a nurse is caring for a client who is receiving morphine via patient controlled analgesia pca which of the following actions should the nurse take
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam

1. A client receiving morphine via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) should have naloxone administered if their respiratory rate is below 10/min. What action should the nurse take?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to administer naloxone if the client's respiratory rate falls below 10/min. Naloxone is used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression, which is a life-threatening situation. Monitoring the client's blood pressure every 4 hours (Choice A) is not the priority in this scenario as respiratory depression requires immediate attention. Asking the client to rate their pain every 2 hours (Choice B) is important for pain management but addressing respiratory depression takes precedence. Evaluating the client's use of the PCA every 4 hours (Choice D) is a routine nursing intervention but does not directly address the urgent need to reverse respiratory depression in this case.

2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen. In a patient experiencing respiratory distress, ensuring adequate oxygenation is the priority. Administering oxygen helps improve oxygen levels, which is crucial for the patient's well-being. Repositioning the patient, administering bronchodilators, or giving IV fluids are important interventions in certain situations, but when a patient is in respiratory distress, providing oxygen takes precedence over other actions.

3. What is the most important nursing assessment for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing assessment for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to check for leg pain. Leg pain is a cardinal symptom of DVT and is often the initial indicator of a blood clot. While assessing for warmth, swelling, and redness are also important in DVT evaluation, leg pain is the most crucial as it can prompt further diagnostic testing and interventions. Performing Homan's sign test is no longer recommended due to its low specificity and potential to dislodge a clot, causing complications. Monitoring for redness is important but may not always be present in DVT cases. Assessing for warmth and swelling is relevant but still secondary to the assessment of leg pain in suspected DVT cases.

4. A client with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients with diabetes should eat a snack if their blood glucose level is below 70 mg/dL, not 200 mg/dL. Option A is incorrect because checking blood glucose levels once a week may not provide adequate monitoring for someone with diabetes. Option B is incorrect as a strict limit of 50 grams of carbohydrates per day may not be suitable for everyone and can vary based on individual needs. Option C is incorrect as it is important for clients with diabetes to have a balanced diet that includes protein in moderation.

5. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Weight gain can indicate myxedema, which is a symptom commonly seen in hypothyroidism. Exophthalmos (choice B) is actually a characteristic finding of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Tachycardia (choice C) and heat intolerance (choice D) are also more indicative of hyperthyroidism rather than hypothyroidism.

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