Reduction of Risk Potential

The patient’s CSF stain is found to have gram positive diplococci. The nurse prepares to administer medications for which condition?

A patient’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is noted to have a protein level of 52 mg/dL and a glucose level of 28 mg/dL (serum glucose level 82 mg/dL). Additionally, there is an abundance (>1,000 cells/mL) of polymorphonucleocytes (PMNs) present but no erythrocytes. How does the nurse interpret these results?

The nurse is reviewing the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results from the lumbar puncture (LP), which is significant for xanthochromia. How does the nurse interpret this information?

A nurse is assigned a patient who is scheduled for a thyroidectomy. Which one of the following electrolyte imbalances typically occur immediately post-procedure as a result of surgical error?

The nurse is assigned a 2-year-old patient who has severe periumbilical abdominal pain and hematochezia. On exam, a palpable mass is found in the right upper quadrant. Which of the following diagnostic tests would most likely confirm the diagnosis?

The nurse is assigned a patient who presents with anemia secondary to iron deficiency. Which of the following laboratory values do you expect in this patient?

The nurse is assigned a patient with a history of severe hypertension. He develops hematuria and elevated blood pressure. What is the lowest blood pressure consistent with a hypertensive emergency?

The nurse is taking care of a patient with symptoms concerning for Cushing’s syndrome/disease, namely moon facies, acanthosis nigricans, hair loss, thinning of skin, weight gain, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Initial diagnostic tests found the patient’s Cushing syndrome to be ACTH-dependent. Which of the following diagnostic tests would best differentiate between an ectopic ACTH-producing source versus a pituitary source?

The nurse is assigned to a patient who presents with symptoms concerning for diabetes insipidus (DI). Which of the following best describes the diagnostic test used to separate central from nephrogenic DI?

The nurse is assigned to a patient who is suffering from a small bowel obstruction. The patient has a history of multiple abdominal surgeries. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient’s small bowel obstruction?

The nurse is caring for a patient scheduled for an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Which post-procedure complication occurs most frequently?

A nurse is caring for a young patient who is recovering from a laparoscopic appendectomy following acute appendicitis. 18 hours post-procedure the patient develops a high fever, severe abdominal pain, and nausea. The abdomen is rigid with rebound tenderness and guarding. She is hemodynamically stable. The nurse suspects which complication?

The nurse is caring for a patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis complicated by abdominal ascites. A diagnostic paracentesis is performed. Shortly after the procedure, the patient becomes hypotensive and quickly loses consciousness. On exam, the patient is pale, peripheral pulses are faint, and extremities are cool to the touch. Which of the following is the most likely etiology of this patient’s condition?

The nurse is reviewing the results of a patient’s sputum culture as part of a sepsis evaluation. The culture tested positive for Acinetobacter baumannii. Which is the most appropriate interpretation of these results?

A patient presents to the clinic with signs concerning for bacterial pneumonia. The patient’s sputum is rust-colored. Which microorganism does the nurse expect will be cultured from the patient’s sputum sample?

The nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas results of a patient in the ICU. They are as follows: pH = 7.30 PaCO2 = 52 mmHg PaO2 = 70 mmHg HCO3 = 24 mEq/L SaO2 = 90% How does the nurse interpret these results?

A patient’s arterial blood gas results are as follows: pH = 7.52 PaCO2 = 29 mmHg PaO2 = 94 mmHg HCO3 = 25 mEq/L SaO2 = 96% How does the nurse interpret these results?

A patient’s arterial blood gas results are as follows: pH = 7.50 PaCO2 = 40 mmHg PaO2 = 94 mmHg HCO3 = 32 mEq/L SaO2 = 96% How does the nurse interpret these results?

A patient’s arterial blood gas results are as follows: pH = 7.25 PaCO2 = 40 mmHg PaO2 = 94 mmHg HCO3 = 18 mEq/L SaO2 = 96% How does the nurse interpret these results?

A patient is undergoing continuous gastric decompression due to a bowel obstruction. Which arterial blood gas result indicates the patient is experiencing a complication of gastric decompression?

A patient presents to the emergency department after 4 days of severe diarrhea. Which arterial blood gas result indicates a complication of severe diarrhea?

A mechanically ventilated patient has an arterial blood gas result as follows: pH = 7.50 PaCO2 = 34 mmHg PaO2 = 70 mmHg HCO3 = 30 mEq/L The nurse anticipates which changes will be made to the patient’s ventilator settings?

The nurse is preparing to obtain an arterial blood gas sample from a patient. Which intervention does the nurse perform first?

A 3-day-old premature neonate was born at 24-weeks estimated gestational age. The patient is mechanically ventilated with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 30%, rate of 40 breaths per minute, positive end expiratory pressure of 5, and peak inspiratory pressure of 20. The arterial blood gas results are as follows: pH = 7.34, PaCO2 = 48 mmHg, PaO2 = 70 mmHg, and HCO3 = 25 mEq/L. The nurse anticipates which changes will be made to the patient’s ventilator settings?

A 13-year-old patient presents to the emergency department in a disoriented state with tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, and hypothermia. Upon assessment, the nurse notes the patient’s breath smells like acetone, the mucous membranes are dry, and the patient has poor skin turgor. The nurse knows which test is the priority?

A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus has food poisoning and develops vomiting and anorexia. Which statement by the nurse is most important?

A patient presents to the clinic complaining of a persistent vaginal yeast infection. Of note, the patient’s BMI is 32 and blood pressure is 134/92 mmHg; other vital signs and assessments are within normal limits. Which test is most appropriate for this patient?

A patient’s fasting plasma glucose level is 130 mg/dL and the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test is 185 mg/dL. What is the next step in the workup for diabetes mellitus for this patient?

A 45-year-old overweight patient has a fasting blood glucose level of 130 mg/dL. Which is the initial therapy for this patient?

A patient who is immobilized following surgery to repair a pelvic fracture is at risk for which life-threatening condition?

A nurse is reviewing the orders of a patient who presented to the emergency department with symptoms of a stroke and notes a toxicology screening has been ordered. Which is the most likely rationale for this test?

A nurse is performing tests to aid in the confirmation or exclusion of a stroke. Which tests may indicate the patient is experiencing a stroke mimic? Select all that apply.

The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient with heart failure and notes a sodium of 126 mEq/dL. Which action by the nurse would be appropriate, if agreed to by the provider?

A patient presents with widespread bruising and petechiae. The patient has no other signs or symptoms of disease. The nurse anticipates which lab results for this patient?

The nurse notes the patient’s electrocardiogram shows peaked T waves with a prolonged PR interval. Which lab test does the nurse expect the provider to order?

The patient presents with symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident. The nurse anticipates further testing will reveal blockage of which vessel?

The patient has experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The nurse is vigilant for signs of which electrolyte imbalance?

The patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) presents with headache, fever, and nuchal rigidity. Which organism does the nurse suspect from the cerebrospinal fluid culture?

The 28-year-old female patient presents complaining of stumbling when walking, tremor, and decreased coordination. The nurse suspects the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will reveal lesions in which location?

Which adverse effect is of greatest concern for the patient undergoing treatment for multiple sclerosis?

The nurse assessing the skull of the 6-month-old infant notes the sutures are approximated and cannot appreciate either the anterior or posterior fontanelle. Further investigation and intervention is warranted to prevent complications of which condition?

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of a 2-month-old infant with severe seizures shows a brain that appears smooth and lacks normal gyri and sulci. The nurse anticipates which diagnosis?

The nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas results of a healthy 12-year-old patient in the emergency department in acute respiratory distress due to smoke inhalation during a house fire. Which lab value does the nurse anticipate from this patient?

The nurse most closely assesses for which condition in the patient taking doxazosin? 

The nurse has counseled the patient who has been admitted for an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease about the dangers of smoking tobacco. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? 

Which finding is expected in the patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Which hospitalized patient requires continuous cardiac monitoring?

The nurse is reviewing the patient’s urinalysis and notes the presence of rare epithelial cells. Which interpretation of this finding is correct?

Which complication is of greatest concern for the patient with nephrotic syndrome?

The nurse receives report on a 76-year-old patient who is recovering from surgery for creation of an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The nurse plans care to prevent which complication that is most specific to this patient?