Ati med surg final exam
Ati med surg final exam
Total Questions : 119
Showing 10 questions Sign up for moreA nurse is performing an assessment of a female client in the clinic. The client reports foul-smelling urine and pain with urination. The client states, "I bet I have a UTI. Why do I tend to get urinary tract infections?" Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the explanation?
Explanation
A. "As a female, you have a shorter urethra creating an easier way for bacteria to invade your bladder."
The female urethra is approximately 3-4 cm long, which allows bacteria from the perineal area, particularly E. coli, to reach the bladder more easily, making UTIs more common in females. This anatomical factor is a well-established and evidence-based reason for increased UTI susceptibility in women.
B. "If you take too many showers you are more susceptible to getting a UTI because you are washing off the protective bacteria." Frequent showers do not significantly disrupt the natural flora in a way that predisposes to UTIs. In fact, it is poor perineal hygiene or use of irritants like douches or perfumed soaps that may increase the risk, not simply the act of showering often.
C. "As a female, you have more E. coli in your gastrointestinal system that can enter the bladder through your urethra." Both males and females have similar levels of E. coli in the gastrointestinal tract; the difference lies in the anatomical proximity of the anus to the urethra in females, not the quantity of E. coli. The statement misrepresents the actual cause of increased risk in women.
D. "At your age, you have more sexual intercourse than older females making you more likely to get a UTI." While sexual activity is a risk factor for UTIs, this statement makes a generalized assumption about sexual behavior based on age and lacks sensitivity. It is also less accurate than the anatomical explanation provided in option A.
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is short of breath. When reviewing the client's arterial blood gases (ABGS), which of the following conditions should the nurse anticipate the client to be experiencing?
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis: Clients with COPD have chronic difficulty exhaling carbon dioxide due to airflow obstruction, leading to CO₂ retention. This accumulation of carbon dioxide causes a drop in blood pH, resulting in respiratory acidosis, a common acid-base imbalance in COPD patients.
B. Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis results from increased acid production or loss of bicarbonate through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract, such as in diabetic ketoacidosis or severe diarrhea. It is not typically associated with impaired ventilation or chronic lung disease like COPD.
C. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive loss of carbon dioxide due to hyperventilation. Clients with COPD generally hypoventilate rather than hyperventilate, making this acid-base imbalance unlikely in this case.
D. Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is typically caused by loss of hydrogen ions through vomiting or diuretic use, or excessive bicarbonate intake. It is unrelated to the impaired gas exchange and CO₂ retention seen in clients with COPD.
A nurse manager at a skilled nursing facility has noticed an increase in urinary tract infections by 12% in the past year. In an effort to decrease this rate, which of the following should the nurse manager teach the nursing staff? (Select All that Apply.)
Explanation
A. Obtain orders from the health care provider to discontinue catheters as soon as possible: Early removal of indwelling urinary catheters is a key strategy to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Prolonged use increases the risk of bacterial colonization and infection, making prompt discontinuation essential in reducing UTI rates.
B. Encourage adequate fluid intake every day: Increased fluid intake helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, reducing the likelihood of infection. It also promotes more frequent urination, which prevents urine stasis, a risk factor for UTIs.
C. Promote perineal care that includes wiping the perineum from the front to the back: Proper perineal hygiene helps prevent the transfer of bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra, especially in female clients, thus reducing the risk of ascending urinary tract infections.
D. Remind clients to urinate right away when they have an urge and to completely empty their bladder:
Delaying urination can lead to urinary stasis, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Incomplete bladder emptying also increases the risk of infection, especially in older adults with impaired bladder function.
E. Continue prescribed antibiotics even if the client's symptoms have subsided: While it is important for clients to complete a full course of antibiotics, this action is directed at treating current infections rather than preventing new ones. It is not a preventive strategy for reducing facility-wide UTI rates.
A nurse is caring for a client who reports continuing problems related to migraines. The nurse is assessing the psychosocial impact of migraines on the client. Which of the following questions should the nurse include in the assessment? (Select All that Apply.)
Explanation
A. "Are you having any feelings of depression?" Migraines can have a significant psychosocial impact, and many clients with chronic migraines experience mood disorders such as depression. Asking about depressive symptoms helps assess emotional well-being and determine if referral for mental health support is necessary.
B. "Are you experiencing any sensitivity to light?" Photophobia is a common physical symptom of migraines, not a psychosocial effect. Although it's important in clinical assessment, this question does not assess the psychosocial impact, which is the focus of this evaluation.
C. "Are you feeling any increase in your sexual drive?" Changes in libido are not typically associated with migraines or their psychosocial consequences. This question is not relevant to understanding the emotional or social impact of migraines on a client's daily life.
D. "Are you experiencing any episodes of 'panic-type feelings?" Migraines may contribute to anxiety and panic-like symptoms, especially in clients who feel a loss of control over their condition. Evaluating for panic episodes is essential in assessing the broader psychosocial burden of chronic migraines.
E. "Are you experiencing more fatigue as compared to before you had migraines?"
Fatigue is a frequent and often overlooked psychosocial consequence of chronic migraines. It can affect quality of life, work performance, and social interactions, making this a key aspect of psychosocial assessment.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has atrial fibrillation and reports dizziness and palpitations. Which of the following should the nurse understand is the cause of these manifestations?
Explanation
A. The SA node sends an electrical signal greater than 100/min: A fast SA node firing rate may indicate sinus tachycardia, not atrial fibrillation. In atrial fibrillation, the SA node is not the primary pacemaker because disorganized signals originate from multiple ectopic foci in the atria, leading to ineffective atrial contractions.
B. The heart's electrical signals are rapid, chaotic, and irregular: In atrial fibrillation, the atria experience disorganized and chaotic electrical impulses, causing an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. This results in decreased cardiac output, leading to symptoms like dizziness and palpitations due to poor perfusion.
C. An early electrical signal occurs before the expected sinoatrial (SA) node signal: This describes a premature atrial contraction (PAC), not atrial fibrillation. PACs are isolated early beats and do not typically result in sustained irregular rhythms or significant hemodynamic symptoms like those seen in atrial fibrillation.
D. The heart's electrical transmission through the atrioventricular (AV) node is unusually slow:
Delayed conduction through the AV node is associated with AV blocks, not atrial fibrillation. While AV conduction may be variable in atrial fibrillation, the root problem lies in the atria, not in slowed AV nodal transmission.
A nurse is assessing a group of clients. Which of the following clients should be categorized as Emergency Severity Index Level 1?
Explanation
A. Client D ran out of diuretics yesterday. The client's blood pressure is 136/84, heart rate is 88/min, respiratory rate is 18/min, and pulse oximetry is 95%: This client is stable with normal vital signs and does not show evidence of immediate life-threatening conditions. Although running out of diuretics may require prompt attention, it does not qualify as ESI Level 1.
B. Client B is obese and has right lower leg pain and swelling. The client's heart rate is 76/min and regular, blood pressure is 126/78, respiratory rate is 18/min, and pulse oximetry is 96%: This presentation could indicate a deep vein thrombosis, which is serious but not immediately life-threatening. The client is hemodynamically stable and does not meet the criteria for ESI Level 1.
C. Client A reports dizziness and confusion. The client's heart rate is 120/min and irregular, blood pressure is 88/52, respiratory rate is 26/min, and pulse oximetry is 82%: This client shows signs of hemodynamic instability, including hypotension, hypoxia, altered mental status, and an irregular, rapid heart rate. These findings indicate a critical condition requiring immediate life-saving interventions, qualifying the client for ESI Level 1.
D. Client C reports a urinary tract infection (UTI). The client's heart rate is 72/min, blood pressure is 110/70, respiratory rate is 15/min, and pulse oximetry is 98%: This client is stable with no signs of systemic or life-threatening complications. UTI symptoms can be uncomfortable but are not immediately life-threatening if vital signs are normal.
A nurse is assessing a client who has suspected acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The nurse should identify that which of the following is the most common presenting manifestation of ARDS?
Explanation
A. Cyanosis: Cyanosis can occur as ARDS progresses due to severe hypoxemia, but it is not usually the earliest or most common presenting symptom. It tends to appear later when oxygen saturation is critically low.
B. Dyspnea: Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is the most common and often the earliest manifestation of ARDS. It results from impaired gas exchange caused by fluid accumulation in the alveoli and inflammation of the lung tissue.
C. Diaphoresis: Diaphoresis may be present as a response to respiratory distress or sympathetic nervous system activation but is nonspecific and not unique to ARDS. It is not considered the primary presenting sign.
D. Somnolence: Somnolence typically develops in later stages of ARDS as oxygen levels drop significantly and carbon dioxide retention increases. It reflects worsening respiratory failure rather than an early sign.
A nurse is providing care for a client who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and is being treated with conivaptan. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
Explanation
A. Urine output less than 50 mL in 24 hr: Extremely low urine output, or oliguria, may indicate worsening SIADH or acute kidney injury. Conivaptan is a vasopressin receptor antagonist used to promote free water excretion, so minimal urine output despite treatment is alarming and requires immediate provider notification.
B. Dry mucous membranes: This can occur with fluid loss and is a sign of mild dehydration, but it is not the most urgent concern. It should be monitored, but it does not necessarily signal treatment failure or an acute complication.
C. Urine specific gravity 1.020: This value is within normal range and indicates that the kidneys are concentrating urine appropriately. It does not indicate a dangerous or emergent condition.
D. Serum sodium 130 mEq/L: While this level is low, it is a common finding in SIADH. Unless sodium levels drop rapidly or fall below 125 mEq/L, it is not typically considered an immediate emergency.
A nurse is caring for a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse associate with hypokalemia?
Explanation
A. U waves on electrocardiogram: Hypokalemia affects cardiac conduction and is typically reflected on an ECG by the presence of prominent U waves. These appear after the T wave and are considered a classic finding in hypokalemia.
B. Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation is more commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis or anxiety, not directly with hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness that might lead to hypoventilation rather than hyperventilation.
C. Syncope: Although severe electrolyte imbalances can contribute to syncope, it is not a specific or reliable early indicator of hypokalemia. Cardiac arrhythmias are more directly associated with low potassium.
D. Bradypnea: Bradypnea is not a common manifestation of hypokalemia. Respiratory muscle weakness from severe hypokalemia may cause shallow breathing, but not specifically a slow respiratory rate.
A client who has a history of migraines comes into the clinic reporting "tingling of the face" and blind spots in the eyes. Which of the following phases of a migraine is the client experiencing?
Explanation
A. Headache: The headache phase involves throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, photophobia, or phonophobia. It occurs after the aura phase and does not typically include sensory disturbances like tingling or visual changes.
B. Prodrome: The prodrome occurs hours to days before the migraine and includes subtle symptoms such as mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, or increased urination. It does not include neurological symptoms like visual disturbances or tingling.
C. Postdrome: Also known as the postdrome or recovery phase, this follows the headache phase. Clients may feel fatigued, confused, or drained but do not typically report sensory symptoms like those seen in the aura phase.
D. Aura: The aura phase is characterized by neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances (e.g., blind spots or flashing lights) and sensory changes (e.g., facial tingling). These symptoms occur shortly before the onset of the headache and are classic indicators of this phase.
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