is most indicative of:
A client with emphysema is placed on diuretics. In order to avoid potassium depletion as a side effect of the drug therapy, which of the following foods should be included in his diet?
The nurse would expect to include which of the following when planning the management of the client with Lyme disease?
Provide the 1-minute Apgar score for an infant born with the following findings: Heart rate: Above 100 Respiratory effort: Slow, irregular Muscle tone: Some flexion of extremities Reflex irritability: Vigorous cry Color: Body pink, blue extremities
As the nurse assesses a male adolescent with chlamydia, the nurse determines that a sign of chlamydia is:
Which of the following signs and symptoms indicates a tension pneumothorax as compared to an open pneumothorax?
A client with a diagnosis of C-4 injury has been stabilized and is ready for discharge. Because this client is at risk for autonomic dysreflexia, he and his family should be instructed to assess for and report:
Which of the following risk factors associated with breast cancer would a nurse consider most significant in a client’s history?
A 25-year-old client believes she may be pregnant with her first child. She schedules an obstetric examination with the nurse practitioner to determine the status of her possible pregnancy. Her last menstrual period began May 20, and her estimated date of confinement using Nägele’s rule is:
A psychotic client who believes that he is God and rules all the universe is experiencing which type of delusion?