Three days after surgery, a male client suddenly grabs his right chest and becomes short of breath, pale,
and diaphoretic. The practical nurse (PN) immediately assesses his vital signs and obtains 100/80 mm Hg
blood pressure, 110 beats/min heart rate, and 36 breaths/min respiratory rate. What action is most
important for the PN to take next?
Apply oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula.
An elderly female client with dementia is transferred from a long-term care unit to an acute care unit.
The client's children express concern that their mother's confusion is worsening. How should the
practical nurse (PN) respond?
Confusion in an older person often follows relocation to new surroundings."
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complains of extreme fatigue after coughing. Which
self-care measures should the practical nurse (PN) suggest to minimize dyspnea? (Select all that apply.)
1.Assume a sitting position with shoulders relaxed and knees flexed.
2.Support forearms with a pillow and place both feet flat on the floor.
3.Slightly drop the head, bend forward, and slowly exhale with pursed lips.
4.Resume sitting up straight, using diaphragmatic breathing to inhale slowly and deeply
A practical nurse (PN) is monitoring a client with diabetes. The nurse recognizes which of the following
symptoms as possible signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? (Select all that apply.)
Fruity breath odor
Rapid, weak pulse
Extreme thirst
Urinary frequency
The practical nurse (PN) recognizes which of the following characteristics considered high-risk factors for
developing type 2 diabetes? (Select all that apply.)
Age 40 years or older
African American
Obesity
Hispanic
The women's health nurse practitioner and the clinic practical nurse (PN) are developing a plan of care
for a 56-year-old female client who has been diagnosed with osteopenia. The plan is focused on
preventing further bone resorption and increasing bone mass. Which outcome statement should be
included in the plan of care?
The client will decrease the number of cigarettes smoked by 50% within 2 weeks.
A practical nurse (PN) has reinforced teaching a client with asthma to use a metered-dose inhaler (MDI).
Which of the following actions determines that the client understands the correct procedure? (Select all
that apply.)
, Sit or stand.
Shake the inhaler.
Attach the canister of medication to the mouthpiece.
Use a spacer attachment and place the mouthpiece in the mouth.
Close the lips around the mouthpiece.
After inhaling the medication, hold the breath 10 seconds.
Three days following surgery, a male client observes his colostomy for the first time. He becomes quite
upset and tells the practical nurse (PN) that it is much bigger than he expected. What is the best
response by the PN?
Inform the client that the stoma will become smaller when the initial swelling diminishes.
A client has a seizure disorder that has been managed with phenobarbital (Luminal Nembutal) for
several years. Lately, the client has become more difficult to arouse and frequently wants to take a nap.
What intervention should the nurse implement?
Hold the medication and notify the health care provider
A client's infusion of normal saline infiltrated earlier today, and approximately 500 mL of saline infused
into the subcutaneous tissue. The client is now complaining of excruciating arm pain and demanding
"stronger pain medications." What initial action is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to take?
Measure the pulse volume and capillary refill distal to the infiltration.
The practical nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L. Which findings should
the nurse report to the charge nurse? (Select all that apply.)
Abnormal heart rhythms
Muscle cramps
A practical nurse (PN) prepares to administer 5 units of Regular insulin and 15 units of NPH insulin to a
diabetic client. In which order should the actions be implemented when preparing the injection?
(Arrange from first on top to last on bottom).
1.Perform hand hygiene according to facility policy.
2.Inspect insulin vials for type and expiration dates.
3.Inject 15 units of air into NPH insulin vial.
4.Inject 5 units of air into Regular insulin vial.
5.Withdraw 5 units of Regular insulin from vial.
6.Withdraw 15 units of NPH insulin from vial.
Which action by the nurse is consistent with culturally competent care?
Understanding one's own world views in addition to the client's
The practical nurse receives a shift report that the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit. Which
findings that are consistent with fluid volume deficit should the nurse document? (Select all that apply.)
Tachycardia
Cool skin