The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for several clients. Which of the laboratory result indicates
a client with partly compensated metabolic acidosis?
Chloride 100 mEq/L (100 mmol/L)
Sodium 130 mEq/L (130 mmol/L)
Hemoglobin 15 g/dL (150 g//L)
PaCO2 30 mm Hg Correct Answer: PaCO2 30 mm Hg
The client is admitted to an ambulatory surgery center and undergoes a right inguinal orchiectomy.
Which option is the priority before the client can be discharged to home?
Able to ambulate in the hallway with assistance
Post-operative pain is managed
Correct response
Able to tolerate a regular diet
Psychological counseling is scheduled Correct Answer: Post-operative pain is managed
A child is treated with succimer for lead poisoning. Which of these assessments should the nurse
perform first?
Test deep tendon reflexes
Check blood calcium level
Check complete blood count (CBC) with differential
Check serum potassium level Correct Answer: Check complete blood count (CBC) with differential
Succimer (Chemet) is used in the management of lead or other heavy metal poisoning. Although it has
generally well tolerated and has a relatively low toxicity, it may cause neutropenia. Therapy should be
withheld or discontinued if the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is below 1200/µ.
The client with a T-2 spinal cord injury reports having a "pounding" headache. Further assessment by the
nurse reveals excessive sweating, rash, pilomotor erection, facial flushing, congested nasal passages and
a heart rate of 50. What action should the nurse take next?
Place the client into the bed and administer the ordered PRN analgesic
, Measure the client's respirations, blood pressure, temperature and pupillary responses
Check the client for bladder distention and the urinary catheter for kinks
Assist client with relaxation techniques Correct Answer: Check the client for bladder distention and the
urinary catheter for kinks
These are findings of autonomic dysreflexia, also called hyperreflexia. This response occurs in clients
with a spinal cord injury above the T-6 level. It is typically initiated by any noxious stimulus below the
level of injury such as a full bladder, an enema or bowel movement, fecal impaction, uterine
contractions, changing of the catheter and vaginal or rectal examinations. The stimulus creates an
exaggerated response of the sympathetic nervous system and can be a life-threatening event. The BP is
typically extremely high. The priority action of the nurse is to identify and relieve the cause of the
stimulus.
The nurse is assessing a 4 year-old child who is in skeletal traction 24 hours after surgical repair of a
fractured femur. The child is crying and reports having severe pain. The right foot is pale and there is no
palpable pulse. What action should the nurse take first?
Administer the ordered PRN medication
Reassess the extremity in 15 minutes
Readjust the traction for comfort
Notify the health care provider Correct Answer: Notify the health care provider
Pain and absence of a pulse within 48-72 hours after a severe injury to an extremity suggests acute
compartment syndrome. This condition occurs when there's a build up of pressure within the muscles;
this pressure decreases blood flow and can cause muscle and nerve damage. Acute compartment
syndrome is a medical emergency. Surgery is needed immediately; delaying surgery can lead to
permanent damage to the extremity.
The nurse is examining a 2 year-old child with a tentative diagnosis of Wilm's tumor. The nurse would be
most concerned about which statement by the mother?
"My child has lost three pounds in the last month."
"The child prefers some salty foods more than others."
"All the pants have become tight around the waist."
"Urinary output seems to be less over the past two days." Correct Answer: "Urinary output seems to be
less over the past two days."