Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action in this situation is to assess the client's blood pressure and other vital signs. The client's symptoms of severe headache, visual disturbances, and epigastric pain could be indicative of preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. Checking the blood pressure and other vital signs will help determine if the client's symptoms are related to abnormal blood pressure levels, which is critical in identifying and managing hypertensive disorders in postpartum clients. Once the assessment is completed, appropriate medical interventions can be initiated promptly if necessary.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The FIRST action of the nurse should be to reassess the client experiencing dyspnea despite continuous oxygen therapy. Reassessment would involve checking the client's respiratory status, oxygen saturation levels, vital signs, and overall condition to gather more information about the situation. This will help the nurse identify any potential causes of the dyspnea and determine the appropriate next steps for intervention. Assessing the client before proceeding with any other actions is crucial in providing safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The healthcare team should prioritize administering lactulose or other ammonia-lowering agents to manage hepatic encephalopathy in a patient with acute liver failure. Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that occurs in patients with liver dysfunction, leading to the accumulation of ammonia and other neurotoxic metabolites in the bloodstream. Lactulose works by acidifying the colon, which promotes the conversion of ammonia to ammonium, a less toxic form that can be excreted in the stool. By reducing the levels of ammonia, lactulose helps improve the neurological symptoms associated with hepatic encephalopathy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a patient with difficulty swallowing due to end-stage ALS and concerns about choking is to refer the patient to a speech therapist for swallowing exercises and techniques (Choice B). Speech therapists are trained to assess and manage swallowing difficulties in patients, especially those with neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. They can provide specific exercises and strategies to help the patient swallow safely and reduce the risk of choking. This intervention focuses on addressing the underlying issue causing the difficulty swallowing and aims to improve the patient's quality of life by enhancing their ability to eat and drink. The other options are not as effective or appropriate in addressing the patient's concerns.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An amniotic fluid embolism is a rare and life-threatening complication during labor and delivery. It occurs when amniotic fluid or fetal cells enter the maternal circulation, triggering a rapid immune response that can lead to cardiovascular collapse and respiratory failure. The priority nursing intervention for a woman in active labor diagnosed with an amniotic fluid embolism is to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to support her vital functions and circulation. Providing immediate CPR can help sustain her until further medical interventions can be implemented. Administering oxygen and preparing for a cesarean section may be necessary but should occur after CPR is initiated to stabilize the woman's condition. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority in this emergency situation, as maintaining adequate cardiac and respiratory function takes precedence.