Medication Mastery
Before giving a medication that slows the heart rate, the nurse should obtain what baseline assessment?
What is apical pulse?
Cool, pale extremities and delayed capillary refill suggest impairment in which physiological process?
What is peripheral perfusion?
Increased work of breathing with use of accessory neck muscles suggests what condition?
What is respiratory distress?
The kidneys help regulate blood pressure primarily through adjustment of which mechanism?
What is fluid volume control? (RAAS System)
Early ambulation after surgery helps prevent which common postoperative complication?
What is venous thromboembolism?
A client taking a medication for BPH reports dizziness when standing. This effect is related to what physiological change?
What is orthostatic hypotension?
A client with chronic hypertension is at increased risk for damage to which target organ due to prolonged high pressure?
What is the heart (or kidneys)?
A client on oxygen reports nasal dryness and irritation. The nurse anticipates the provider may add what intervention?
What is humidification?
A client’s urine output drops significantly. The nurse should assess for retention by performing what bedside action?
What is bladder scanning?
To prevent skin injury, the nurse should never massage an area of redness because it may indicate what underlying issue?
What is early pressure injury formation?
A client taking a medication known to influence kidney function should be monitored for changes in which laboratory value?
What is serum creatinine?
A client with severe leg trauma reports increased pain unrelieved by medication. Fingers or toes look pale and tight. What complication is suspected?
What is compartment syndrome?
A client recovering from sedation must be assessed for this reflex before eating or drinking.
What is the gag reflex?
A client with low calcium may experience which neuromuscular symptom?
What is muscle twitching or tingling?
A postoperative patient reporting new numbness below a surgery site requires immediate assessment of what?
What is circulation and sensation?
A nurse educating a client on a new bronchodilator should emphasize checking for which common systemic side effect?
What is increased heart rate?
A nurse auscultates an irregular heartbeat with no predictable pattern. What is this finding called?
What is an irregularly irregular rhythm?
This type of isolation room is necessary for airborne diseases like active tuberculosis.
What is negative-pressure airflow?
A client with chronic renal insufficiency is likely to show elevated levels of which metabolic waste product?
What is blood urea nitrogen (BUN)?
To maintain airway safety in a patient recovering from anesthesia, the nurse places them in which position?
What is lateral or side-lying recovery position?
A client on hemodialysis asks why some morning medications must be delayed. What is the best explanation?
What is “dialysis removes certain drugs from the bloodstream, making them ineffective if given beforehand”?
A client reports chest tightness that occurs during activity and goes away with rest. What type of angina is this?
What is stable angina?
What is the priority nursing action when a pulmonary embolism is suspected?
What is administer oxygen?
Severely decreased urine output, swelling, and rising potassium levels are consistent with what type of kidney injury?
What is acute kidney injury (AKI)?
A client newly fitted with a cast should be instructed to report what warning sign that may indicate increased pressure within the limb?
What is increasing pain unrelieved by medication?