The charge nurse is making assignments for one practical nurse (PN) and three registered nurses (RN) who are caring for neurologically compromised clients. Which client with which change in status is best to assign to the PN?

Viral meningitis whose temperature changed from 101° F (38.3°C) to 102° F (38.9° C).

Myxedema coma whose blood pressure changed from 80/50 mm Hg to 70/40 mm Hg.

Diabetic ketoacidosis whose Glasgow Coma Scale score changed from 10 to 7.

Subdural hematoma whose blood pressure changed from 150/80 mm Hg to 170/60 mm Hg.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A)   Correct- Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges (the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) caused by a viral infection. While it can be serious, it is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis. Monitoring the client's temperature is an important aspect of care, as changes in temperature can indicate the progression of the illness or the effectiveness of interventions. A temperature increase from 101°F to 102°F is a subtle change but may still require close monitoring and symptom management. The practical nurse (PN) is capable of monitoring vital signs, including temperature, and reporting any changes to the registered nurse (RN) or healthcare provider. It is within the PN's scope of practice to assess and report changes in vital signs and general condition. The other scenarios involve more complex clinical situations that may require the expertise of registered nurses.
B)   Incorrect- Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism and is considered a medical emergency. Managing and assessing a client with myxedema coma requires advanced assessment, critical thinking, and interventions that are typically within the scope of registered nurses.
C)   Incorrect- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complex condition that requires frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels, electrolytes, vital signs, and assessment of the level of consciousness. The change in the Glasgow Coma Scale score indicates a neurological deterioration that requires immediate attention and intervention, making it suitable for a registered nurse.
D)   Incorrect- A subdural hematoma is a serious neurological condition that requires close monitoring of vital signs and neurological status. The change in blood pressure indicates a potential change in intracranial pressure and should be managed by registered nurses with expertise in neurological care.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

In this scenario, the child with a congenital heart defect is presenting with a fever and an

earache. The mother expresses concern about the child's weight and height being at the 5th percentile for his age. Given the child's medical history of a congenital heart defect, it is important for the nurse to address the mother's concerns and provide an accurate response.

The response that states "His smaller size is probably due to the heart disease" is appropriate because children with congenital heart defects may experience growth and developmental delays. Heart defects can affect the child's ability to obtain sufficient nutrients for growth, leading to slower weight and height gain. By acknowledging the relationship between the child's heart disease and his smaller size, the nurse provides the mother with an explanation for the child's growth pattern and helps alleviate concerns.

The other response options are not appropriate or helpful. Asking about the child's mental abilities or implying that the mother has not been feeding the child adequately can be perceived as judgmental or dismissive.

A. White blood cell count. B. Capillary glucose. C. Urine specific gravity. D. Serum sodium.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Incorrect- This test is used to assess for infection or inflammation and is not specifically related to monitoring diabetes insipidus.
B) Incorrect- This test is used to monitor blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus, not diabetes insipidus.
C) Incorrect- While urine specific gravity can provide information about urine concentration, it is not the most important laboratory test to monitor in a client with diabetes insipidus. Serum sodium level is a more critical indicator of electrolyte balance and potential complications in DI.
D) Correct- Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a condition characterized by excessive thirst and urination due to the body's inability to regulate fluid balance. In DI, the body either lacks antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys, or the kidneys are resistant to its effects. As a result, clients with DI can produce large volumes of dilute urine. The most significant concern in DI is the potential for electrolyte imbalances, particularly low serum sodium levels (hyponatremia). Excessive loss of water in the urine can lead to dehydration and concentration of the blood's sodium levels. This can result in neurological symptoms, such as confusion, seizures, and even coma. Monitoring the serum sodium level is crucial to ensure that it remains within a safe range.

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The charge nurse is making assignments for one practical nurse (PN) and three registered nurses (RN) who are caring for neurologically compromised clients. Which client with which change in status is best to assign to the PN?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A 3-year-old boy with a congenital heart defect is brought to the clinic by his mother because he has a fever and an earache. During the assessment, the mother asks the nurse why her child is at the 5th percentile for weight and height for his age. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with diabetes insipidus (DI) has an average urinary output of 500 ml. of dilute urine every hour for the last 4 hours. Which laboratory test is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The home care nurse provided self-care instructions for a client with chronic venous insufficiency caused by deep vein thrombosis. Which instruction(s) should the nurse include in the client's discharge teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)

In evaluating the effectiveness of a postoperative client's intermittent pneumatic compression devices, which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?

When providing community healthcare teaching regarding the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, which signs should the nurse advise family members to report (Select all that apply)?

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A female client is taking alendronate, a bisphosphonate, for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The client tells the nurse that she is experiencing jaw pain. How should the nurse respond?

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An older client is being admitted to a short-term rehabilitation facility after a long hospitalization. The nurse is performing a functional assessment with the client. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse has completed the diet teaching of a client who is being discharged following treatment of a leg wound. A high protein diet is encouraged to promote wound healing. Which lunch choice by the client indicates that the teaching was effective?