A client has a total serum calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L). Based on this information, which action is most important for the nurse to include while measuring the client's vital signs?

Reference Range:

Total Calcium (9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L)]

Measure blood pressure in both arms.

Assess skin turgor for elasticity.

Observe the skin for signs of bruising.

Note the rhythm of the pulse.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   While it is generally good practice to measure blood pressure in both arms for a comprehensive assessment, this is not the primary concern with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia primarily affects neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems, so while blood pressure monitoring is important, it does not directly address the critical symptoms associated with low calcium levels.
B.   Assessing skin turgor is a useful practice for evaluating hydration status and skin elasticity but is not specifically related to the management or symptoms of hypocalcemia. In hypocalcemia, skin changes are not the most relevant concern compared to neuromuscular symptoms.
C.   Hypocalcemia can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising due to impaired blood clotting mechanisms. Monitoring for bruising can be an important aspect of assessing the effects of low calcium levels on the client’s hemostatic function. Bruising can be a direct indicator of the impact of hypocalcemia on blood coagulation and is relevant to the clinical management of the condition.
D.   Hypocalcemia can affect cardiac function, potentially leading to changes in heart rhythm and rate. Monitoring the rhythm of the pulse is crucial, as it can help identify arrhythmias or other cardiac disturbances associated with low calcium levels.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Measuring body temperature is important in assessing the client’s overall condition and identifying a fever, which is common in pneumonia. However, while it provides useful information about the client's status, it is not the most urgent action compared to interventions that could immediately impact the client’s respiratory function or confirm the diagnosis.
B. Administering PRN (as needed) oxygen is crucial if the client shows signs of hypoxia or difficulty breathing. If the client's face appears cyanotic or if they are experiencing respiratory distress, this action should be prioritized to ensure adequate oxygenation.
C. A chest x-ray is essential for diagnosing pneumonia and assessing the extent of lung involvement. However, while it is critical for diagnosis, addressing immediate respiratory needs and symptoms takes precedence.
D. Obtaining sputum for culture is important for identifying the causative organism and guiding antibiotic therapy. However, this action is less urgent than ensuring the client’s immediate respiratory needs are met and confirming the diagnosis through imaging.

A. Develop self-awareness of the nurse's personal values to avoid imposing these values on the client. B. Listen to the ethics committee discussions and then inform the client what actions should be taken. C. Challenge members of the healthcare team whose opinions differ from the wishes of the client. D. Educate the client about current nursing literature findings related to the client's ethical dilemma.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Developing self-awareness of personal values is crucial for a nurse acting as an advocate. It ensures
that the nurse’s own beliefs and biases do not interfere with representing the client's wishes and values. This self-awareness helps the nurse advocate effectively for the client’s preferences and decisions without imposing their own personal values.
B. While listening to the ethics committee discussions is important for understanding the context of the ethical dilemma, informing the client about what actions should be taken might not align with the nurse’s role as an advocate. The nurse's role is to represent the client's wishes and interests, not to dictate actions based on the committee’s deliberations.
C. It is important to ensure the client’s wishes are represented, but challenging team members should be done respectfully and constructively. The nurse should focus on presenting the client’s viewpoint clearly and facilitating a discussion that considers the client’s preferences.
D. Educating the client about current literature can be helpful, but it is not the primary responsibility of the nurse in the role of an advocate at an ethics committee meeting. The nurse’s primary role is to
represent the client’s wishes and ensure their voice is heard in the ethical decision-making process.

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A client has a total serum calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L). Based on this information, which action is most important for the nurse to include while measuring the client's vital signs? Reference Range: Total Calcium (9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L)]

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse has agreed to serve as a client's advocate at the meeting of the hospital ethics committee, which was called to address an ethical dilemma involving the client. To successfully represent the client, what action is essential for the nurse to take?

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A client has a total serum calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L). Based on this information, which action is most important for the nurse to include while measuring the client's vital signs?

Reference Range:

Total Calcium (9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L)]