Exam 1
This intervention is priority for a patient with cellulitis of the lower leg to reduce swelling and promote healing.
What is elevating the affected extremity?
This position should be avoided immediately after eating in a patient with GERD to prevent reflux.
What is lying flat (supine)?
This vitamin deficiency is the most common cause of iron-deficiency anemia.
What is iron deficiency (or lack of iron intake)?
This pain description is most associated with chronic pain and is often difficult to localize or quantify.
What is dull, aching pain?
This is the maximum amount of time you should suction a tracheostomy during one pass to prevent hypoxia.
What is 10–15 seconds?
This diagnostic test is most definitive for confirming tuberculosis.
What is a sputum culture (or sputum AFB test)?
This diagnostic test is most commonly used to confirm a deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity.
What is a venous Doppler ultrasound?
This is the priority quick-acting treatment for a patient experiencing symptomatic hypoglycemia.
What is giving glucose (fast-acting carbs)?
In osteoarthritis, this structural joint change is the primary cause of pain and decreased mobility.
What is cartilage degeneration (wear and tear)?
Before initiating a blood transfusion, this verification must be completed by two licensed personnel to prevent a fatal complication.
What is verifying patient identity and blood compatibility?
In appendicitis, this assessment finding indicates worsening condition and possible rupture rather than improvement.
What is sudden relief of pain?
In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), this finding is expected and helps differentiate it from venous disease.
What is pain with walking that improves with rest (intermittent claudication)?
In Parkinson’s disease, this neurotransmitter is deficient, leading to tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
What is dopamine?
During the postoperative period, a patient becomes restless, has decreased O2 saturation, and shallow respirations. This complication should be suspected first.
What is hypoxia (or respiratory depression)?
When a patient with an NG tube to suction develops abdominal distention and nausea, this complication should be suspected first.
What is tube obstruction (or blockage)?
A patient with BPH is prescribed tamsulosin; this medication works by doing this to improve urinary flow.
What is relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck?
This medication class, commonly used in coronary artery disease, works by reducing myocardial oxygen demand through lowering heart rate and contractility.
What are beta blockers?
A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences periods of symptom flare-ups followed by recovery. This pattern of disease progression is known as:
What is relapsing-remitting?
In rheumatoid arthritis, joint damage occurs due to this underlying process rather than mechanical wear and tear.
What is autoimmune inflammation (immune system attacking synovium)?
A patient receiving an epidural begins to experience hypotension. This occurs due to this physiological effect of the medication.
What is vasodilation (from sympathetic blockade)?
A patient with nephritis develops hematuria, proteinuria, and decreased urine output. These findings are caused by damage to this specific kidney structure responsible for filtration.
What is the glomerulus?
A postmenopausal patient reports vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and increased risk of urinary symptoms. These changes are primarily caused by a decrease in this hormone, leading to atrophy of vaginal tissues.
What is estrogen?
A patient with sickle cell disease presents with severe pain, hypoxia, and signs of vaso-occlusion. This occurs because abnormal hemoglobin causes RBCs to do this under low oxygen conditions, leading to blocked blood flow.
What is sickling (changing shape into rigid, crescent forms)?
A postoperative patient reports severe pain but has a respiratory rate of 8/min after receiving opioids. The nurse must balance pain control with safety. The priority action is to do this before administering more medication.
What is hold the opioid and assess/notify provider (or support respirations)?
A patient receiving a blood transfusion develops fever, chills, and low back pain within minutes. The nurse immediately stops the transfusion. The next priority action is to do this.
What is keep the IV line open with normal saline using new tubing?