How can dehydration be assessed in an elderly patient?

A. Checking skin turgor on the forearm

B. Assessing for dry mucous membranes

C. Checking for orthostatic hypotension

D. Measuring daily weights

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing skin turgor by gently pinching the skin on the forearm is a reliable method to check for dehydration in elderly patients. When the skin is slow to return to its original position, it indicates dehydration. While assessing for dry mucous membranes is also important, checking skin turgor is a more direct method for dehydration assessment. Checking for orthostatic hypotension is more related to circulation status than dehydration. Measuring daily weights is helpful to monitor fluid balance but may not be as immediate or direct in detecting dehydration in elderly patients.

A nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin subcutaneously to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Inject at a 90-degree angle
• B. Inject at a 45-degree angle
• C. Massage the injection site after administering
• D. Use a longer needle

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to inject enoxaparin subcutaneously at a 45-degree angle. This angle helps ensure proper delivery of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue. Option A (Inject at a 90-degree angle) is incorrect because subcutaneous injections are usually given at a shallower angle. Option C (Massage the injection site after administering) is incorrect as massaging the site can cause bruising and should generally be avoided. Option D (Use a longer needle) is incorrect as using a longer needle is unnecessary and may increase the risk of injecting the medication too deeply.

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has osteomyelitis and a prescription for gentamicin IV every 8 hours. Which of the following serum laboratory results should the nurse report to the provider before administering the gentamicin?

• A. Hematocrit 45%
• B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• C. Creatinine 2.4 mg/dL
• D. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An elevated creatinine level indicates potential kidney dysfunction, which is crucial when administering gentamicin as it can be nephrotoxic. Reporting a high creatinine level to the provider is essential to prevent further kidney damage. Choice A (Hematocrit 45%) is within the normal range and not directly related to gentamicin administration. Choice B (Sodium 140 mEq/L) and Choice D (Potassium 4.0 mEq/L) are also within normal limits and do not directly impact the administration of gentamicin.

What are the key nursing interventions for a patient experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

• A. Positioning the patient in a prone position
• B. Monitoring vital signs and lung sounds
• C. Preparing for mechanical ventilation
• D. Administering supplemental oxygen

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Positioning the patient in a prone position. Prone positioning is a key nursing intervention for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as it helps improve oxygenation by allowing better lung ventilation. Choice B, monitoring vital signs and lung sounds, is important but not a key intervention specific to ARDS. Choice C, preparing for mechanical ventilation, may be necessary in severe cases of ARDS but is not a primary nursing intervention. Choice D, administering supplemental oxygen, is a common supportive measure but is not specific to ARDS interventions.

What is an appropriate parenting technique for time-out disciplining in children with mental health issues?

• A. Provide positive reinforcement for minor infractions
• B. Remove all privileges for at least one week following a violation
• C. Limit the child's time outside of the home environment
• D. Time-out should only be used in severe situations

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Remove all privileges for at least one week following a violation.' When dealing with children with mental health issues, it is essential to have consistent consequences for their actions. Providing positive reinforcement for minor infractions (choice A) may not effectively address inappropriate behaviors that require disciplinary action. Limiting the child's time outside the home environment (choice C) does not directly address the behavioral issue. Using time-out only in severe situations (choice D) may not provide consistent consequences for the child's behavior and can lead to escalation before interventions are used.