Which sign might a healthcare professional observe in a client with a high ammonia level?

A. coma

B. edema

C. hypoxia

D. polyuria

Correct Answer: coma
Rationale: A high ammonia level can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which includes symptoms like confusion, disorientation, and can progress to coma. Coma is a severe condition of unconsciousness. Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues, not typically associated with high ammonia levels. Hypoxia is a condition of inadequate oxygen supply to tissues and organs, not directly related to high ammonia levels. Polyuria is excessive urination, which is not a typical sign of high ammonia levels.

An LPN is working on the care plan for a client with diabetes mellitus. Which of these outcomes would be the most appropriate?

• A. The client will maintain a blood glucose level within the normal range of 70–110 (per facility policy) throughout my shift.
• B. The client will maintain a blood glucose level within normal range limits today.
• C. The client will maintain a blood glucose level within the normal range of 70–110 (per facility policy) throughout my shift.
• D. The client will maintain a blood glucose level within normal limits throughout my shift.

Correct Answer: The client will maintain a blood glucose level within the normal range of 70–110 (per facility policy) throughout my shift.
Rationale: The correct answer is 'The client will maintain a blood glucose level within the normal range of 70–110 (per facility policy) throughout my shift.' This outcome is specific, measurable, and aligns with the goal of managing diabetes mellitus. Choice A is correct because it provides a clear target range (70-110) and includes adherence to facility policy, making it precise and goal-oriented. Choice B lacks specificity on the timeframe, and Choice D is vague in defining the target blood glucose range. In nursing care plans, outcomes should be well-defined, achievable, and measurable to effectively monitor the client's progress in managing their condition.

All of the following tasks could be delegated to a nursing assistant or unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) except:

• A. monitoring intravenous infusion
• B. assisting a client to the bathroom
• C. offering fluid intake every 1–2 hours
• D. monitoring/recording the amount of fluid taken

Correct Answer: monitoring intravenous infusion
Rationale: Monitoring an intravenous infusion involves assessing for complications, adjusting the flow rate, and monitoring the client's response, which requires the knowledge and skills of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN). Tasks that can be delegated to nursing assistants or unlicensed assistive personnel include assisting a client to the bathroom, offering fluids, and recording fluid intake. These activities are within the scope of practice for UAPs as they do not involve the specialized knowledge and training needed for intravenous infusion monitoring.

Which of the following medications should be held 24–48 hours prior to an electroencephalogram (EEG)?

• A. Lasix (furosemide)
• B. Cardizem (diltiazem)
• C. Lanoxin (digoxin)
• D. Dilantin (phenytoin)

Correct Answer: Dilantin (phenytoin)
Rationale: Anticonvulsants like Dilantin should be held 24–48 hours before an EEG to prevent interference with the test results. Medications such as tranquilizers, barbiturates, and other sedatives should also be avoided. Lasix, Cardizem, and Lanoxin do not belong to these categories and are not known to interfere with EEG results.

When the healthcare provider is determining the appropriate size of an oropharyngeal airway to insert, what part of a client’s body should they measure?

• A. corner of the mouth to the tragus of the ear
• B. corner of the eye to the top of the ear
• C. tip of the chin to the sternum
• D. tip of the nose to the earlobe

Correct Answer: corner of the mouth to the tragus of the ear
Rationale: When selecting the correct size of an oropharyngeal airway, the healthcare provider should measure from the corner of the client’s mouth to the tragus of the ear. This measurement ensures that the airway is the appropriate length to maintain a clear air passage for exchange. Measuring from the corner of the eye to the top of the ear (Choice B) is inaccurate and not a standard measurement for selecting the size of an oropharyngeal airway. Measuring from the tip of the chin to the sternum (Choice C) is irrelevant to determining the correct size of the airway. Similarly, measuring from the tip of the nose to the earlobe (Choice D) is also incorrect and does not provide the necessary measurement for selecting an oropharyngeal airway size.