A nurse is assessing an elderly patient who has just been admitted to the medical-surgical unit with significant abdominal ascites.
The patient is alert and oriented, walks independently at home, and usually uses a cane but forgot to bring it to the hospital.Which measures should the nurse prioritize?

Implementing a bleeding precaution protocol

Implementing a skin safety protocol

Implementing a sodium restriction diet

Implementing a fall risk protocol

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
While bleeding precautions are important in certain conditions, they may not be the priority for a patient with significant abdominal ascites. Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, is often caused by liver disease such as cirrhosis.
Choice B rationale
Skin safety protocols are important for all patients, but they may not be the priority in this case. Ascites can cause discomfort and other complications, but it does not directly cause skin problems.
Choice C rationale
A sodium restriction diet can be beneficial for patients with ascites, as it can help reduce fluid accumulation. However, this measure may not be the priority in this case.
Choice D rationale
Implementing a fall risk protocol should be prioritized. The patient’s significant abdominal ascites could affect their balance and mobility, increasing their risk of falls. Furthermore, the patient usually uses a cane for support but forgot to bring it to the hospital, further increasing their fall risk.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Providing a quiet, low-stimulus environment is one of the key interventions for a patient with hyperthyroidism who is at risk of a thyroid crisis. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can accelerate the body’s metabolism causing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, increased appetite, increased perspiration, fatigue, menstrual irregularity, and restlessness. A thyroid crisis, also known as a thyroid storm, is a severe, life-threatening condition characterized by extreme symptoms of hyperthyroidism. A quiet, low-stimulus environment can help reduce anxiety and agitation, which can exacerbate symptoms and potentially trigger a thyroid crisis.
Choice B rationale
Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) is not typically necessary in the management of hyperthyroidism unless the patient is preparing for a procedure such as thyroid surgery. In

fact, because of the increased metabolic rate in hyperthyroidism, patients often have an increased appetite and may require additional caloric intake.
Choice C rationale
Administering aspirin for any sign of hyperthermia is not recommended in hyperthyroidism. Aspirin can actually increase the level of free thyroid hormones in the blood by displacing them from their binding proteins, potentially worsening the hyperthyroid state.
Choice D rationale
While it is important to observe patients with hyperthyroidism for signs of various complications, hypocalcemia is not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels in the blood, is more commonly associated with hypoparathyroidism or vitamin D deficiency.

A. Assess the client’s skin for a rash. B. Notify the provider. C. Cover the client with a blanket. D. Stop the transfusion.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While assessing the client’s skin for a rash could be part of the overall assessment of the client’s condition, it is not the priority action when a client is experiencing chills and back pain during a blood transfusion.
Choice B rationale
Notifying the provider is an important step when a client is experiencing a reaction to a blood transfusion, but it is not the first action that should be taken.
Choice C rationale

Covering the client with a blanket may provide comfort to the client, but it does not address the underlying issue of a potential transfusion reaction.
Choice D rationale
The priority action when a client is experiencing chills and back pain during a blood transfusion is to stop the transfusion. This is because these symptoms could indicate a transfusion reaction, which can be serious.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing chills and back pain during a blood transfusion. What should be the nurse’s priority action?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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