A nurse is assessing a client who reports an increase in anxiety. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

It doesn’t appear as though you are feeling anxious.

Tell me what has been happening lately.

I think you should see a therapist.

Do you think your anxiety is worse than everyone else’s?

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:

Saying “It doesn’t appear as though you are feeling anxious” is not an appropriate response. This statement invalidates the client’s feelings and can make them feel misunderstood or dismissed. It is important for the nurse to acknowledge the client’s report of anxiety and provide a supportive environment for them to express their concerns.

Choice B reason:

“Tell me what has been happening lately” is the most appropriate response. This open-ended question encourages the client to share more about their experiences and feelings, which can help the nurse understand the underlying causes of the anxiety. It also shows empathy and a willingness to listen, which are crucial in building a therapeutic relationship.

Choice C reason:

“I think you should see a therapist” might be a helpful suggestion, but it is not the best immediate response. While referring the client to a therapist can be part of the long-term management plan, the nurse should first listen to the client’s concerns and provide immediate support. Suggesting therapy right away might make the client feel like their concerns are being brushed off.

Choice D reason:

“Do you think your anxiety is worse than everyone else’s?” is not a helpful response. This question can come across as judgmental and may make the client feel defensive or invalidated. It is important for the nurse to focus on understanding the client’s individual experience rather than comparing it to others.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Calling the lab to verify the client’s results is a reasonable step if there is any doubt about the accuracy of the lab results. However, in this scenario, the potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is already documented, and the nurse should act on this information. Verifying the results would delay necessary actions and could potentially harm the patient if the high potassium level is not addressed promptly.

Choice B reason:

Omitting the KCL dose and documenting it as not given is a prudent action because administering potassium chloride to a patient with an elevated potassium level (5.2 mEq/L) could exacerbate hyperkalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac issues. However, this action alone is not sufficient. The nurse must also inform the prescribing physician to reassess the patient’s treatment plan.

Choice C reason:

Giving the ordered KCL as prescribed would be inappropriate in this situation. The patient’s potassium level is already elevated, and administering additional potassium could lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Therefore, this option should be avoided.

Choice D reason:

Calling the prescribing physician and informing her of the client’s serum potassium level results is the most appropriate action. The physician needs to be aware of the elevated potassium level to make an informed decision about the patient’s treatment plan. The physician may decide to withhold the potassium chloride, order additional tests, or take other actions to manage the patient’s potassium levels safely.

A. Administer a test dose first. B. Infuse the medication with an IV pump. C. Cover the IV container with dark paper. D. Infuse the medication at 35 mg/min.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Administer a test dose first

Administering a test dose is not typically required for theophylline. Theophylline dosing is usually based on the patient’s weight and serum theophylline levels. A test dose is more commonly associated with medications that have a high risk of allergic reactions or require desensitization protocols, which is not the case with theophylline.

Choice B reason: Infuse the medication with an IV pump

Using an IV pump to infuse theophylline is essential to ensure accurate and controlled delivery of the medication. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic range, and precise dosing is crucial to avoid toxicity. An IV pump allows for consistent infusion rates, reducing the risk of adverse effects. This is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take.

Choice C reason: Cover the IV container with dark paper

There is no need to cover the IV container with dark paper when administering theophylline. Theophylline is not light-sensitive, so this precaution is unnecessary. Covering IV containers is typically done for medications that degrade when exposed to light, such as certain antibiotics and chemotherapy agents.

Choice D reason: Infuse the medication at 35 mg/min

Infusing theophylline at a rate of 35 mg/min is excessively high and could lead to severe toxicity. The infusion rate for theophylline should be carefully calculated based on the patient’s weight and serum levels, and it is typically much lower than 35 mg/min. Rapid infusion can cause serious side effects, including arrhythmias and seizures.

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A nurse is assessing a client who reports an increase in anxiety. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for potassium chloride (KCL) 20 mEq PO daily. The nurse reviews the client’s most recent laboratory results and finds the client’s potassium level is 5.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in an emergency department is preparing to administer theophylline by continuous intravenous (IV) infusion to a client who is experiencing an asthma attack. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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