SUPER CONDENSED
PORTABLE HESI STUDY
GUIDE
HESI Concepts From Start To Finish
Your Name Here:
_______________________________
Collected Works To Help Facilitate Success. Intended to
Supplement Existing Literature,
...
SUPER CONDENSED
PORTABLE HESI STUDY
GUIDE
HESI Concepts From Start To Finish
Your Name Here:
_______________________________
Collected Works To Help Facilitate Success. Intended to
Supplement Existing Literature, Not Replace It.
Preliminary VersionGeneral Usage Instructions/How to Use This Document:
·0 Read your HESI BOOK!, textbooks, and notes.
·1 If viewing this in MS Word, hit “Ctrl-F” on your keyboard and then
type in whatever you are looking for into the box and hit the “Enter”
key on your keyboard until you find what you are looking for.
·2 If you are scrolling through this document each applicable section is
listed “Key Points”, “#” (which key point number), “subject matter
title”
·3 Rinse and repeat.HESI NURSING SUBJECT AND EXIT TEST PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
To prepare for the exam (whether a subject exam or exit exam) use and have the
following materials/resources available:
1) HESI study book from evolve (ISBN# 9781416047759)
2) HESI case studies from evolve
3) HESI practice test CD which comes with the HESI book
4) HESI Practest 2009 questions from evolve
5) HESI related flashcards, not from evolve
6) HESI study notes compiled by faculty and previous ADN students (lab values,
meds, etc.)
7) HESI related powerpoints for remediation and instructional purposes, not from
evolve
To prepare for the test itself:
1) Become an expert at the nursing process r/t questions, answers, and related
processes
2) Determine my optimum learning style
3) Practice visualization and guided imagery
4) Practice and refine test taking skills
5) Stress relief and coping skills developed and utilized
6) Determine areas of weakness in previous HESI exams (via the statistical report
provided after taking the test)
7) Practice the practice tests on the computer until i memorize/understand the
questions and related material (until I have it down cold via repetition)
8) Review the rationales on the Practest questions, case studies, and practice test
CD relentlessly (usually start with this first... essentially reverse engineer the
questions starting with the rationales and working backwards)9) Memorize hints, meds, ranges, lab values, etc. as outlined in the HESI study
book (with an intent to not be caught off guard by material you haven't seen
before and to not forego any easy points)
10-A) Block off two weeks or more to constantly review the HESI book
10-B) Alternatively, study the HESI book as the semester progresses.
11) Foregoing studying from other non-evolve resources such as the saunders
book temporarily (rationale: HESI test comes from HESI/Evolve related products,
normally).
12) Host/goto HESI review sessions with other students about to take the test
(rationale: If you can teach it, you get a better understanding=proficiency,
eventually)
Where to get some of the above resources:
Austin Community College. Test taking strategies. Available at:
http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us/adnlev2/Tutoring_Web/Documents/Testtaking.htm
Link for the hesi book + practice test 2009:
http://portals.elsevier.com/portal/hesi/ProductAction?isbn=9780323055710
HESI online case studies only:
https://evolve.elsevier.com/productPages/s_994.html
HESI case studies + practice test 2009:
https://evolve.elsevier.com/productPages/s_1641.html
HESI study book only:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Evolve-Reach-Comprehensive-Review-forthe-NCLEX-RNExamination/Hesi/e/9781416047759Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Accountability:
You only have yourself and
your success or failure to
account to.
100 questions (you may have
to get up extra early to
complete them).
Goal: is to complete 800-
1000 questions by Sunday
before 5 p.m.
Do not worry so much about
your grade for the exams—
the most important thing is
to understand why you
answered the question(s)
incorrectly.
Do 3 HESI case studies
Review Meds-Pub
Therapeutic Communication
Practicum ??
After practicum
No more than 50
questions. It will
not be productive
on a long day.
e.g. 25 MedSurg; 25 Pedi
Do 4 HESI case
studies
Review Meds-Pub
Dosage
Calculations
After practicum
50 questions
e.g. 25 Med-Surg;
25 Pedi
Books to have next
to you:
Med-Surg
Lab Ref.
Drug book
Fundamentals
Med. Dictionary
In addition to
reviewing
rationales, go back
to your texts to
read up if you were
not familiar with
the
disorder/disease.
Do 5 HESI case
studies
Review Meds-Pub
NCLEX review prep.
No Practicum:
200 questions
throughout the day.
Not in one sitting
50-med surg
50-pedi
50-psych
50-women’s health
In addition to
reviewing
rationales, go back
to your texts to
read up if you were
not familiar with
the
disorder/disease.
Due 3 HESI case
studies
After practicum
50 questions
e.g. 25 MedSurg; 25 Pedi
In addition to
reviewing
rationales, go
back to your
texts to read up if
you were not
familiar with the
disorder/disease
Due 6 HESI case
studies
Review MedsPub on Nursing
Process
No Practicum:
200 questions
throughout the
day. Not in one
sitting
50-med surg
50-pedi
50-psych
50-women’s
health
In addition to
reviewing
rationales, go
back to your
texts to read up if
you were not
familiar with the
disorder/disease
Due 2 HESI case
studies
Review MedsPub on Nursing
Process
No Practicum:
200 questions throughout the
day. Not in one sitting
50-med surg
50-pedi
50-psych
50-women’s health
In addition to reviewing
rationales, go back to your texts
to read up if you were not
familiar with the
disorder/disease.
Due 6 HESI case studies
Review Meds-Pub on Nursing
Process
SAMPLE HESI STUDY AND REMEDIATION SCHEDULE
Note: “Fear” of the unknown only serves us from moving forward. Your self-discipline, commitment to working
hard and faith will help get you through this.Before the test:
The HESI and NCLEX tests use the steps of the nursing process (assessment, nursing
diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation) to evaluate how you critically think
about and apply your knowledge about nursing principles and skills during the care of
patients. Do the following before the test:
·4 Review the nursing process and critical thinking. You need to be very familiar
with the stages of the process and the nursing actions associated with each stage,
and be prepared to identify whether a certain action is used in the planning or
evaluation phase of the nursing process.
·5 Review material which will refresh your knowledge on developmental issues at
all stages of life which will help with pediatric health questions.
·6 Use an NCLEX study book to familiarize yourself with the type of questions to
expect and review the answers to understand why they are correct. Know the
common electrolyte values and signs of abnormal levels, common drugs. Don't
read things into the questions or assume things that are not part of the question.
After you read the test question only, close your eyes. Think about what the
question said and what you know about it, and only then, look at the answers.
Practice the questions with same time limit used in the NCLEX testing: 90
seconds per question.
During the test be careful about:
·7 Reading too much into the questions. Look at what is there, what you know. Unless it
is specified, don't assume that you know the patient's gender, age, diagnoses, situation
or where the interaction is occurring (home, street, nursing unit).
·8 Reading too much into the answers. See above.
3. Using the answer choices to search your brain for information.
a. Try covering up the answers and read the question. Think about the distracters
(unneeded/ irrelevant information and words like "all of the following”, ”except",
"not", etc).
b. Think about what you know about the subject. If you can't recall anything, look
at the words and think about their meaning (dys=not or abnormal, anti=against),
or what they sound like (sarcoma sounds like carcinoma, so a sarcoma is a type
of cancer), or what body system they might be a part of (autonomic=nervous
system).
c. Then, think again about what you know and look at each answer to see if it
relates to what you know.4. Becoming anxious. If you are feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, tired: STOP for a
minute or two. Do deep breathing or relaxation or visualization. Use positive,
affirmational self talk- NO negativity! You need your mental energy to concentrate, just
like you do in the hospital when patient care situations get tough, like severe bleeding or
a code.
5. Be sure to print out the test analysis at the end to have as proof of completion of
the test and to help guide future review work.
TEST TAKING TIPS:
Initial = Assess
Essential = Safety
Base your Assessment on Malsow’s Hierarchy
Absolute Words– These words tend to make answers wrong:
·9 Deadly Words
·10 All
·11 Wholly
·12 Every
·13 Total
·14 Alone
·15 Sole
·16 Lone
·17 Nothing
·18 Always
·19 Forever
·20 Entire
·21 Whole
·22 Completely
·23 Each
·24 Only
·25 Any nobody
·26 Never
·27 None
·28 Everywhere
Dangerous Words– are words are strong words. These are words that are strong but
not as absolute as the “deadly” words.
If you see these words look carefully at the answer. There is a strong chance it isincorrect:
·29 Main
·30 Paramount
·31 Primarily
·32 Inevitable
·33 Eliminate
·34 Regardless
·35 Impossible
·36 Too
·37 Chief
·38 Avoid
·39 Major
·40 Shall
·41 Will rarely
·42 Lack
Safe Words – Are qualified answers or hedging words make answers correct. These
words are usually “safe” to choose:
·43 Usually
·44 Frequently
·45 Potentially
·46 Sometimes
·47 Some
·48 Occasionally
·49 Essentially
·50 Generally
·51 Maybe
·52 Commonly
·53 Seldom
·54 Normally
·55 Almost
·56 Probably
·57 May
·58 Partial
·59 Might
·60 Should
·61 Few
·62 Nearly
·63 Could
·64 Average
·65 Often
Parts of the question
·66 The case (scenario) – description of client or what is happening to the client·67 The stem – the part that ask the question
·68 Response – choosing correct response
·69 Distracters - incorrect but feasible choices
·70 Key word – determine the key words related to the client, problem or
specific/aspect of the problem
Client – age, sex, marital status may be relevant
Who is the focus of the question: nurse, client, spouse, child, family, etc.
Test taking tips & techniques:
UMBRELLA ANSWERS
·71 Problem solving applies to nursing
·72 Assess signs & symptoms
·73 Determining the nursing diagnosis
·74 Evaluating the outcome criteria
ODD MAN WINS ANSWER
·75 Three obvious incorrect answers leaving the odd man wins
OPPOSITES ANSWERS
·76 “High blood pressure”, “Low blood pressure”
·77 “Increase IV drip”, “Stop IV”
·78 “Turn to the left”, “Turn to the right”
When there are two answers that are opposite, the two automatically eliminates the
other two choices but the downside is which of the two opposite answers is correct.
SAME ANSWER DIFFERENT WORDING ANSWERS
·79 Client has tachycardia, Client has a rapid heart beat
·80 Client has difficulty breathing, Client has dyspnea
Do not choose these answers, eliminate both, leaving the other two choices to be the
correct answers.
LIKE WORD ANSWERS·81 Words in the question are found in the answer
·82 Caring in the question and the word caring is in the answer
Maslow’s Hierarchy
Use Maslow’s Hierarchy to answer your questions. Physiology needs will always be your
first choice when answering a question with the exception of Psychological questions.
Priority
·83 “What actions take priority”
·84 “What should the nurse do first”
·85 “What should the nurse do initially”
·86 “What is essential for the nurse to do?”
COMMUNICATION
Advising is always incorrect:
·87 “What you really ought to know…..?”
·88 “You shouldn’t have left……..?”
·89 “If I were you I……?”
·90 “What you really should do…..?”
Use the word DON’T: (incorrect answers)
·91 Don’t be sad
·92 Don’t cry
·93 Don’t be concerned
You should say instead: (correct answers)·94 You seem sad
·95 I noticed you are crying, want to talk about it
·96 You sound concerned
More incorrect answers:
·97 I know what you mean
·98 “Why are you upset?” (why in quotation marks is always the wrong answer)
·99 Everything will be alright (everything is an absolute
ABSOLUTES
Wrong Answers Right Answers
Qualified answers or heading words make answers correct. These words are usually are
“safe” to choose. “Safe” words are words such as: usually, almost.
Therapeutic – goal directed professional framework
·100 Silence – sitting quietly with client
·101 Offering Self – “I will stay with you.”, “Let
me help you.” (conveys caring)
·102 Reinstatement & Reflection
·103 Client: “I had a terrible night last night”
·104 Nurse: “You didn’t sleep well?”
·105 Giving information
·106 Client: “Where is the bathroom?”
·107 Nurse: “Second door on the left”
(Inappropriate response: “Do you need to go to the bathroom?”)
·108 Focusing/Exploring
·109 “You seem to be upset over your mother’s
visit.”
·110 Empathy
·111 “It must be difficult to be away from your
family”·112 “It must be hard to be here in the hospital”
·113 “What should the nurse say initially?”
questions
·114 Empathy
·115 Reinstatement
·116 Reflection
HESI: Pharmacology
Half-Life: Time it takes to excrete half the amt of drug from body. Shorter half-life
drugs are given more often – approx. 5 half-lives and drug removed from
body.
First pass: Amt of metabolism of drug before entering the bloodstream
Absorption: Getting medication into the bloodstream. (Liquids metabolized quickest;
enteric coated takes longest)
Distribution: Moving medication to their specific sites
Metabolism: Breaking down medications (liver) √ALT (1-21) √AST (7-27)
(biotransformation)
Excretion: Elimination medication from body (kidney) √BUN (10-20) √Serum
Creatinine (0.6 – 1.5)
Teratogen: Substances that cause birth defects. 1st Trimester all major organs
forming. Weeks 3-8 are most critical. Drugs cross placenta easier in the
3rd trimester however. Known Teratogens: Thalomid, Lithium, Coumadin,
Accutane, Dilantin, Tetracycline
Hemolytic Reaction: Happens when patient received wrong blood type (cells lyse and
gluconate (clump together). Often apparent within the first 50 mL of
administration. S/S: Fever, chills, Low back pain, Chest Tightness,
Anxiety. STOP INFUSION IMMEDIATELY!
Therapeutic index: Relationship between the desired effect and toxicity. Therapeutic
effect is the “desired effect”.
Tolerance: Increased amounts of a drug are needed to produce the same effect.Polypharmacy: Multiple drugs taken at the same time for multiple conditions. This
increases the risk of drug interactions.
Parenteral: Medication given via IV or injection. (IV, IM, SubQ, Intradermal)
Idiosyncratic reaction or paradoxical reaction: Unexpected reaction to a medication.
NOT an allergic reaction.
Additive effect: Taking 2 or more drugs that have similar actions.
Cross Sensitivity: When allergic to one drug, a similar type drug will cause the same
sensitivity. EX: Penicillin and Cephalosporin’s.
Cell-Cycle Specific: Anti-neoplastic drug only works in a “specific” cycle of the tumor-cell
reproduction.
Cell-Cycle nonspecific: Anti-neoplastic drug that works in any cycle of the tumor-cell
cycle.
Redman Syndrome: Caused by infusion VANCOMYCIN too quickly. Must infuse over 60
minutes. S/S: Sudden drop in BP, Rash on face, neck, chest, Tachycardia,
Fever and chills. Caused by a sudden release of Histamine. Treat by
slowing infusion and give Benadryl.
Anterograde Amnesia: a form of amnesia, or memory loss, where new events are not
transferred to long-term memory.
Reye’s Syndrome: Fatal complication if a patient, ages 0-16, is given ASA whilst
experiencing a viral infection
Pseudo membranous Colitis: Super infection of the GI tract. Caused by Clostridium
Difficil. S/S Diarrhea, abd pain, cramping and low-grade fever. Take stool
culture and treat with VANCOMYCIN.
Medications and Antidotes:
Heparin - Protamine
Streptokinase - Aminocaproic Acid
Coumadin - Vitamin K
Morphine - NarcanValium - Flumazicon
Tylenol- Mucomist
Digoxin - Digibind
Conditions and Medications
MRSA - Vancomycin
C. Difficil (Pseudomemb. Colitis) - Vancomycin
Neuroleptic Syndrome - Physostigmine
Fatal HTN Crisis - Nipride
Selected Values
Serum Creatinine 0.6 – 1.5 pH 7.35 – 7.45
BUN 10 – 20 PCO2 35 - 45
AST 7 – 27 HCO3 22 - 28
ALT 1 – 21 PaO2 80 - 100
Na 135 – 145
K+ 3.5 – 5.3
Magnesium 1.5 – 2.3
Calcium 8.5 – 10.5
Chloride 95 – 105
Phosphate 2.5 – 4.5
Normal Urine output 30 mL/hr minimumDRUG TABLES:
Alzheimer’s
Ammonia Detoxicant/Stimulant Laxative
AnalgesicsDRUG
CODEINE
ROUTE
PO
IM – SQ/SC
ONSET
*30-45 MINUTES
*10-30 MINUTES
COMMENTS
*do not administer if solution is
discolored
*used as antidiarrheal or antitussuve
DILIAUDID
(Hydromorphone)
PO
IM
IV
*30 MINUTES
*15 MINUTES
*10-15 MINUTES
*fast acting, potent narcotic
*increase likely to cause appetite loss
DEMEROL
(Meperidine)
PO
IM
IV
*15 MINUTES
*10-15 MINUTES
* 1 MINUTE
*use in clients allergic to morphine
*Caution in renal failure-metabolites
accumulate
*S&S of toxicity CNS irritability
*most commonly used for post op pain,
sickle cell
*children 48 hours or less
DRUG
MORPHINE SULFATE
ROUTE
PO
IM
IV
ONSET
*60-90 MINUTES
*10-30 MINUTES
*10 MINUTES
COMMENTS
*drug of choice for pain relief associated
with Myocardial Infarction
*monitor for hypotension
*drug of choice for chronic cancer pain
PROPOXYPHENE HCL PO *15-60 MINUTES *can cause false decrease in urinary
steroid secretion test (adrenal gland
testing)FENTANYL CITRATE
(Duragesic)
IM
IV
INTRADERMAL
INTRABUCCAL
INTRATHECAL
*7-15 MINUTES
*in 5 MINUTES
*IN 12 HOURS
*5-15 MINUTES
**IMMEDIATE**
*synthetic narcotic like morphine
*quicker action and less duration than
morphine
DRUG ADMINISTRATION ROUTES AND RELATED METHODS
ROUTE
*ORAL
ADMINISTRATION
*preferred method
*drug level peak 1-2 hours
*INTRAMUSCULAR *management of acute & short term pain
*onset 30 minutes – peak 1-3 hours – duration 4 hours
*RECTAL *for client with nausea or unable to take oral
medication
*useful in home care & elderly as an alternative to oral
and (IV) administration
*reduced effectiveness with constipation
*IV BOLUS (OR) IV PUSH *most rapid onset (5 minutes) with shortest duration
(1hour)
*management of acute pain
*CONTINUOUS EPIDURAL *catheter threaded into epidural space by physician
with a continuous infusion of Fentanyl, Morphine or
other analgesic
*”high risk” for respiratory depression
ROUTE
PATIENT-CONTROLLED ANALGESIA
(PCA)
ADMINISTRATION
*pain control allowing the client to prevent or manage
pain
*physician prescribes drug, dose, lockout interval, &
maximum dose
*pump records all data related to interactions by the
nurse, physician, client*risk of drug overdose if someone other than the client
regulates the dosage
TRANSDERMAL PATCHES *applied to clean, dry skin
*remove old patch & clean skin before applying new
patch to new site
*document patch removal, new patch site
*document on patch date, time when applying patch
*duration of patch is based on the type of medication
& usage
CONTINUOUS SUBCUTANEOUS
NARCOTIC INFUSION
(CSI)
*client who cannot take oral medications & require
long term pain management (parental narcotics)
*provides a continuous level of analgesia
*sites are inspected every 8 hours
*sites rotated every 7 days
HESI COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING STUDY GUIDE:
Population Groups across the Lifespan & Health Risks
Infants
Number 1 cause of injury or death is suffocation followed by Motor Vehicle Accident
then Homicide.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Infection is the most significant cause of illness in infants and children.
Children
Obesity – Healthy people objectives have addressed youth fitness and obesity
Defined by using BMI which is a ratio of weight to height
Risks for childhood obesity were related to obesity in the parents
Obesity rates higher populations such as Native American, Hispanic, and
African Americans groups. Lower socioeconomic groups in urban settings
have been associated with higher rates
Injuries and Accidents- Number one cause of death in ages 1 – 24 yrs.
Motor vehicles accidents are the leading cause of death among children and teenagers.
Toddlers experience a large number of falls, poisonings, and motor vehicle accidents
School age children has the lowest injury death rate; however, this group has difficulty
judging speed and distance, placing them at risk for pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
Adolescents injury accounts for 75% of all deaths and risk-taking becomes more
conscious at this time especially among males.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youths between the ages of 15 and
24. Suicide s the third leading cause of death among youth between the ages of 10
and 24 years.Acute Illness- also a significant cause of illness in children.
Chronic Health Problems- improved medical technology has increased the number of
children surviving with chronic health problems. Examples: Down Syndrome, spina
bifida, cerebral palsy, asthma, diabetes, congenital heart disease, cancer, hemophilia,
broncopulmonary dysplasia, and AIDS
Routine immunizations have been very successful in preventing selected diseases.
Good nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development and influences disease
prevention in later life.
Women
The women’s health movement was pivotal in bringing national recognition to women’s
health issues.
Women have a longer life expectancy than men
Women are more likely to have acute and chronic conditions that require them to use
more services than men.
Women of color are more statistically more likely to have poor health outcomes because
of poor understanding of health, lack of access to health care, and lifestyle practices.
Heart disease leading cause of death in women
Lung Cancer leading cause of cancer in women and 2nd leading cause of death
Men
Men are physiologically the more vulnerable gender, shorter life span and higher infant
mortality rate
Life expectancy of men in the US is one of the lowest in the developed countries
Men engage in more risk-taking behaviors than women
Men tend to avoid diagnosis and treatment of illnesses that may result in serious health
problems
Elderly
Steadily growing population
Increase in chronic conditions, demand for services, and strained health care budgets
More older adults live in the community
Nurses address the chronic health concerns of elders with a focus on maintaining or
improving self-care and preventing complications to maintain the highest possible
quality of life.
Assessing the elderly incorporates physical, psychological, social, and spiritual domains.
Individual and community focused interventions involve all three levels of prevention
through collaborative practice.
U.S. Healthcare problems
More than 43 million people in the United States are uninsured, and many more simplylack access to adequate health care.
Health care reform measures seek to make changes in the cost, quality, and access of the
present system.
The integration of primary care and public health is necessary for the future health of
the nation
To achieve the specific health goals of programs such as healthy People 2010, primary
care and public health must work within the community for community-based care.
The most sustainable individual and system changes come when people who live n the
community have actively participated.
Nurses are more than able to fill the gap between personal care and public health
because they have skills in assessment, health promotion, and disease and injury
prevention; knowledge of community resources; and ability to develop relationships
with community members and leaders.
Home Visits- give a more accurate assessment of the following than do clinical visits:
·117 the family structure
·118 the natural or home environment
·119 behavior in that environment
Home visits provide opportunities to identify both barriers and supports for reaching
family health promotion goals.
Home visits afford the opportunity to gain a more accurate assessment of the family
structure and behavior in the natural environment.
Home visits also provide opportunities to observe the home environment and to identify
both barriers and supports to reducing health risks and reaching family health goals.
Parish nurses: nurses who respond to health and wellness needs within the faith context
of population of faith communities and are partners with the church in fulfilling the
mission of health ministry.
Parish nursing: a community-based and population-focused professional nursing
practice with faith communities to promote whole person health to its parishioners
usually focused on primary prevention.
Parish nurse coordinator: a parish nurse who has completed a certificate program
designed to develop the nurse as a coordinator of a parish nursing service.
Parish nurse services respond to health, healing, and wholeness within the context of
the church. Although the emphasis is on health promotion and disease preventionthroughout the life span, the spiritual dimension of nursing is central to the practice.
The parish nurse partners with the wellness committee and volunteers to plan programs
and consider health-related concerns within faith communities
To promote a caring faith community, usual functions of the parish nurse include
personal health counseling, health teaching, facilitating linkages and referrals to
congregation and community resources, advocating and encouraging support resources,
and providing pastoral care.
Parish nurses collaborate to plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion activities
considering the faith community’s beliefs, rituals, and polity. Healthy People 2010
guidelines are basic to the partnering for the programs.
Nurses working in the parish nursing specialty must seek to attain adequate educational
and skill preparation for the accountability to those served and to those who have
entrusted the nurse to serve
Nurses are encouraged to consider innovative approaches to creating caring
communities. These may be in congregations as parish nurses, among several faith
communities in a single locale, or regionally; or in partnership with other community
agencies or models such as block nursing.
To sustain oneself as a parish nurse healer, the nurse takes heed to heal and nurture self
while supporting individuals, families, and congregation communities in their healing
process.
Hospice: palliative system of health care for terminally ill people; takes place in the
home with family involvement under the direction and supervision of health
professionals, especially the visiting nurse. Hospice care takes place in the hospital
when sever complications of terminal illness occur or when family becomes exhausted
or does not fulfill commitments.
Professional Preparedness
·120 Requires nurses and other personnel to be aware of and understand the disaster
plans at their workplace and community- participate in mock drills
·121 Adequately prepared nurses will function in leadership capacity and assist
towards smoother recovery phase
·122 Fieldwork, shelter management requires creativeness and willingness
·123 American Red Cross provides training for health professionals to adapt existing
skills to disaster settingRole of Community Health Nurse
·124 Can initiate or update disaster plans at workplace and community and
ensure education, drill participation
·125 Knowledge of vulnerable populations, available community resources
·126 Assessing and reporting of environmental hazards, unsafe equipment,
faulty structures, disease outbreaks, e.g., measles, flu
Before anything happens: Prepare for Safety in a Disaster : Four steps
·127 Find out what could happen to you:
·128 Determine what types of disasters are most likely to happen
·129 Learn about warning signals in community
·130 Ask about care for pets
·131 Review the disaster plans at workplace, and other places where
families spend time together
·132 Determine how to help the elderly or disabled
·133 Create a disaster plan
·134 Discuss types of disasters that are likely to happen and review
what to do
·135 Pick 2 types of places to meet
·136 Choose an out-of-state friend to contact
·137 Review evac. Plans
·138 Complete this checklist
·139 Post emergency numbers next to phone
·140 Teach how to call 911
·141 Determine when and how to turn of water, gas, and electricity
·142 Check adequacy of insurance coverage
·143 Locate and review use of fire extinguishers
·144 Install and maintain smoke detectors
·145 Conduct a home hazard hunt
·146 Stock emergency supplies
·147 CPR certification
·148 Locate all escape routes
·149 Find safe spots
·150 Practice and maintain your plan
·151 Review every 6 mos.
·152 Conduct drills
·153 Replace stored water every 3 mos. and stored food every 6 mos.
·154 Test and recharge fire extinguisher
·155 Test smoke detectors
Personal PreparednessNurses who are disaster victims themselves and provide care to others will experience
considerable stress.
American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are two well
known authorities on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery
Three levels
1st level – Personal Preparedness
2nd level- Professional Preparedness
3rd level- Community Preparedness
Most states and counties have an Office of Emergency Management (OEM) that is
responsible for developing and coordinating emergency response plans within their
defined area. The state office supports local OEMs and other state agencies that
participate in disaster response. It provides planning and training services to local
governments, including financial and technical assistance. During an actual emergency
or disaster, the state OEM coordinates a state response and recovery program if
necessary. County OEMs are in charge of creating a comprehensive, all-hazard plan
that should address realistic dangers to the community and list available resources.
**Nurses need to review the disaster history of community, including how past
disasters have affected the health care delivery system, how their particular
organizations fit into the plan, and what role they and their organizations are expected
to play in a disaster.
Stages: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Preparedness: Know who is at risk, Personal, Professional and Community Preparedness
Personal Preparedness
·156 Entails plan for keeping oneself ready for disaster, both mentally and
physically
·157 Individuals not personally prepared will have less to give to family,
community, job, and other disaster victims
·158 Nurses can be disaster victims- personal preparation needed to attend to
patients
·159 Checklist helpful to prepare
Professional Preparedness
·160 Requires nurses and other personnel to be aware of and understand the disaster
plans at their workplace and community- participate in mock drills
·161 Adequately prepared nurses will function in leadership capacity and assist
towards smoother recovery phase
·162 Fieldwork, shelter management requires creativeness and willingness·163 American Red Cross provides training for health professionals to adapt existing
skills to disaster setting
Community Preparedness
·164 Level of preparedness only as high as people/ organizations in the community
make it
·165 Well-prepared communities have written disaster plans, conduct drills, have
adequate warning system, and backup evacuation plan
·166 Office of Emergency Management- state/ county office coordinating regional
plans
·167 Understanding past disasters can influence planning for future, liabilities in
resources
Response
The primary objective of disaster response is to minimize morbidity and mortality.
The level of disaster determines FEMA’s response. Levels are not determined by the
number of casualties but by the amount of resources needed.
FEMA Levels of Disaster Response
·168 Level III- a minor disaster, involves a minimal level of damage but could
result in the president declaring an emergency. A minimal request for federal
help
·169 Level II- moderate disaster- likely to result in major disaster being
declared. Regional federal resources engaged, other outside area may be called
on
·170 Level I- massive disaster, severe damage or multistate scope. Full
engagement of federal regional and national resources
·171 Citizens and health professionals must be attached to official agencies
with disaster management responsibilities to avoid further risk
American Red Cross
3 ways to classify a disaster :
·172 Type- agent that caused the event, such as hurricane, hazmat,
transportation
·173 Level- anticipated or actual Red Cross response and relief costs
Level I. costs less than $10,000
Level II costs $10,000 or more, but less than $50,000
Level II costs $50,000 or more, but less than $250,000
Level IV costs $250,000 or more but less than $2.5 million
Level V costs $2.5 million or more·174 Scope- magnitude of the event, units affected and responding ,e.g.,
single-family, local, state, major, federally declared
Single family – affects an individual or single family- occurs within the jurisdiction
of a single Red Cross chapter
Local Disaster- Affects more than one family, occurs within the jurisdiction of a
single Red Cross chapter
State Disaster- Affects multiple families, occurs within the jurisdiction of one or
More Red Cross chapters within a single state
Major Disaster- has one or more of the following characteristics
-coordinated response of multiple Red Cross units
- affects more than a single state
- creates national news
- result in emergency or disaster declaration by the President etc.
Presidentially Declared Disaster- requires full or partial implementation of the
National Response Plan
The National Response Plan
Once a federal emergency has been declared, the National Response Plan may take
effect, depending on specific needs arising from the disaster. The NRP is a concerted
effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the US; reduce American’s vulnerability to
terrorism, major disasters, and other emergencies; and minimize the damage and
recover from attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies that occur.
Role of the Nurse
·175 Role in disaster response depends on nurse’s past experience, role in
community disaster preparedness, specialized training, special interest
·176 Community health nurses valued for skills in community assessment, case
finding, prevention, education, surveillance, working with aggregates
·177 Plans for triage must begin as soon as rescue workers arrive- highest
priority given to life-threatening injuries with high probability of survival- nurse’s
accurate assessment info will help match available resources to population’s
emergency needs
Recovery
The recovery stage of disaster occurs as all involved agencies pull together to restore the
economic and civic life of the community. For example: the government takes the lead
in rebuilding efforts whereas the business community tries to provide economic support.
Nurse’s Role in Recovery·178 Multifaceted responsibilities- flexibility required to assist in successful recovery
·179 Teaching health promotion, disease prevention, assessment of physical,
psychological problems incurred in cleanup efforts, as well as threat of
communicable disease
·180 Case finding, referral for mental distress
·181 Assessment and reporting of environmental health hazards resulting from
event
Get community back to normal, deal with emotional matters and after effects
Assess what might be going on in community using primary, secondary and tertiary care
Terrorism
Role of the Nurse:
·182 Help people cope with the aftermath of terrorism
·183 Allay public concerns and fears of bioterrorism
·184 Identify the feelings that you and others may be experiencing
·185 Assist victims to think positively and move to the future
·186 Prepare nursing personnel to be effective in a crisis situation
Nurses are concerned with anthrax and small pox and should have awareness of these
diseases
Need to have vaccine for small pox
Levels of prevention r/t Disaster Management
Primary Prevention- Participate in developing a disaster management plan for the
community
Secondary Prevention- Assess disaster victims and triage for care
Tertiary Prevention- Participate in home visits to uncover dangers that may cause
additional injury to victim or cause other problems (e.g. house fires from faulty wiring).
Population at Greatest Risk for Disruption After a Disaster
Persons with disabilities
Persons living on a low income, including the homeless
Non-English speaking persons and refugees
Persons living alone
Single-parent families
Persons new to the area
Institutionalized persons or those with chronic mental illness
Previous disaster victims or victims of traumatic events
People who are not citizens or legally documented immigrantsSubstance abusers
The five components to a comprehensive public health response to outbreaks of illness
are the following
·187 Detecting the outbreak
·188 Determining the cause
·189 Identifying factors that place people at risk
·190 Implementing measures to control the outbreak
·191 Informing the medical and public communities about treatments, health
consequences, and preventative measures
Triage: the process of separating casualties and allocating treatment on the basis of the
victims’ potentials for survival.
·192 Highest priority is always given to victims who have life threatening
injuries but who have a high probability of survival once stabilized
·193 Second priority is given to victims with injures that have systemic
complications that are not yet life threatening and could wait 45 – 60 minutes for
treatment
·194 Last priority is given to those victims with local injuries without
immediate complications and who can wait several hours for medical attention.
Rationale from Saunders
In an emergency department, triage is classifying clients according to their need for care
and includes establishing priorities of care. The kind of illness, the severity of the
problem, and the resources available govern the process. Clients with trauma, chest
pain, severe respiratory distress or cardiac arrest, limb amputation, acute neurological
deficits, and those who sustained chemical splashes to the eyes are classified as
emergent and are the number 1 priority.
Clients with conditions such as a simple fracture, asthma without respiratory distress,
fever, hypertension, abdominal pain, or the client with a renal stone have urgent needs
and are classified as number 2 priorities.
Clients with conditions such as a minor laceration, sprain, or cold symptoms are
classified as nonurgent and are the number 3 priority.
Older adult health risks
Nutrition, safety, social isolation, and depression
Need to assess the health literacy of the client first
Program outcomes: smoking cessation, weight management, diabetic management
·195 look at the evaluation of the specific outcome·196 Identifying changes in the client’s health status that result from nursing
care provides nursing data that demonstrate the contribution of nursing to the
health care delivery system.
Research studies using the tracer or sentinel method to identify clients’ outcomes and
client satisfaction surveys can be used to measure outcome standards.
From data, strengths and weaknesses in nursing care delivery can be determined.
The most common measurement methods are direct physical observations and
interviews.
Primary Care- refers to organized community efforts designed to prevent disease and
promote health (education).
Secondary Care- an intermediate level of health care that includes diagnosis and
treatment. Screening.
Tertiary Care- rehabilitation and return of a patient to a status of maximum usefulness
and a minimum risk of recurrence of a physical or mental disorder
Levels of Prevention
Primary Prevention- Counsel clients in health behaviors related to lifestyle
Secondary Prevention- Implement a family-planning program to prevent unintended
pregnancies or young couples who attend the primary clinic
Tertiary Prevention- Provide a self-management asthma program for children with
chronic asthma to reduce their need for hospitalization (prevent from getting worse)
Federal Agencies
Many federal agencies are involved in government health care functions. The agency
most directly involved with the health and welfare of Americans is the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS)
Largest health program in the world, its mission is to enhance the health and well-being
of the American people through the following:
·197 Alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health programs
·198 Disease tracking and identification
·199 Health care access for all and integrity of the nation’s health entitlement
and safety net programs·200 Identification and correction of health hazards
·201 Medical assistance after disasters
·202 Medical research
·203 Promotion of exercise and healthy habits
·204 Protection of the nation’s food and drug supply
The Health Resources and Services Administration of the USDHHS contains the Bureau of
Health Professions, this bureau includes separate divisions for nursing, medicine,
dentistry, public health, and allied health professions
The Division of Nursing administers nurse education legislation, interprets trends and
nursing needs of the nation’s health care delivery system, and serves as a liaison with
the nursing community and with international, state, regional, and local health interests
Two other agencies with the DHHS:
The National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR) and Healthcare Research and
Quality (AHRQ)
This institution is the focal point of the nation’s nursing research activities. It promotes
the growth and quality of research in nursing and patient care, provides important
leadership, expands the pool of experienced nurse researchers, and serves as a point of
interaction with other bases of health care research
Nurses can apply for support for research, projects, or training from a variety of agencies
within the federal government besides the NINR of the Division of Nursing.
Other federal agencies: Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Defense, Dept. of Labor (includes
OSHA), Dept. of Agriculture (includes WIC), Dept. of Justice, Food and Drug
Administration.
Voluntary and Private Nonprofit Agencies
Voluntary and private agencies are grouped together as nonprofit home health agencies,
voluntary agencies are supported by charities such as United Way, Medicare, Medicaid,
other third-party payers, and client payment.
The amount of financial assistance the voluntary agency receives depends on the
community it serves. With Medicare, the private nonprofit agency emerged as an
alternative agency to the public-supported program. These agencies included
rehabilitation agencies, based in either rehabilitation facilities or skilled facilities.
Nurses use assessment skills to detect potential and actual exposure pathways and
outcomes for clients cared for in the acute, chronic, and healthy communities of
practice.
Risk communication is an important skill and must acknowledge the outrage factorexperienced by communities with environmental hazards.
Vulnerable populations- are those groups who have an increased risk to develop
adverse health outcomes, vulnerable populations often experience multiple cumulative
risks and they are particularly sensitive to the effects of those risks.
Vulnerable populations often are more likely than the general populations to suffer from
health disparities.
Examples of areas that show health disparities across populations groups are infant
mortality, childhood immunization rates, and disease-specific mortality rates.
Vulnerable Population Groups of Special Concern to Nurses
·205 Poor and homeless people
·206 Pregnant adolescents
·207 Migrant workers and immigrants
·208 Severely mentally ill individuals
·209 Substance abusers
·210 Abused individuals and victims of violence
·211 Persons with communicable disease and those at risk
·212 Persons who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV positive) or have
Hep B or sexually transmitted disease.
Behavioral (Lifestyle) Health Risk Assessment
Families are the major source of factors that can promote or inhibit positive lifestyles. It
is important to look at risks for the family as a unit.
Critical dimensions of lifestyle risks include the following:
·213 Value placed on behavior
·214 Knowledge of the behavior and its consequences
·215 Effect of the behavior on the family
·216 Effect of the behavior on the individual
·217 Barriers to performing the behavior
·218 Benefits of the behavior
It is important to assess the frequency, intensity, and regularity of specific behaviors. It
also is important to evaluate the resources available to the family for implementing the
behaviors.
Modifiable Risk and Unmodifiable Risks
Risk factors that are "unmodifiable," are things that neither you nor your patients can do
anything about. You need to know the "unmodifiable" risk factors, because they help
you to define high-risk individuals and groups for whom treating or controlling the
"modifiable" risk factors is a priority.Modifiable risks can be changed such as smoking.
Epidemiology – how to calculate a rate
·219 The denominator includes the numerator
Example Crude birth rate Number of live births during 1 year X1000
Midyear population
Evaluating Outcomes
Outcomes can be measured by looking at changes from before and after the
intervention to solve the problems. Changes in the following can be used to see the
outcomes of the interventions:
·220 Demographics
·221 Socioeconomic factors
·222 Environmental factors
·223 Individual and community health status
·224 Use of health services
In the example of infant malnutrition, one would look for the number of cases of infant
malnutrition in the community before providing education to other health providers
about assessment of infant development. A time period for evaluation would be chosen
and perhaps 1 year later (the time frame). The number of cases of infant malnutrition
would be measured to see if a change had occurred and there were fewer cases.
Incidence rate- the frequency or rate of new cases of an outcome in a populations;
provides an estimate of the risk of disease in that population over the period of
observation
Prevalence: number of existing cases in a population at a given time
Nursing Process- Always assess before starting an intervention
Community assessment
Most nurses are familiar with the nursing process as it applies to individually focused
nursing care. Using it to promote community health makes this same nursing process
community focused.
Community assessment- the process of critically thinking about the community and
involves getting to know and understand the community as partner. The community
assessment phase involves a logical, systematic approach to the initial phase of the
nursing process. Community assessment helps as follows:
·225 To identify community needs·226 To clarify problems
·227 To identify strengths and resources
Assessing the community health requires the following three steps:
·228 Gathering relevant existing data and generating missing data
·229 Developing a composite database
·230 Interpreting the composite database to identify community problems and
strengths
Data Collection and Interpretation
The primary goal of data collection is to get usable information about the community
and its health. The systematic collection of data about community health requires the
following:
·231 Gathering or compiling existing data
·232 Generating missing data
·233 Interpretation of data
·234 Identifying community health problems and community abilities
Data gathering is the process of obtaining existing, readily available data. The following
data usually describe the demography of a community
·235 Age of residents
·236 Gender distribution of residents
·237 Socioeconomic characteristics
·238 Racial distributions
·239 Vital statistics, including selected mortality and morbidity data
Identify needs, problems, strengths, resources and apply what you know.
Windshield survey- are the motorized equivalent of simple observation. They involve
the collection of data that “will help define the community, the trends, stability, and
changes that will affect the health of the community”
School Nurse:
·240 Primary -The school nurse monitors the children for all of their statemandated immunizations for school entry.
·241 Secondary- School nurse is involved in screening children for illnesses and
providing direct nursing care
·242 Tertiary – The school nurse cares for children with long-term health
needs, including asthma and disabling conditions
School nurses carry out catheterizations, suctioning, gastrostomy tube feedings, and
other skills in school.
The concern for health promotion of adolescents is safety because of their propensity totake part in risky behavior.
To effectively reach a population group you must connect with someone in the
community and establish trust.
Occupational Exposure
Job categories Exposure Work-related diseases and
conditions
Farm workers pesticides, infectious HTN, mood disorders, cardiovascular
Agents, gases, sunlight disease
Medicare
Provides hospital insurance and medical insurance to persons ages 65 years and older,
permanently disabled persons, and persons with end-stage renal failure
Part A – covers: hospital care and home care (home care or hospice – can’t have both),
skilled nursing care
Part B- covers: (non-institutional care insurance) Medical care, diagnostic services and
physiotherapy.
Medicaid- Financial assistance to states and counties to pay for medical services for poor
older adults, the blind, the disabled, and families with dependent children.
WIC- a special supplemental food program administered by the Department of
Agriculture through the state health departments; provides nutritious food that add to
the diets of pregnant and nursing women, infants, and children younger than 5 years.
Eligibility is based on income and nutritional risk as determined by a health professional
Outreach worker: a health worker who makes a special, focused effort to find people
with specific health problems for the purpose of increasing their access to health
services
·243 evaluate effectiveness find out if successful and use ways to measure
success
Epidemiologic triangle – agent, host, and environment – changes in one of the elements
of the triangle can influence the occurrence of disease by increasing or decreasing a
person’s risk for disease. Risk is the probability that an individual will experience an
event.
Agent: an animate or inanimate factor that must be present or lacking for a disease or
condition to develop
Host: a living species (human or animal) capable of being infected or affected by an
agent
Environment- all that is internal or external to a given host or agent and that is
influenced and influences the host and/or agent
Agent- an animate or inanimate factor that must be present or lacking for a disease orcondition to develop
·244 causive – example: E. coli
·245 Infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites)
·246 Chemical agents (heavy metal, toxic chemicals, pesticides)
·247 Physical agents (radiation, heat, cold, machinery)
Host- a living species (human or animal) capable of being infected or affected by an
agent
·248 anything capable of being infected
·249 Genetic susceptibility
·250 Immutable characteristics (age, sex)
·251 Acquired characteristics (immunologic status)
·252 Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise)
Environment- all that is internal or external to a given host or agent and that is
influences the host and or agent
·253 anything external
·254 climate (temperature, rainfall)
·255 Plant and animal life (agents or reservoirs or habitats for agents)
·256 Human population distribution (crowding, social support)
·257 Socioeconomic factors (education, resources, access to care)
·258 Working conditions (levels of stress, noise, satisfaction)
Relationship between the above 3 cause disease, try to break the connection, if a
break then there will be no disease.
Web of Causality- complex interrelations of factors interacting with each other to
influence the risk for or distribution outcomes.
·259 recognizes the complex interrelationships of many factors interacting,
sometimes in subtle ways, to increase (or decrease) the risk of disease.
·260 Associations are sometimes mutual, with lines of causality going in both
directions
Family assessment
Ecomap- represents the family’s interactions with other groups and organizations,
accomplished by using a series of circles and lines.
·261 It is represented by a circle in the middle of the page
·262 Other groups and organizations are then indicated by circles
·263 Lines representing the flow of energy are drawn between the family circle
and the circles representing other groups and organizations
·264 An arrowhead at the end of each line indicates the direction of the flow
of energy (into or out of the family)
·265 The weight of the line indicates the intensity of the energyGenogram- is a pictorial display of a person's family relationships and medical history. It
goes beyond a traditional family tree by allowing the user to visualize hereditary
patterns and psychological factors that punctuate relationships. It can be used to identify
repetitive patterns of behavior and to recognize hereditary tendencies.
Prevention Strategies for Violence
Individual and Family levels
·266 Assess during routine examination (secondary)
·267 Assess for marital discord (secondary)
·268 Educate on developmental stages and needs of children (primary)
·269 Counsel for at-risk parents (secondary)
·270 Teach parenting techniques (primary)
·271 Assist with controlling anger (secondary)
·272 Treat for substance abuse (tertiary)
·273 Teach stress-reduction techniques (primary)
Community Level
·274 Develop policy
·275 Conduct community resource mapping
·276 Collaborate with community to develop systematic response to violence
·277 Develop media campaign
·278 Develop resources such as transition housing and shelters
High school students and middle school students- steer away from violence and teach
to work on their own skills and build their self-esteem.HESI QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS COMPLIATION: Please refer to HESI book.
MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM:
·279 List 4 common symptoms of pneumonia the nurse might note on a physical exam.
·280 Tachypnea, fever with chills, productive cough, bronchial breath sounds.
·281 State 4 nursing interventions for assisting the client to cough productively.
·282 Deep breathing, fluid intake increased to 3 liters/day, use humidity to loosen secretions,
suction airway to stimulate coughing.
·283 What symptoms of pneumonia might the nurse expect to see in an older client?
·284 Confusion, lethargy, anorexia, rapid respiratory rate.
·285 What should the O2 flow rate be for the client with COPD?
·286 1-2 liters per nasal cannula, too much O2 may eliminate the COPD client’s stimulus to
breathe, a COPD client has hypoxic drive to breathe.
·287 How does the nurse prevent hypoxia during suctioning?
·288 Deliver 100% oxygen (hyperinflating) before and after each endotracheal suctioning.
·289 During mechanical ventilation, what are three major nursing intervention?
·290 Monitor client’s respiratory status and secure connections, establish a communication
mechanism with the client, keep airway clear by coughing/suctioning.
·291 When examining a client with emphysema, what physical findings is the nurse likely to
see?
·292 Barrel chest, dry or productive cough, decreased breath sounds, dyspnea, crackles in lung
fields.
·293 What is the most common risk factor associated with lung cancer?
·294 Smoking
·295 Describe the pre-op nursing care for a client undergoing a laryngectomy.
·296 Involve family/client in manipulation of tracheostomy equipment before surgery, plan
acceptable communication method, refer to speech pathologist, discuss rehabilitation program.
·297 List 5 nursing interventions after chest tube insertion.
·298 Maintain a dry occlusive dressing to chest tube site at all times. Check all connections every
4 hours. Make sure bottle III or end of chamber is bubbling. Measure chest tube drainage by
marking level on outside of drainage unit. Encourage use of incentive spirometry every 2 hours.
·299 What immediate action should the nurse take when a chest tube becomes
disconnected from a bottle or a suction apparatus? What should the nurse do if a chest
tube is accidentally removed from the client?·300 Place end in container of sterile water. Apply an occlusive dressing and notify physician STAT.
·301 What instructions should be given to a client following radiation therapy?
·302 Do NOT wash off lines; wear soft cotton garments, avoid use of powders/creams on radiation
site.
·303 What precautions are required for clients with TB when placed on respiratory isolation?
·304 Mask for anyone entering room; private room; client must wear mask if leaving room.
·305 List 4 components of teaching for the client with tuberculosis.
·306 Cough into tissues and dispose immediately into special bags. Long-term need for daily
medication. Good handwashing technique. Report symptoms of deterioration, i.e., blood in
secretions.
RENAL SYSTEM:
·307 Differentiate between acute renal failure and chronic renal failure.
·308 Acute renal failure: often reversible, abrupt deterioration of kidney function. Chronic renal
failure: irreversible, slow deterioration of kidney function characterized by increasing BUN and
creatinine. Eventually dialysis is required.
·309 During the oliguric phase of renal failure, protein should be severely restricted. What is
the rationale for this restriction?
·310 Toxic metabolites that accumulate in the blood (urea, creatinine) are derived mainly from
protein catabolism.
·311 Identify 2 nursing interventions for the client on hemodialysis.
·312 Do NOT take BP or perform venipunctures on the arm with the A-V shunt, fistula, or graft.
Assess access site for thrill or bruit.
·313 What is the highest priority nursing diagnosis for clients in any type of renal failure?
·314 Alteration in fluid and electrolyte balance.
·315 A client in renal failure asks why he is being given antacids. How should the nurse
reply?
·316 Calcium and aluminum antacids bind phosphates and help to keep phosphates from being
absorbed into blood stream thereby preventing rising phosphate levels, and must be taken with
meals.
·317 List 4 essential elements of a teaching plan for clients with frequent urinary tract
infections.
·318 Fluid intake 3 liters/day; good handwashing; void every 2-3 hours during waking hours; take
all prescribed medications; wear cotton undergarments.
·319 What are the most important nursing interventions for clients with possible renal
calculi?
·320 Strain all urine is the MOST IMPORTANT intervention. Other interventions include accurate
intake and output documentation and administer analgesics as needed.
·321 What discharge instructions should be given to a client who has had urinary calculi?
·322 Maintain high fluid intake 3-4 liters per day. Follow-up care (stones tend to recur). Follow
prescribed diet based in calculi content. Avoid supine position.·323 Following transurethral resection of the prostate gland (TURP), hematuria should
subside by what post-op day?
·324 Fourth day
·325 After the urinary catheter is removed in the TURP client, what are 3 priority nursing
actions?
·326 Continued strict I&O; continued observations for hematuria; inform client burning and
frequency may last for a week.
·327 After kidney surgery, what are the primary assessments the nurse should make?
·328 Respiratory status (breathing is guarded because of pain); circulatory status (the kidney is
very vascular and excess bleeding can occur); pain assessment; urinary assessment most
importantly, assessment of urinary output.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM:
·329 How do clients experiencing angina describe that pain?
·330 Described as squeezing, heavy, burning, radiates to left arm or shoulder, transient or
prolonged.
·331 Develop a teaching plan for the client taking nitroglycerin.
·332 Take at first sign of anginal pain. Take no more than 3, five minutes apart. Call for emergency
attention if no relief in 10 minutes.
·333 List the parameters of blood pressure for diagnosing hypertension.
·334 >140/90
·335 Differentiate between essential and secondary hypertension.
·336 Essential has no known cause while secondary hypertension develops in response to an
identifiable mechanism.
·337 Develop a teaching plan for the client taking antihypertensive medications.
·338 Explain how and when to take med, reason for med, necessary of compliance, need for
follow-up visits while on med, need for certain lab tests, vital sign parameters while initiating
therapy.
·339 Describe intermittent claudication.
·340 Pain related to peripheral vascular disease occurring with exercise and disappearing with rest.
·341 Describe the nurse’s discharge instructions to a client with venous peripheral vascular
disease.
·342 Keep extremities elevated when sitting, rest at first sign of pain, keep extremities warm (but do
NOT use heating pad), change position often, avoid crossing legs, wear unrestrictive clothing.
·343 What is often the underlying cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
·344 Atherosclerosis.
·345 What lab values should be monitored daily for the client with thrombophlebitis who is
undergoing anticoagulant therapy?
·346 PTT, PT, Hgb, and Hct, platelets.
·347 When do PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) present a grave danger?·348 When they begin to occur more often than once in 10 beats, occur in 2s or 3s, land near the T
wave, or take on multiple configurations.
·349 Differentiate between the symptoms of left-sided cardiac failure and right-sided cardiac
failure.
·350 Left-sided failure results in pulmonary congestion due to back-up of circulation in the left
ventricle. Right-sided failure results in peripheral congestion due to back-up of circulation in the
right ventricle.
·351 List 3 symptoms of digitalis toxicity.
·352 Dysrhythmias, headache, nausea and vomiting
·353 What condition increases the likelihood of digitalis toxicity occurring?
·354 When the client is hypokalemic (which is more common when diuretics and digitalis
preparations are given together).
·355 What life style changes can the client who is at risk for hypertension initiate to reduce
the likelihood of becoming hypertensive?
·356 Cease cigarette smoking if applicable, control weight, exercise regularly, and maintain a lowfat/low-cholesterol diet.
·357 What immediate actions should the nurse implement when a client is having a
myocardial infarction?
·358 Place the client on immediate strict bedrest to lower oxygen demands of heart, administer
oxygen by nasal cannula at 2-5 L/min., take measures to alleviate pain and anxiety (administer prn
pain medications and anti-anxiety medications).
·359 What symptoms should the nurse expect to find in the client with hypokalemia?
·360 Dry mouth and thirst, drowsiness and lethargy, muscle weakness and aches, and tachycardia.
·361 Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate below ___ BPM. Tachycardia is defined as a
heart rate above ___ BPM.
·362 bradycardia 60 bpm; tachycardia 100 bpm
·363 What precautions should clients with valve disease take prior to invasive procedures or
dental work?
·364 Take prophylactic antibiotics.
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM:
·365 List 4 nursing interventions for the client with a hiatal hernia.
·366 Sit up while eating and one hour after eating. Eat small, frequent meals. Eliminate foods that
are problematic.
·367 List 3 categories of medications used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease.
·368 Antacids, H2 receptor-blockers, mucosal healing agents, proton pump inhibitors.
·369 List the symptoms of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
·370 Upper GI: melena, hematemesis, tarry stools. Lower GI: bloddy stools, tarry stools. Similar:
tarry stools.
·371 What bowel sound disruptions occur with an intestinal obstruction?·372 Early mechanical obstruction: high-pitched sounds; late mechanical obstruction: diminished or
absent bowel sounds.
·373 List 4 nursing interventions for post-op care of the client with a colostomy.
·374 Irrigate daily at same time; use warm water for irrigations; wash around stoma with mild
soap/water after each colostomy bag change; pouch opening should extend at least 1/8 inch
around the stoma.
·375 List the common clinical manifestations of jaundice.
·376 Sclera-icteric (yellow sclera), dark urine, chalky or clay-colored stools
·377 What are the common food intolerances for clients with cholelithiasis?
·378 Fried/spicy or fatty foods.
·379 List 5 symptoms indicative of colon cancer.
·380 Rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, sense of incomplete evacuation, abdominal pain with
nausea, weight loss.
·381 In a client with cirrhosis, it is imperative to prevent further bleeding and observe for
bleeding tendencies. List 6 relevant nursing interventions.
·382 Avoid injectons, use small bore needles for IV insertion, maintain pressure for 5 minutes on all
venipuncture sites, use electric razor, use soft-bristle toothbrush for mouth care, check stools and
emesis for occult blood.
·383 What is the main side effect of lactulose, which is used to reduce ammonia levels in
clients with cirrhosis?
·384 Diarrhea.
·385 List 4 groups who have a high risk of contracting hepatitis.
·386 Homosexual males, IV drug users, recent ear piercing or tattooing, and health care workers.
·387 How should the nurse administer pancreatic enzymes?
·388 Give with meals or snacks. Powder forms should be mixed with fruit juices.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM:
·389 What diagnostic test is used to determine thyroid activity?
·390 T3 and T4
·391 What condition results from all treatments for hyperthyroidism?
·392 Hypothyroidism, requiring thyroid replacement
·393 State 3 symptoms of hyperthyroidism and 3 symptoms of hypothyroidism.
·394 Hyperthyroidism: weight loss, heat intolerance, diarrhea. Hypothyroidism: fatigue, cold
intolerance, weight gain.
·395 List 5 important teaching aspects for clients who are beginning corticosteroid therapy.
·396 Continue medication until weaning plan is begun by physician, monitor serum potassium,
glucose, and sodium frequently; weigh daily, and report gain of >5lbs./wk; monitor BP and pulse
closely; teach symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
·397 Describe the physical appearance of clients who are Cushinoid.·398 Moon face, obesity in trunk, buffalo hump in back, muscle atrophy, and thin skin.
·399 Which type of diabetic always requires insulin replacement?
·400 Type I, Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
·401 What type of diabetic sometimes requires no medication?
·402 Type II, Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)
·403 List 5 symptoms of hyperglycemia.
·404 Polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, weakness, weight loss
·405 List 5 symptoms of hypoglycemia.
·406 Hunger, lethargy, confusion, tremors or shakes, sweating
·407 Name the necessary elements to include in teaching the new diabetic.
·408 Teach the underlying pathophysiology of the disease, its management/treatment regime, meal
planning, exercise program, insulin administration, sick-day management, symptoms of
hyperglycemia (not enough insulin)
·409 In less than ten steps, describe the method for drawing up a mixed dose of insulin
(regular with NPH).
·410 Identify the prescribed dose/type of insulin per physician order; store unopened insulin in
refrigerator. If opened, may be kept at room temperature for up to 3 months. Draw up regular
insulin FIRST. Rotate injection sites. May reuse syringe by recapping and storing in refrigerator.
·411 Identify the peak action time of the following types of insulin: rapid-acting regular
insulin, intermediate-acting, long-acting.
·412 Rapid-acting regular insulin: 2-4 hrs. Immediate-acting: 6-12 hrs. Long-acting: 14-20 hrs.
·413 When preparing the diabetic for discharge, the nurse teaches the client the relationship
between stress, exercise, bedtime snacking, and glucose balance. State the relationship
between each of these.
·414 Stress and stress hormones usually increase glucose production and increase insulin need;
exercise can increase the chance for an insulin reaction, therefore, the client should always have
a sugar snack available when exercising (to treat hypoglycemia); bedtime snacking can prevent
insulin reactions while waiting for long-acting insulin to peak.
·415 When making rounds at night, the nurse notes that an insulin-dependent client is
complaining of a headache, slight nausea, and minimal trembling. The client’s hand is cool
and moist. What is the client most likely experiencing?
·416 Hypoglycemia/insulin reaction.
·417 Identify 5 foot-care interventions that should be taught to the diabetic client.
·418 Check feet daily & report any breaks, sores, or blisters to health care provider, wear well-fitting
shoes; never go barefoot or wear sandals, never personally remove corns or calluses, cut or file
nails straight across; wash daily with mild soap & warm water.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM:
·419 Differentiate between rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease in terms of
joint involvement.
·420 Rheumatoid arthritis occurs bilaterally. Degenerative joint disease occurs asymmetrically.·421 Identify the categories of drugs commonly used to treat arthritis.
·422 NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) of which salicylates are the cornerstones
(used when arthritic symptoms are severe).
·423 Identify pain relief interventions for clients with arthritis.
·424 Warm, moist heat (compresses, baths, showers), diversionary activities (imaging, distraction,
self-hypnosis, biofeedback), and medications.
·425 What measures should the nurse encourage female clients to take to prevent
osteoporosis?
·426 Estrogen replacement after menopause, high calcium and vitamin D intake beginning in early
adulthood, calcium supplements after menopause, and weight-bearing exercise.
·427 What are the common side effects of salicylates?
·428 GI irritation, tinnitus, thrombocytopenia, mild liver enzyme elevation.
·429 What is the priority nursing intervention used with clients taking NSAIDs?
·430 Administer or teach client to take drugs with food or milk.
·431 List 3 of the most common joints that are replaced.
·432 Hip, knee, finger.
·433 Describe post-op stump care (after amputation) for the 1st 48 hours.
·434 Elevate stump first 24 hours. Do not elevate stump after 48 hours. Keep stump in extended
position and turn prone three times a day to prevent flexion contracture.
·435 Describe nursing care for the client who is experiencing phantom pain after
amputation.
·436 Be aware that phantom pain is real and will eventually disappear. Administer pain medication;
phantom pain responds to medication.
·437 A nurse discovers that a client who is in traction for a long bone fracture has a slight
fever, is short of breath, and is restless. What does the client most likely have?
·438 Fat embolism, which is characterized by hypoxemia, respiratory distress, irritability,
restlessness, fever and petechiae.
·439 What are the immediate nursing actions if fat embolization is suspected in a
fracture/orthopedic client?
·440 Notify physician STAT, draw blood gas results, assist with endotracheal intubation and
treatment of respiratory failure.
·441 List 3 problems associated with immobility.
·442 Venous thrombosis, urinary calculi, skin integrity problems.
·443 List 3 nursing interventions for the prevention of thromboembolism in immobilized
clients with musculoskeletal problems.
·444 Passive range of motion exercises, elastic stockings, and elevation of foot of bed 25 degrees
to increase venous return.
NEUROSENSORY/NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEMS:
·445 What are the classifications of the commonly prescribed eye drops for glaucoma?
·446 Parasympathominetics for pupillary constriction. Beta-adrenergic receptor-blocking agents toinhibit formation of aqueous humor. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to reduce aqueous humor
production, and prostaglandin agonists to increase aqueous humor outflow.
·447 Identify 2 types of hearing loss.
·448 Conductive (transmission of sound to inner ear is blocked) and sensorineural (damage to 8th
cranial nerve)
·449 Write 4 nursing interventions for the care of the blind person and 4 nursing
interventions for the care of the deaf person.
·450 Care of the blind: announce presence clearly, call by name, orient carefully to surroundings,
guide by walking in front of client with his/her hand in your elbow. Care of deaf: reduce distraction
before beginning conversation, look and listen to client, give client full attention if they are a lip
reader, face client directly.
·451 In your own words describe the Glasgow Coma Scale.
·452 An objective assessment of the level of consciousness based on a score of 3 to 15, with
scores of 7 or less indicative of coma.
·453 List 4 nursing diagnoses for the comatose client in order of priority.
·454 Ineffective breathing pattern, ineffective airway clearance, impaired gas exchange, and
decreased cardiac output.
·455 State 4 independent nursing interventions to maintain adequate respirations, airway,
and oxygenation in the unconscious client.
·456 Position for maximum ventilation (prone or semi-prone and slightly to one side), insert airway
if tongue obstructing; suction airway efficiently, monitor arterial pO2 and pCO2 and hyperventilate
with 100% oxygen before suctioning.
·457 Who is at risk for cerebral vascular accidents?
·458 Persons with history of hypertension, previous TIAs, cardiac disease (atrial flutter/fibrillation),
diabetes, oral contraceptive use, and the elderly.
·459 Complications of immobility include the potential for thrombus development. State 3
nursing interventions to prevent thrombi.
·460 Frequent range of motion exercises, frequent (q2h) position changes, and avoidance of
positions which decrease venous return.
·461 List 4 rationales for the appearance of restlessness in the unconscious client.
·462 Anoxia, distended bladder, covert bleeding, or a return to consciousness
·463 What nursing interventions prevent corneal drying in a comatose client?
·464 Irrigation of eyes PRN with sterile prescribed solution, application of opthalmic ointment q8h,
close assessment for corneal ulceration/drying.
·465 When a comatose client on IV hyperalimentation begin to receive tube feedings
instead?
·466 When peristalsis resumes as evidenced by active bowel sounds, passage of flatus or bowel
movement.
·467 What is the most important principle in a bowel management program for a neurologic
client?
·468 Establishment of REGULARITY·469 Define cerebral vascular accident.
·470 A disruption of blood supply to a part of the brain, which results in sudden loss of brain
function.
·471 A client with a diagnosis of CVA presents with symptoms of aphasia, right hemiparesis,
but no memory or hearing deficit. In what hemisphere has the client suffered a lesion?
·472 Left
·473 What are the symptoms of spinal shock?
·474 Hypotension, bladder and bowel distention, total paralysis, lack of sensation below lesion.
·475 What are the symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia?
·476 Hypertension, bladder and bowel distention, exaggerated autonomic responses, headache,
sweating, goose bumps, and bradycardia
·477 What is the most important indicator of increased ICP?
·478 A change in the level of responsiveness
·479 What vital sign changes are indicative of increased ICP?
·480 Increased BP, widening pulse pressure, increased or decreased pulse, respiratory
irregularities and temperature increase.
·481 A neighbor calls the neighborhood nurse stating that he was knocked hard to the floor
by his very hyperactive dog. He is wondering what symptoms would indicate the need to
visit an emergency room. What should the nurse tell him to do?
·482 Call his physician now and inform him/her of the fall. Symptoms needing medical attention
would include vertigo, confusion or any subtle behavioral change, headache, vomiting, ataxia
(imbalance), or seizure.
·483 What activities and situations should be avoided that increase ICP?
·484 Change in bed position, extreme hip flexion, endotracheal suctioning, compression of jugular
veins, coughing, vomiting, or straining of any kind.
·485 How do Hyperosmotic agents (osmotic diuretics) used to treat intracranial pressure
act?
·486 Dehydrate the brain and reduce cerebral edema by holding water in the renal tubules to
prevent reabsorption, and by drawing fluid from the extravascular spaces into the plasma.
·487 Why should narcotics be avoided in clients with neurologic impairment?
·488 Narcotics mask the level of responsiveness as well as pupillary response.
·489 Headache and vomiting are symptoms of many disorders. What characteristics of
these symptoms would alert the nurse to refer a client to a neurologist?
·490 Headache which is more severe upon awakening and vomiting not associated with nausea
are symptoms of a brain tumor.
·491 How should the head of the bed be positioned for post-craniotomy clients with
infratentorial lesions?
·492 Infratentorial – FLAT; Supratentorial – elevated
·493 Is multiple sclerosis thought to occur because of an autoimmune process?
·494 YES·495 Is paralysis always a consequence of spinal cord injury?
·496 NO
·497 What types of drugs are used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis?
·498 Anticholinesterase drugs, which inhibit the action of cholinesterase at the nerve endings to
promote the accumulation of acetylcholine at receptor sires, which should improve neuronal
transmission to muscles.
HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY:
·499 List 3 potential causes of anemia.
·500 Diet lacking in iron, folate and/or vitamin B12; use of salicylates, thiazides, diuretics; exposure
to toxic agents such as lead or insecticides.
·501 Write 2 nursing diagnoses for the client suffering from anemia.
·502 Activity intolerance and altered tissue perfusion.
·503 What is the only intravenous fluid compatible with blood products?
·504 Normal saline
·505 What actions should the nurse take if a hemolytic transfusion reaction occurs?
·506 Turn off transfusion. Take temperature. Send blood being transfused to lab. Obtain urine
sample. Keep vein patent with normal saline.
·507 List 3 interventions for clients with a tendency to bleed.
·508 Use a soft toothbrush, avoid salicylates, do not use suppositories.
·509 Identify 2 sites, which should be assessed for infection in immunosuppressed clients.
·510 Oral cavity and genital area.
·511 Name 3 food sources of vitamin b12.
·512 Glandular meats (liver), milk, green leafy vegetables.
·513 Describe care of invasive catheters and lines.
·514 Use strict aseptic technique. Change dressings 2 to 3 times/week or when soiled. Use
caution when piggybacking drugs, check purpose of line and drug to be infused. Use lines for
obtaining blood samples to avoid “sticking” client when possible.
·515 List 3 safety precautions for the administration of antineoplastic chemotherapy.
·516 Double check order with another nurse. Check for blood return prior to administration to
ensure that medication does not go into tissue. Use a new IV site daily for peripheral
chemotherapy. Wear gloves when handling the drugs, and dispose of waste in special containers
to avoid contact with toxic substances.
·517 Describe the use of Leucovorin.
·518 Leucovorin is used as an antidote with methotrexate to prevent toxic reactions.
·519 Describe the method of collecting the trough and peak blood levels of antibiotics.
·520 Collection of trough: draw blood 30 minutes prior to administration of antibiotic. Collection of
peak: draw blood 30 minutes after administration of antibiotic.·521 What is the characteristic cell found in Hodgkin’s disease?
·522 Reed-Sternberg
·523 List 4 nursing interventions for care of the client with Hodgkin’s disease.
·524 Protect from infection. Observe for anemia. Encourage high-nutrient foods. Provide
emotional support to client and family.
·525 List 4 topics you would cover when teaching an immunosuppressed client about
infection control.
·526 Handwashing technique. Avoid infected persons. Avoid crowds. Maintain daily hygiene to
prevent spread of microorganisms.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:
·527 What are the indications for a hysterectomy in the client who has fibromas?
·528 Severe menorrhagia leading to anemia, severe dysmenorrhea requiring narcotic analgesics,
severe uterine enlargement causing pressure on other organs, severe low back and pelvic pain.
·529 List the symptoms and conditions associated with cystocele.
·530 Symptoms include incontinence/stress incontinence, urinary retention, and recurrent bladder
infections. Conditions associated with cystocele include multiparity, trauma in childbirth, and
aging.
·531 What are the most important nursing interventions for the postoperative client who has
had a hysterectomy with an A&P repair?
·532 Avoid rectal temps and/or rectal manipulation; manage pain; and encourage early ambulation.
·533 Describe the priority nursing care for the client who has had radiation implants.
·534 Do not permit pregnant visitors or pregnant caretakers in room. Discourage visits by small
children. Confine client to room. Nurse must wear radiation badge. Nurse limits time in room.
Keep supplies and equipment within client’s reach.
·535 What screening tool is used to detect cervical cancer? What are the American Cancer
Society’s recommendations for women ages 30 to 70 with three consecutive normal
results?
·536 Pap smear. Women ages 30 to 70 with 3 consecutive normal results may have pap smear
every 2 to 3 years.
·537 Cite 2 nursing diagnoses for a client undergoing a hysterectomy for cervical cancer.
·538 Altered body image related to uterine removal. Pain related to postoperative incision.
·539 What are the 3 most important tools for early detection of breast cancer? How often
should these tools be used?
·540 Breast self-exam monthly; mammogram baseline at age 35 followed by exams every 1 to 2
years in 40s and every year after age 50; physical examination by a professional skilled in
examination of the breast.
·541 Describe 3 nursing interventions to help decrease edema post mastectomy.
·542 Position arm on operative side on pillow. Avoid BP measurements, injections, or
venipunctures in operative arm. Encourage hand activity and use.
·543 Name 3 priorities to include in a discharge plan for the client who has had a
mastectomy.·544 Arrange for Reach-to-Recovery visit. Discuss the grief process with the client. Have
physician discuss with the client the reconstruction options.
·545 What is the most common cause of nongonococcal urethritis?
·546 Chlamydia trachomatis
·547 What is the causative agent for syphilis?
·548 Treponema pallidum (spirochete bacteria)
·549 Malodorous, frothy, greenish-yellow vaginal discharge is characteristic of which STD?
·550 Trichomonas vaginalis
·551 Which STD is characterized by remissions and exacerbations in both males and
females?
·552 Herpes Simplex Type II
·553 Outline a teaching plan for the client with an STD.
·554 Signs and symptoms of STD. Mode of transmission. Avoid sex while infected. Provide
concise written instructions regarding treatment and request a return verbalization to ensure the
client understands. Teach “safer sex” practices.
BURNS:
·555 List 4 categories of burns.
·556 Thermal, radiation, chemical, electrical
·557 Burn depth is a measure of severity. Describe the characteristics of superficial partialthickness, deep partial-thickness, and full-thickness burns.
·558 Superficial partial-thickness: 1st degree = pink to red skin (i.e., sunburn), slight edema, and
pain relieved by cooling. Deep partial-thickness: 2nd degree = destruction of epidermis and upper
layers of dermis; white or red, very edematous, sensitive to touch and cold air, hair does not pull
out easily. Full-thickness: 3rd degree = total destruction of dermis and epidermis; reddened areas
do not blanch with pressure, not painful, inelastic, waxy white skin to brown, leathery eschar.
·559 Describe fluid management in the emergent phase, acute phase, and rehabilitation
phase of the burned client.
·560 Stage I (Emergent phase): Replacement of fluids is titrated to urine output. Stage II (Acute
phase): Maintain patent infusion site in case supplemental IV fluids are needed; heparin lock is
helpful; may use colloids. Stage III (Rehabilitation phase): No extra fluids needed, but high-protein
drinks are recommended.
·561 Describe pain management of the burned client.
·562 Administer pain medication, especially prior to dressing wound (usually Morphine 10 mg).
Teach distraction/relaxation techniques. Teach use of guided imagery.
·563 Outline admission care of the burned client.
·564 Provide a patent airway as intubation may be necessary. Determine baseline data. Initiate
fluid and electrolyte therapy. Administer pain medication. Determine depth and extent of burn.
Administer tetanus toxoid. Insert NG tube.
·565 Nutritional status is a major concern when caring for a burned client. List 3 specific
dietary interventions used with burned clients.
·566 High-calorie, high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet. Medications with juice or milk. NO “free”
water. Tube feeding at night. Maintain accurate, daily calorie counts. Weigh client daily.·567 Describe the method of extinguishing each of the following burns: thermal, chemical
and electrical.
·568 Thermal: remove clothing, immerse in tepid water. Chemical: flush with water or saline.
Electrical: separate client from electrical source.
·569 List 4 signs of an inhalation burn.
·570 Singed nasal hairs, circumoral burns; sooty or bloody sputum, hoarseness, and pulmonary
signs including: assymetry of respirations, rales or wheezing.
·571 Why is the burned client allowed NO “free” water?
·572 Water may interfere with electrolyte balance. Client needs to ingest food products with
highest biological value.
·573 Describe an autograft.
·574 Use of client’s own skin for grafting.
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION TREATMENT MODALITIES:
·575 After the 4th group meeting, the informal leader makes a statement that she believes
she can help the group more than the assigned facilitator and has better credentials.
Identify the group dynamics and stage of development.
·576 The informal leader is “testing,” which is a behavior indicative of a new group trying to
establish trust. This group is still in the orientation phase of development.
·577 On an in-patient psychiatric unit, clients are expected to get up at a certain time, attend
breakfast at a certain time, and come for their medication at the correct time. What form of
therapy is incorporated into this unit? - Milieu.
·578 The wife of a man killed in a motor vehicle accident has just arrived at the emergency
room and is told of her husband’s death. What nursing actions are appropriate for dealing
with this crisis?
·579 Take woman to a quiet room, ask her if there are family, friends, or clergy you can call for her.
Assess her need for medication and discuss with physician. Stay with her, be firm and directive,
and assess previous successful coping strategies.
·580 A 10 yr. old is admitted to the children’s unit of the psychiatric facility after stabbing his
sister. His behavior is extremely aggressive with the other children on the unit. Using a
behavior modification approach with positive reinforcement, design a treatment plan for
this child.
·581 Assess what activities he enjoys. Set up a token system – when he displays non-aggressive
behavior, he earns a token good towards participating in the activity selected. He loses a token
when he becomes aggressive.
·582 The 10 yr. old, his sister, mother, and the mother’s live in boyfriend are asked to attend
a therapy meeting. Who is the “client” that will be treated during this session?
·583 The entire family.
·584 A 66 yr. old woman is admitted to the psychiatric unit with agitated depression. She
has not responded to antidepressants in the past. What would be the medical treatment of
choice for this client?
·585 Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).·586 Describe the nurse’s role in preparing clients for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
·587 Give accurate, non-judgmental information about the treatment. Explore client’s concerns.
Administer the following as ordered: Atropine sulfate to dry oral secretions, a quick-acting
barbiturate to induce anesthesia such as Brevital Sodium, and a muscle relaxant such as
Anectine. Check emergency equipment and O2 are available.
·588 Describe the nursing interventions used to care for a client during and after
electroconvulsive therapy.
·589 Maintain patent airway. Check vital signs every 15 minutes until alert. Remain with client
following treatment until conscious. Reorient, if confused.
ANXIETY DISORDERS:
·590 State 5 autonomic responses to anxiety.
·591 Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, diaphoresis, frequent urination.
·592 Identify the defense mechanism used by a person who feels guilty about masturbating
as a child, and develops a hand-washing compulsion as an adult.
·593 Undoing.
·594 Identify anxiety-reducing strategies the nurse can teach.
·595 Deep breathing techniques, visualization, relaxation techniques, exercise, biofeedback.
·596 Which levels of anxiety facilitate learning?
·597 Mild to moderate.
·598 A Vietnam veteran is plagued by nightmares and is found trying to strangle his
roommate one night. List, in order of priority, the appropriate nursing interventions.
·599 Protect roommate from harm. Stay with client. If the client is agitated, administer anti-anxiety
medications as ordered. Arrange for private room. Place client on homicidal precautions at night.
·600 A client displays a phobic response to flying. Describe the desensitization process,
which would probably be implemented.
·601 Talk about planes. Look at pictures of planes. Make plans to accompany client during a visit
to airport. Accompany client into a plane. Allow the client to board a plane alone. Accompany the
client on a short flight while listening to a relaxation tape.
·602 A client is in the middle of an extensive ritual, which focuses on food during lunch.
However, the client is scheduled for group therapy, which is about to start. What action
should the nurse take?
·603 Allow client to complete the ritual. Discuss with the group leader the possibility of allowing the
client to enter the group late. Arrange for client to begin lunch either so that the ritual can be
completed prior to scheduled activities.
SOMATOFORM DISORDERS:
·604 Describe the difference between primary and secondary gains.
·605 Primary gain is a decrease in anxiety, which results from some effort made to deal with stress.
Secondary gain is the advantage, other than reduced anxiety, which occurs from the sick role.
·606 Explain the difference between somatization and hypochondriasis.
·607 Somatization is used to describe a person who has many recurrent complaints with no organic
basis as opposed to someone with hypochondriasis who has unrealistic or exaggerated that theyinterfere with social and occupational functioning.
·608 An air traffic controller suddenly suddenly develops blindness. All physical findings
are negative. The client’s history reveals an increased anxiety about job performance and
fear about job security. What type of disorder is this? What purpose is the blindness
serving? What nursing interventions are indicated?
·609 Conversion reaction. Decreases the anxiety about job. Assist with ADL, encourage
expression of anger, teach relaxation techniques, and assist with the identification of anxiety
related to job security and performance.
·610 A 42 yr. old secretary has visited 7 different doctors in the last year with a complaint of
chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. She is certain she is having a heart
attack in spite of the physician’s reassurance that all tests are normal. What type of
disorder is this? What nursing actions are indicated?
·611 Hypochondriacal disorder. Decrease anxiety, teach relaxation techniques, explore
relationship between the symptoms and past experiences with heart disease. Focus interactions
away from bodily concerns.
·612 Five years ago, a woman was involved in a motor vehicle accident that killed her friend
who was a passenger in the car she was driving. Since that time, she has been unable to
work because of sever back pain. The pain in unrelieved by prescribed medications. What
type of disorder is this? What are the contributing causes? Describe the nursing care.
·613 Somatization disorder. Unresolved grief, anxiety. Evaluate pain medication use and/or abuse.
Document duration and intensity of pain. Assist client to identify precipitating factors related to
request for medication.
DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS:
·614 Describe the difference between psychogenic amnesia and a psychogenic fugue.
·615 Psychogenic amnesia is the sudden inability to recall certain events in one’s life. A
psychogenic fugue state is characterized by the individual leaving home and being unable to recall
their identity or their past.
·616 What is a multiple personality disorder?
·617 Presence of two or more distinct personalities within an individual. The personalities emerge
during stress.
·618 List 3 possible causes of psychogenic amnesia.
·619 Traumatic event such as a threat of death or injury, an intolerable life situation, or a natural
disaster.
·620 Describe depersonalization disorder.
·621 A temporary loss of one’s reality, a loss of the ability to feel and express emotions, or a sense
of “strangeness” in the surrounding environment. These individuals express a fear of “going
crazy.”
PERSONALITY DISORDERS:
·622 Obsessive-Compulsive Personality = Orderliness, rigid.
·623 Passive-Aggressive Personality = Passively resistant
·624 Antisocial Personality = Inability to conform to social norms
·625 Borderline Personality = Needy, always in a crisis, self-mutilating, unable to sustain
relationships, splitting behavior
·626 Dependent Personality = Unable to make decisions for self, allows others to assumeresponsibility for his/her life.
·627 Narcissistic Personality = Feelings of self-importance and entitlement. May exploit others to
get own needs met.
·628 Histrionic Personality = Dramatic, flamboyant, needs to be the center of attention
·629 Paranoid Personality = Suspicious, shows, mistrust of others, is watchful and secretive
·630 Schizoid Personality = Isolated and introverted, has no close friends
·631 Maladaptive Personality = Does not think anything he/she does is wrong, e.g., authorities
are “out to get them.”
EATING DISORDERS:
·632 Describe the clinical symptoms of anorexia nervosa.
·633 weight loss of at least 15% of ideal/original body weight; hair loss; dry skin; irregular heart
rate; decreased pulse; decreased blood pressure; Amenorrhea; dehydration; electrolyte
imbalance.
·634 State 2 psychodynamic differences between anorexia and bulimia.
·635 Anorexia nervosa deals with issues of control and a struggle between dependence and
independence. Bulimia deals with loss of control (Binge eating) and guilt (purging).
·636 An anorectic client has her friend bring her several cookbooks so she can plan a party
when she is discharged. What nursing intervention is appropriate in addressing this
behavior?
·637 Discuss activities that don’t involve food, which may take place after discharge. Discuss the
cookbooks with the treatment team and, if the treatment plan indicates, take books from client.
·638 Anorexia nervosa may be precipitated by what etiologic factors?
·639 Mother-daughter conflicts usually focusing on independence/dependence issues; discomfort
with maturation; need for control; desire for perfection
·640 What might the initial treatment include for a client admitted to the hospital with a
diagnosis of bulimia nervosa?
·641 Blood work to evaluate electrolyte status; replenish electrolytes and fluids as indicated;
carefully monitor for evidence of vomiting.
AFFECTIVE DISORDERS:
·642 Identify physiologic changes, which often occur with depression.
·643 Weight change (loss or gain), constipation, fatigue, lack of sexual interest, somatic complaints,
and sleep disturbances.
·644 A client, who has been withdrawn and tearful, comes to breakfast one morning smiling
and interacting with her peers. Prior to breakfast, she gave her roommate her favorite
necklace. What actions should the nurse take and why?
·645 Assess for suicidal ideation, plan and means to carry out plan. Place on precautions as
indicated. A sudden change in mood and giving away possessions are two possible signs that a
suicide plan has been developed.
·646 Name the components of a suicide assessment.
·647 Existence of a plan, method, availability of method chosen, lethality of method chosen,
identified support system, and history of previous attempts.
·648 A client on your unit refuses to go to group therapy. What is the most appropriatenursing interventions?
·649 Accompany client to the group; do not give client option. Client needs to be mobilized.
·650 A client is standing on a table loudly singing the “Star Spangled Banner” encircled by
sheets, which have been set afire. In order of priority, describe appropriate nursing
actions.
·651 Remove client and other persons in the vicinity to a safe area and activate hospital fire plan.
When area is safe, place client in quiet environment with low stimulation and medicate as
indicated.
SCHIZOPHRENIC/PARANOID DISORDERS:
·652 A client is sitting alone, talking quietly. There is no one around. What nursing action
should be taken?
·653 Quietly approach client and note the behavior. Assess content of the hallucinations, e.g., “I
noticed you talking. Are you hearing voices? Can you tell me about the voices you are hearing?”
·654 A client dials 222-2222 and asks for his fiance, Candice Bergen. This is an example of
what type of thought disorder?
·655 Delusion of grandeur
·656 A client has been sitting in the same position for 2 hours. He is mute. What type of
schizophrenia is this client experiencing? Describe appropriate nursing interventions for
this client?
·657 Catatonic: Spend time with client; assist with ADL; be alert to potential for violence toward
self/others; be aware of fluid and nutrition needs.
·658 A client is very agitated. He believes that the CIA has tapped the phone, is sending
messages through the television, and that you are an agent who has been planted by the
agency. In order of priority, list the appropriate nursing actions to intervene in this
situation. What type of delusion is this client experiencing?
·659 Approach client and offer solitary activity to distract. Assess need for medication. Encourage
verbalization of feelings and promote outlet for expression. Paranoid disorder with delusions of
reference (CIA).
·660 The nurse asks the client, “What brought you to the hospital?” The client’s response
is, “The bus.” What type of thinking is this client exhibiting?
·661 Concrete.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
·662 Three days ago, a client was admitted to the medical unit for a GI bleed. His BP and
pulse rate gradually increased, and he developed a low-grade fever. What assessment data
should the nurse obtain? What kind of anticipatory planning should the nurse develop?
·663 Obtain a drug and alcohol consumption assessment including type, frequency, and time of last
dose/drink. Call the physician and report findings. Anticipate withdrawal/delirium tremens.
Provide a quiet, safe environment. Place on seizure precautions. Anticipate giving a medication
like Librium.
·664 What physical signs might indicate that a client is abusing intravenous medications?
·665 Needle track marks; cellulitis at puncture site; poor nutritional status.
·666 What behaviors would indicate to the nurse manager that an employee has a possible
substance abuse problem?·667 Change in work performance, withdrawal, increase in absences (especially Monday or
Friday), increase in number of times tardy, long breaks, late returning from lunch.
·668 A client becomes extremely agitated, abusive, and very suspicious. He is currently
undergoing detoxification from alcohol with Librium 25 mg q6h. What nursing actions are
indicated?
·669 Notify the physician immediately and anticipate an increase in dose or frequency of Librium.
Provide a quiet, safe environment. Approach in a quiet, calm manner. Avoid touching client.
·670 A client, in the third week of cocaine rehabilitation program, returns from an
unsupervised pass. The nurse notices that he is euphoric and is socializing with the other
clients more than he has in the past. What nursing actions are indicated?
·671 Notify the physician of observed behavior change. Get a urine drug screen as ordered.
Confront client with observed behavior change.
ABUSE:
·672 What family dynamics are often seen in child abuse cases?
·673 Parent sees child as “different” from other children. Parent sees child to meet their own
needs. Parent seldom touches or responds to child. Parent may be very critical of child. Family
history of frequent moves, unstable employment, marital discord, and family violence. One parent
answers all the questions.
·674 What behavior might the nurse observe in a child who is abused?
·675 Child may appear frightened and withdrawn in the presence of parent or adult.
·676 Identify nursing interventions for dealing with an abused child.
·677 Must report all cases of suspected abuse to appropriate local/state agency. Take color
photographs of injuries. Document factual, objective statements of child’s physical condition,
child-family interactions, and interviews with family. Establish trust, and care for the child’s
physical problems. These are the PRIMARY and IMMEDIATE needs of these children.
Recognize own feelings of disgust and contempt for the parents. Teach basic child development
and parenting skills to family.
·678 When does battering of women often begin or escalate?
·679 During pregnancy.
·680 What dynamics prevent a battered spouse from leaving the battering situation?
·681 A woman in a battering relationship usually lacks self-confidence and feels trapped. She is
often embarrassed to tell friends and family, so she becomes isolated and dependent upon the
abuser.
·682 Why is elder abuse so under reported?
·683 It is difficult for an elderly person to admit abuse for fear of being placed in a nursing home or
being abandoned.
·684 What types of abuse are seen in the elderly?
·685 Abuse can be physical, verbal, psychosocial, exploitive, or physical neglect.
·686 Identify nursing interventions for working with a rape survivor?
·687 Communicate non-judgmental acceptance. Provide physical care to treat injuries. Give clear,
concise explanations of all procedures to be performed. Notify police, encourage victim to
prosecute. Collect and label evidence carefully in the presence of a witness. Document factual,objective statements of physical condition; record client’s EXACT WORDS in describing the
assault. Notify Rape Crisis Team or counselor if available in the community. Allow discussion of
feelings about the assault. Advise of potential for venereal disease, HIV, or pregnancy and
describe medical care available.
ORGANIC MENTAL DISEASES:
·688 List 5 causes of delirium.
·689 Infection, alcohol withdrawal, electrolyte imbalance, sleep deprivation, brain injury, i.e.,
subdural hematomas
·690 Describe the nursing care for a client with Alzheimer’s disease.
·691 Provide a safe, consistent environment. (Do not make changes if possible. Change
increases anxiety and confusion.) Stick to routines. If client wanders, make sure they have a
nametag. Provide assistance as needed with ADL. Make sure bathroom is clearly labeled.
·692 Identify 3 or more causes of dementia.
·693 Alzheimer’s disease, multi-infarcts (brain), Huntington’s chorea, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s
disease.
CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT DISORDERS:
·694 A 7 yr. old boy is disruptive in the classroom and is described by his parents as
“hyperactive.” What is the most probable psychiatric disorder? What are the signs and
symptoms of this disorder? What drug is usually prescribed for this disorder?
·695 Attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). More prevalent in boys, failure to listen or follow
instructions. Difficulty playing quietly, disruptive, impulsive behavior, difficulty sitting still,
distractibility to external stimuli, excessive talking, shifts from one unfinished task to another, and
underachievement in school performance. Ritalin.
·696 A 15 yr. old boy is threatening to drop out of school. His parents, both alcoholics, say
they can’t stop him. He has just been arrested for stealing a car and breaking into a house.
What is the most probable disorder? Develop nursing diagnoses and interventions for this
disorder.
·697 Conduct disorder.
·698 Potential for violence related to…depending on client.
·699 Disturbance in self-esteem related to…depending on client.
·700 Ineffective family coping related to…depending on client.
·701 Assess verbal/nonverbal cues for escalating behavior to decrease outbursts. Use a
non-authoritarian approach. Avoid asking “why” questions. Initiate a “show of force” for a
child who is out of control. Initiate suicide precautions when assessment indicates risk. Use
“quiet room” when external control is needed. Clarify expressions or jargon if meaning is
unclear. Redirect angry feelings to “safe” alternative such as pillow or punching bag.
Implement behavior modification therapy if indicated. Role-play new coping strategies.
PEDIATRIC NURSING
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT:
·702 When does birth length double? = by 4 years
·703 When does the child sit unsupported? = 8 months
·704 When does a child achieve 50% of adult height? = 2 years·705 When does a child throw a ball overhand? = 18 months
·706 When does a child speak 2-3 word sentences? = 2 years
·707 When does a child use scissors? = 4 years
·708 When does a child tie his/her shoes? = 5 years
CHILD HEALTH PROMOTION:
·709 List 2 contraindications for live virus immunization.
·710 Immunocompromised child or a child in a household with an immunocompromised individual.
·711 List 3 classic signs and symptoms of measles.
·712 Photophobia, confluent rash that begins on the face and spreads dowward, and Koplik’s spots
on the buccal mucosa.
·713 List the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency.
·714 Anemia, pale conjunctiva, pale skin color, atrophy of papillae on tongue, brittle/ridged/spoonshaped nails, and thyroid edema.
·715 Identify food sources for Vitamin A.
·716 Liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, peaches, and apricots.
·717 What disease occurs with vitamin C deficiency?
·718 Scurvy.
·719 What measurements reflect present nutritional status?
·720 Weight, skinfold thickness, and arm circumference.
·721 List the signs and symptoms of dehydration in an infant.
·722 Poor skin turgor, absence of tears, dry mucous membranes, weight loss, depressed fontanel
and decreased urinary output.
·723 List the laboratory findings that can be expected in a dehydrated child.
·724 Loss of bicarbonate/decreased serum pH, losso f sodium (hyponatremia), loss of potassium
(hypokalemia), elevated Hct, and elevated BUN.
·725 How should burns in children be assessed?
·726 Use the Lund-Browder chart, which takes into account the changing proportions of the child’s
body.
·727 How can the nurse BEST evaluate the adequacy of fluid replacement in children?
·728 Monitor urine output.
·729 How should a parent be instructed to “child proof” a house?
·730 Lock all cabinets, safely store all toxic household items in locked cabinets, and examine the
house from the child’s point of view.
·731 What interventions should the nurse do FIRST in caring for a child who has ingested apoison?
·732 Assess the child’s respiratory, cardiac, and neurological status.
·733 List 5 contraindications to administering syrup of ipecac.
·734 Coma, seizures, CNS depression, ingestion of petroleum-based products, and ingestion of
corrosives.
·735 What instructions should be given by phone to a mother who knows her child has
ingested a bottle of medication?
·736 Administer syrup of ipecac if the child is conscious. Bring any emesis or stool to the
emergency room. Bring the container in which the medicine was stored to the emergency room.
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS:
·737 Describe the purpose of bronchodilators.
·738 Reverse bronchospasm
·739 What are the physical assessment findings for a child with asthma?
·740 Expiratory wheezing, rales, right cough, and signs of altered blood gases.
·741 What nutritional support should be provided for the child with cystic fibrosis?
·742 Pancreatic enzyme replacement, fat-soluble vitamins, and a high carbohydrate, high protein,
moderate fat diet.
·743 Why is genetic counseling important for the cystic fibrosis family?
·744 The disease is autosomal recessive in its genetic pattern.
·745 List 7 signs of respiratory distress in a pediatric client.
·746 Restlessness, tachycardia, tachypnea, diaphoresis, flaring nostrils, retractions, and grunting
·747 Describe the care of a child in a mist tent.
·748 Monitor child’s temperature. Keep tent edges tucked in. Keep clothing dry. Assess child’s
respiratory status. Look at child inside tent.
·749 What position does the child with epiglottis assume?
·750 Upright, sitting, with chin out and tongue protruding (“tripod” position).
·751 Why are IV fluids important for the child with an increased respiratory rate?
·752 The child is at risk for dehydration and acid/base imbalance.
·753 Children with chronic otitis media are at risk for developing what problem?
·754 Hearing loss
·755 What is the most common post-operative complication following a tonsillectomy?
Describe the signs and symptoms of this complication.
·756 Hemorrhage; frequent swallowing, vomiting fresh blood, and clearing throat.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS:
·757 Differentiate between a right to left and left to right shunt in cardiac disease.
·758 A left to right shunt moves oxygenated blood back through the pulmonary circulation. A right
to left shunt bypasses the lungs and delivers unoxygenated blood to the systemic circulationcausing cyanosis.
·759 List the 4 defects associated with Tetralogy of Fallot.
·760 VSD, overriding aorta, pulmonary stenosis and right ventricular hypertrophy
·761 List the commons signs of cardiac problems in an infant.
·762 Poor feeding, poor weight gain, respiratory distress/infections, edema and cyanosis
·763 What are the 2 objectives in treating congestive heart failure?
·764 Reduce the workload of the heart and increase cardiac output.
·765 Describe nursing interventions to reduce the workload of the heart.
·766 Small, frequent feedings or gavage feedings. Plan frequent rest periods. Maintain a neutral
thermal environment. Organize activities to disturb child only as indicated.
·767 What position would best relieve the child experiencing a “tet” spell?
·768 Knee-chest position, or squatting.
·769 What are common signs of digoxin toxicity?
·770 Diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, nausea and vomiting. The nurse should check for bradycardia
prior to administration.
·771 List 5 risks of cardiac catheterization.
·772 Arrythmia, bleeding, perforation, phlebitis, and obstruction of the arterial entry site.
·773 What cardiac complications are associated with rheumatic fever?
·774 Aortic valve stenosis and mitral valve stenosis.
·775 What medications are used to treat rheumatic fever?
·776 Penicillin, erythromycin, and aspirin.
NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDERS:
·777 What are the physical features of a child with Down syndrome?
·778 Simian creases of palms, hypotonia, protruding tongue, and upward/outward slant of eyes.
·779 Describe “scissoring.”
·780 A common characteristic of spastic cerebral palsy in infants. The legs are extended and
crossed over each other, the feet are plantar flexed.
·781 What are 2 nursing priorities for a newborn with myelomeningocele?
·782 Prevention of infection of the sac and monitoring for hydrocephalus (measure head
circumference; check fontanel; assess neurological functioning).
·783 List the signs and symptoms of increased ICP in older children.
·784 Irritability, change in LOC, motor dysfunction, headache, vomiting, unequal pupil response,
and seizures.
·785 What teaching should parents of a newly shunted child receive?
·786 Signs of infection and increased ICP (decreased pulse, increased blood pressure). Shunt
should not be pumped. Child will need revisions due to growth. Provide guidance for growth and
development.·787 State the 3 main goals in providing nursing care for a child experiencing a seizure.
·788 Maintain patent airway, protect from injury, and observe carefully.
·789 What are the side effects of Dilantin?
·790 Gingival hyperplasia of the gums, dermatitis, ataxia, and GI distress.
·791 Describe the signs and symptoms of a child with meningitis?
·792 Fever, irritability, vomiting, neck stiffness, opisthotonos, positive Kernig’s sign, positive
Brudzinski’s sign. Infant does not show all classic signs, but is very ill.
·793 What antibiotics are usually ordered for bacterial meningitis?
·794 Ampicillin, penicillin, and/or Chloramphenicol.
·795 How is a child usually positioned after brain tumor surgery?
·796 Flat on his/her side.
·797 Describe the function of an osmotic diuretic.
·798 Osmotic diuretics remove water from the CNS to reduce cerebral edema.
·799 What nursing interventions increase intracranial pressure?
·800 Suctioning and positioning/turning.
·801 Describe the mechanism of inheritance for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
·802 Duchenne muscular dystrophy is inherited as an X-linked recessive trait.
·803 What is “Gower’s sign?”
·804 Gower’s sign is an indicator of muscular dystrophy. The child has to “walk” up legs using
hands to stand.
RENAL DISORDERS:
·805 Compare the signs and symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) with nephrosis.
·806 AGN: gross hematuria, recent strep infection, hypertension, and mild edema. Nephrosis:
severe edema, massive proteinuria, frothy-appearing urine, anorexia.
·807 What antecedent event occurs with acute glomerulonephritis?
·808 Beta-hemolytic strep infection
·809 Compare the dietary interventions for acute glomerulonephritis and nephrosis.
·810 AGN: low-sodium diet with no added salt. Nephrosis: high-protein, low-salt diet.
·811 What is the physiologic reason for the lab finding of hypoproteinemia in nephrosis?
·812 Hypoproteinemia occurs because the glomeruli are permeable to serum proteins.
·813 Describe safe monitoring of prednisone administration and withdrawal.
·814 Long term prednisone should be given every other day. Signs of edema, mood changes, and
GI distress should be noted and reported. The drug should be tapered, not discontinued suddenly.
·815 What interventions can be taught to prevent urinary tract infections in children?
·816 Avoid bubble baths, void frequently; drink adequate fluids especially acidic fluids such as
apple or cranberry juice, and clean genital area from front to back.·817 Describe the pathophysiology of vesicoureteral reflux.
·818 a malfunction of the valves at the end of the ureters allowing urine to reflux out of the bladder
into the ureters and possibly the kidneys.
·819 What are the priorities for a client with Wilms’ tumor?
·820 Protect the child from injury to the encapsulated tumor. Prepare the family/child for surgery.
·821 Explain why hypospadias correction is done before the child reaches preschool age.
·822 Preschoolers fear castration, are achieving sexual identity, and acquiring independent toileting
skills.
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS:
·823 Describe feeding techniques for the child with cleft lip or palate.
·824 Lamb’s nipple, or prosthesis. Feed child upright with frequent bubbling.
·825 List the signs and symptoms of esophageal atresia with TEF.
·826 choking, coughing, cyanosis, and excess salivation.
·827 What nursing actions are initiated for the newborn with suspected esophageal atresia
with TEF?
·828 NPO immediately and suction secretions.
·829 Describe the post-op nursing care for an infant with pyloric stenosis.
·830 Maintain Iv hydration and provide small, frequent oral feedings of glucose and/or electrolyte
solutions within 4-6 hours. Gradually increase to full strength formula. Position on right side in
semi-Fowler’s position after feeding.
·831 Describe why a barium enema is used to treat intussusception.
·832 A barium enema reduces the telescoping of the intestine through hydrostatic pressure without
surgical intervention.
·833 Describe the pre-op nursing care for a child with Hirschsprung’s disease.
·834 Check vital signs and take axillary temps. Provide bowel cleansing program and teach about
colostomy. Observe for bowel perforation; measure abdominal girth.
·835 What care is needed for the child with a temporary colostomy?
·836 Family needs education about skin care and appliances. Referral to an enterostomal
therapist is appropriate.
·837 What are the signs of anorectal malformation?
·838 A newborn who does not pass meconium within 24 hours, meconium appearing from a fistula
or in the urine, or an unusual appearing anal dimple.
·839 What are the priorities for a child undergoing abdominal surgery?
·840 Maintain fluid balance (I&O, NG suction, monitor electrolytes), monitor vital signs, care of
drains if present, assess bowel function, prevent infection of incisional area and other post-op
complications, and support child/family with appropriate teaching.
HEMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS:
·841 Describe what information families should be given when a child is receiving oral iron
preparations.·842 Give oral iron on an empty stomach and with vitamin C. Use straws to avoid discoloring teeth.
Tarry stools are normal. Increase dietary sources of iron.
·843 List dietary sources of iron.
·844 Meat, green leafy vegetables, fish, liver, whole grains, legumes.
·845 What is the genetic transmission pattern of hemophilia.
·846 It is an X-linked recessive chromosomal disorder, transmitted by the mother and expressed in
male children.
·847 Describe the sequence of events in a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia.
·848 A vaso-occlusive crisis is caused by clumping of red blood cells which cannot get through the
capillaries, causing pain and tissue/organ ischemia. Lowered oxygen tension affects the HgbS,
which causes sickling of the cells.
·849 Explain why hydration is a priority in treating sickle cell disease.
·850 Hydration promotes hemodilution and circulation of the red blood cells through the blood
vessels.
·851 What should families and clients do to avoid triggering sickling episodes?
·852 Keep child well hydrated. Avoid known sources of infections. Avoid high altitudes. Avoid
strenuous exercise.
·853 Nursing interventions and medical treatment for the child with leukemia are based on
what 3 physiological problems?
·854 Anemia (decreased erythrocytes). Infection (neutropenia). Bleeding thrombocytopenia
(decreased platelets).
SKELETAL DISORDERS:
·855 List normal findings in a neurovascular assessment.
·856 Warm extremity, brisk capillary refill, free movement, normal sensation of the affected
extremity, and equal pulses.
·857 What is compartment syndrome?
·858 Damage to the nerves and vasculature of an extremity due to compression.
·859 What are the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome?
·860 Abnormal neurovascular assessment: cold extremity, severe pain, inability to move the
extremity, and poor capillary refill.
·861 Why are fractures of the epiphyseal plate a special concern?
·862 Fractures of the epiphyseal plate (growth plate) may affect the growth of the limb.
·863 How is skeletal traction applied?
·864 Skeletal traction is maintained by pins or wires applied to the distal fragment of the fracture.
·865 What discharge instructions should be included for a child with spica cast?
·866 Check circulatio. Keep cast dry. Do not stick anything under cast. Prevent cast soilage
during toileting or diapering. DO NOT TURN with abductor bar.
·867 What are the signs and symptoms of congenital dislocated hip in infants?·868 Unequal skin folds of the buttocks, ortalani sign, limited abduction of the affected hip, and
unequal leg lengths.
·869 How would the nurse conduct scoliosis screening?
·870 Ask the child to bend forward from the hips with arms hanging free. Examine the child for a
curve of the spine, rib hump, and hip asymmetry.
·871 What instructions should the child with scoliosis receive about the Milwaukee brace?
·872 Wear the brace 23 hours per day. Wear t-shirt under brace. Check skin for irritation. Perform
back and abdominal exercises. Modify clothing. Encourage the child to maintain normal activities
as able.
·873 What care is indicated for a child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?
·874 Prescribed exercise to maintain mobility, splinting of affected joints, and teaching medication
management and side effects of drugs.
ADVANCED CLINICAL CONCEPTS
RESPIRATORY FAILURE:
·875 What PO2 value indicates hypoxemia?
·876 Below 50 mmHg
·877 What blood value indicates hypercapnia?
·878 PCO2 above 45 mmHg
·879 Identify the condition that exists when the PO2 is less than 50 mmHg and FiO2 is
greater than 60%.
·880 Hypoxemia
·881 List 3 symptoms of respiratory failure in the adult.
·882 Dyspnea/tachypnea, intercostal retractions, cyanosis.
·883 List 4 common causes of respiratory failure in children.
·884 Congenital heart disease, infection or sepsis. Respiratory distress syndrome, aspiration, fluid
overload or dehydration.
·885 What percentage of O2 should a child in severe respiratory distress receive?
·886 100% O2
SHOCK/DIC (DISSEMINATED INTRAVASCULAR CLOTTING):
·887 Define shock.
·888 Widespread, serious reduction of tissue perfusion which leads to generalized impairment of
cellular function.
·889 What is the most common cause of shock?
·890 Hypovolemia
·891 What cause septic shock?
·892 Release of endotoxins from bacteria which act on nerves in vascular space in periphery,
causing vascular pooling, reduced venous return, and decreased cardiac output, resulting in poorsystemic perfusion.
·893 What is the goal of treatment for hypovolemic shock?
·894 Quick restoration of cardiac output and tissue perfusion
·895 What intervention is used to restore cardiac output when hypovolemic shock exists?
·896 Rapid infusion of volume-expanding fluids
·897 It is important to differentiate between hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock. How might
the nurse determine the existence of cardiogenic shock?
·898 History of MI with left ventricular failure or possible cardiomyopathy, with symptoms of
pulmonary edema.
·899 If a client is in cardiogenic shock, what might result from administration of volume
expanding fluids, and what intervention can the nurse expect to perform in the event of
such an occurrence?
·900 Pulmonary edema, administer cardiotonic drugs such as digitalis preparations
·901 List 5 assessment findings found in most shock victims.
·902 Tachycardia. Tachypnea. Hypotension. Cool clammy skin. Decrease in urinary output.
·903 What is the normal central venous pressure for an adult?
·904 4 to 10 cm of H2O
·905 Once circulating volume is restored, vasopressors may be prescribed to increase
venous return. List the main drugs that are used.
·906 Epinephrine (Bronkaid). Dopamine (Dopram). Dobutamine (Dobutrex). Norepinephrine
(Levophed). Isoproterenol (Isuprel).
·907 What is the established minimum renal output per hour?
·908 30 cc/hr
·909 List 4 measurable criteria that are the major expected outcomes of a shock crisis.
·910 BP mean of 80 to 90 mmHg. PO2 >50 mmHg. CVP above 6 cm of H2O. Urine output at
least 30 cc/hr.
·911 Define DIC.
·912 A coagulation disorder in which there is paradoxical thrombosis and hemorrhage
·913 What is the effect of DIC on PT, PTT, platelets, FSPs (FDPs)?
·914 PT: prolonged. PTT: prolonged. Platelets: decreased. Fribin split products: increased.
·915 What drug is used in the treatment of DIC?
·916 Heparin
·917 Name 4 nursing interventions to prevent injury in clients with DIC.
·918 Gently provide oral care with mouth swabs. Minimize needle sticks and use the smallest
gauge needle possible when injections are necessary. Eliminate pressure by turning the client
frequently. Minimize the number of BPs taken by cuff. Use gentle suction to prevent trauma to
mucosa. Apply pressure to any oozing site.
RESUSCITATION:·919 What is the first priority when a client with an unwitnessed cardiac arrest is found?
·920 Begin CPR
·921 Define myocardial infarction.
·922 Necrosis of the heart muscle due to poor perfusion of the heart.
·923 What criteria should alert a client with known angina who takes nitroglycerin tablets
sublingually to call the EMS?
·924 Unrelieved chest pain after 3 nitroglycerin tabs in 15 minutes.
·925 After calling out for help and asking someone to dial for emergency services, what is
the next action in CPR?
·926 According to American Heart Association guidelines published September 2000, you should
call for help first for unresponsive adults and then begin the ABC’s of CPR. For unresponsive
infants & children, CPR should be performed for 1 minute before placing a 911 call for help.
·927 True or False: In feeling of presence of a carotid pulse, no more than 5 seconds should
be used.
·928 FALSE: palpate for at least 5 to 10 seconds, recognizing that arrythmias or bradycardia could
be occurring.
·929 During one-rescuer CPR, what is the ratio of compressions to ventilations for an adult?
During one-rescuer CPR, what is the ratio of compressions to ventialations for a child?
·930 15:2 X 4 cycles for adult. 5:1 for a child and neonate.
·931 What is the FIRST drug most likely to be used for an in-hospital cardiac arrest?
·932 Epinephrine
·933 A client in cardiac arrest is noted on bedside monitor to be in pulseless ventricular
tachycardia. What is the first action that should be taken?
·934 Defibrillation with 200 to 360 joules.
·935 True or False: A precordial thump is routine activity for an in-hospital cardiac arrest.
·936 FALSE: only indicated in pulseless VT or VF or when ventricular asystole on monitor responds
to a thump with a QRS complex.
·937 How would the nurse assess the adequacy of compressions during CPR? How would
the nurse assess for adequacy of ventilations during CPR?
·938 Check for a pulse. Watch for chest excursion and auscultate bilaterally for breath sounds.
·939 If a person is choking, when should the rescuer intervene?
·940 When the person points to his/her throat and can no longer cough, talk, or make sounds.
·941 One should NEVER make blind sweeps into the mouth of a choking child or infant.
Why?
·942 Because the object might be pushed further down into the throat.
·943 Why do ACLS guidelines recommend a decreased reliance on the use of bicarbonate
during adult CPR?
·944 Because acidosis should be relieved with improved ventilation. Bicarbonate administration
can actually contribute to increased CO2.FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE BALANCE:
·945 List 4 common caused of fluid volume deficit.
·946 GI causes: vomiting, diarrhea, GI suctioning. Decrease in fluid intake. Increase in fluid output
such as sweating. Massive edema. Ascites.
·947 List 4 common causes of fluid volume overload.
·948 CHF, renal failure; cirrhosis; excess ingestion of table salt or over-hydration with sodiumcontaining fluids.
·949 Identify 2 examples of isotonic fluids.
·950 Ringer’s lactate. Normal saline.
·951 List 3 systems which maintain acid-base balance.
·952 Lungs. Kidneys. Chemical buffers.
·953 Cite the ABG normals for the following: pH, pCO2, HCO3.
·954 pH: 7.35-7.45. pCO2: 35 to 45 mmHg. HCO3: 22-26 mEq/L
·955 Determine the following acid-base disorders:
·956 pH- 7.50, pCO2 – 30, HCO3 – 26 = Respiratory alkalosis
·957 pH- 7.30, pCO2 – 42, HCO3 – 20 = Metabolic acidosis
·958 pH- 7.48, pCO2 – 42, HCO3 – 32 = Metabolic alkalosis
·959 pH- 7.29, pCO2 – 55, HCO3 – 26 = Respiratory acidosis
PERIOPERATIVE CARE:
·960 List 5 variables that increase surgical risk.
·961 Age: very young and very old, obesity and malnutrition, preoperative
dehydration/hypovolemia, preoperative infection, use of anticoagulants preoperative (aspirin)
·962 Why is a client with liver disease at increased risk for operative complications?
·963 Impairs ability to detoxify medications used during surgery. Impairs ability to produce
prothrombin to reduce hemorrhage.
·964 Preoperative teaching should include demonstration and explanation of expected
postoperative client activities. What activities should be included?
·965 Respiratory activities: breathing, use of spirometer. Exercises: range of motion, leg exercises,
turning. Pain management: medications, splinting. Dietary restrictions: NPO to progressive diet.
Dressings and drains. Orientation to recovery room environment.
·966 What items should the nurse assist the client in removing before surgery?
·967 Contact lenses, glasses, dentures, partial plates, wigs, jewelry, prosthesis, make-up and nail
polish.
·968 How and why is the client positioned in the immediate postoperative period?
·969 Usually on the side or with head to side in order to prevent aspiration of any emesis.
·970 List 3 nursing actions to prevent postoperative wound dehiscence/evisceration.
·971 Splint incision when coughing, encourage coughing/deep breathing in EARLY postoperative
period when sutures are STRONG. Monitor for signs of infection, malnutrition, and dehydration.Encourage high-protein diet.
·972 Identify 3 nursing interventions to prevent postoperative urinary tract infections.
·973 Avoid postoperative catheterization. Increase oral fluid intake. Empty bladder q4 to 6 hours,
early ambulation.
·974 Identify nursing/medical interventions to prevent postoperative paralytic ileus.
·975 Early ambulation. Limit use of narcotic analgesics. NG tube decompression.
·976 List 4 nursing interventions to prevent postoperative thrombophlebitis.
·977 Perform in-bed leg exercises. Early ambulation. Apply antiembolus stockings. Avoid
positions/pressure which obstruct venous flow.
·978 During the intraoperative period, what activities should the operating room nurse do to
ensure safety during surgery?
·979 Ascertain correct sponge, needle, and instrument count. Position client to avoid injury. Apply
ground during electrocautery use. Strict use of surgical asepsis.
HIV INFECTION:
·980 Identify the way HIV is transmitted.
·981 Transmitted through blood and body fluids, e.g., unprotected sexual contact with an affected
person, sharing needles among drug abusing persons, infected blood products (rare), maternal to
fetus transmission through breast milk, or breaks in universal precautions (needle sticks or similar
occurrences).
·982 Vertical transmission (from mother to fetus) occurs how often if mother is treated
during pregnancy?
·983 Vertical transmission occurs 30 to 50% of the time.
·984 Describe universal precautions.
·985 Protection from blood and body fluids is the goal of standard precautions. Standard
precautions initiate barrier protection between caregiver and client through: Hand washing, use
gloves, use gown and masks, eye protection as indicated, depending on activity of care and the
likelihood of exposure. Prevent needle sticks by not capping needles.
·986 What are the side effects of Amphotericin B?
·987 Side effects of amphotericin B (can be quite severe) include: Anorexia, Chills, Cramping,
Muscle and joint pain, Circulatory problems.
·988 What does the CD4 T cell count describe?
·989 CD4 T cell count describes the number of infection-fighting lymphocytes the person has.
·990 Why does the CD4 T cell count drop in HIV infections?
·991 CD4 T cell count drops because the virus destroys CD4 T cells as it invades them and
replicates.
·992 Describe the ways a pediatric client might acquire HIV infection.
·993 Through infected blood products. Through sexual abuse. Through breast milk.
PAIN:
·994 What modalities are associated with the Gate control pain theory?·995 Massage, heat and cold, acupuncture, TENS.
·996 How does past experiences with pain influence current pain experience?
·997 The more pain experienced in childhood, the greater the perception of pain in adulthood or
with current pain experience.
·998 What modalities are thought to increase the production of endogenous opiates?
·999 Acupuncture, administration of placebos, TENS.
·1000 What 6 factors should the nurse include when assessing the pain experience?
·1001 Location, intensity, comfort measures, quality, chronology and subjective view of pain.
·1002 What mechanism is involved in the reduction of pain through the administration of
NSAIDs meds?
·1003 NSAIDs act by a peripheral mechanism at the level of damaged tissue by inhibiting
prostaglandin synthesis and other chemical mediators involved in pain transmission.
·1004 If narcotic agonist/antagonist drugs are administered to a client already taking narcotic
drugs, what may be the result?
·1005 Initiation of withdrawal symptoms
·1006 List 4 side effects of narcotic medications.
·1007 Nausea/vomiting. Constipation. CNS depression. Respiratory depression.
·1008 What is the antidote for narcotic-induced respiratory depression?
·1009 Narcan (Naloxone).
·1010 What is the 1st sign of tolerance to pain analgesics?
·1011 Decreased duration of drug effectiveness
·1012 Which route of administration for pain medications has the quickest onset and the
shortest duration?
·1013 IV push or bolus.
·1014 List the 6 modalities that are considered non-invasive, non-pharmacologic pain relief
measures.
·1015 Heat and cold applications. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Massage.
Distraction. Relaxation techniques. Biofeedback techniques.
DEATH AND GRIEF:
·1016 Identify the 5 stages of death and dying.
·1017 Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance.
·1018 A client has been told of a positive breast biopsy report. She asks no questions and
leaves the healthcare provider’s office. She is overheard telling her husband, :the doctor
didn’t find a thing.” What coping style is operating at this stage of grief?
·1019 Denial
·1020 Your client, an incest survivor, is speaking of her deceased father, the perpetrator. “He
was a wonderful man, so good and kind. Everyone thought so.” What would be the most
useful intervention at this time?·1021 Gently point out both the positive and negative aspects of her relationship wit her father. Try
to minimize the idealization of the deceased.
·1022 Your client feels responsible for his sister’s death because he took her to the hospital where
she died. “If I hadn’t taken her there, they couldn’t have killed her.” It has been one month since
her death. Is this response indicative of a normal or complicated grief reaction?
·1023 This is a normal expression of anger and guilt, which occurs. Try to minimize the rumination
of these thoughts.
·1024 Mrs. Green lost her husband 3 years ago. She has not disturbed any of his belongings
and continues to set a place at the table for him nightly. Is this response indicative of a
normal or complicated grief reaction?
·1025 This is a dysfunctional grief reaction. Mrs. Green has never moved out of the denial stage of
her grief work.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM:
·1026 Identify the waveforms found in a normal EKG?
·1027 P wave, QRS complex, T wave, ST segment, PR interval
·1028 In an EKG reading, which wave represents depolarization of the atrium?
·1029 P wave
·1030 In an EKG reading, what complex represents depolarization of the ventricle?
·1031 QRS complex
·1032 What does the PR interval represent?
·1033 The time rquired for the impulse to travel from the atria through the A-V node
·1034 If the U wave is most prominent, what condition might the nurse suspect?
·1035 Hypokalemia
·1036 Describe the calculation of the heart rate using an EKG rhythm strip.
·1037 Count the number of the R-R intervals in the 30 large squares and multiply by 10
·1038 What is the most important assessment data for the nurse to obtain on a client with
arrythmia?
·1039 Ability of the client to tolerate the arrhythmia
·1040 Calculate the rate of this rhythm strip.
·1041 90 to 100 depending on which set of 6 squares you use.
GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING:
·1042 What are normal memory changes that occur as one ages?
·1043 Short-term memory declines while long-term memory undergoes minimal change.
·1044 What symptoms might the nurse expect to see in an older person who has had an
overload of changes as well as a respiratory infection?
·1045 Confusion.
·1046 Why can the BP of older adults be expected to increase?
·1047 Heart work increases in response to increased peripheral resistance.·1048 What is the major cause of respiratory disability in the elderly?
·1049 COPD
·1050 List 5 nursing interventions to promote adequate bowel functioning for older persons.
·1051 Determine what is normal GI functioning for each individual, increase fiber and bulk in the diet,
provide adequate hydration, encourage regular exercise, and encourage eating, small, frequent
meals.
·1052 How can a female nurse increase the older client’s ability to hear her speak?
·1053 Lower the pitch or tone of her voice.
·1054 What is the most common visual problem occurring in the elderly?
·1055 Cataracts.
·1056 Describe the following conditions which occur in the elderly: Presbyopia, Arcus senilis,
Presbycusis.
·1057 Presbyopia – decreased ability of the eye to accommodate for close work.
·1058 Arcus senilis – glossy white ring encircling the periphery of the cornea
·1059 Presbycusis – decrease in hearing acuity, auditory threshold, pitch and tone discrimination,
and speech intelligibility.
·1060 Describe the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
·1061 Slow, insidious onset with progressive downward course.
·1062 What is the purpose of a reality orientation group?
·1063 To keep the client oriented to time, place, and person.
·1064 What are the 2 factors that cause decrease in excretion of drugs by the kidneys?
·1065 Decrease in glomerular filtration and slowed organ functioning.
OB-MATERNITY
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION:
·1066 State the objective signs that signify ovulation
·1067 abundant, thin, clear cervical mucus; open cervical os; slight drop in BBT and then 0.5-1.0 F
rise; ferning under the microscope
·1068 Ovulation occurs how many days before the next menstrual period?
·1069 14 days.
·1070 State three ways to identify the chronological age of a pregnancy (gestation)?
·1071 10 lunar months, 9 calendar months consisting of 3 trimesters of 3 months each, 40 weeks,
280 days.
·1072 What maternal position provides optimum fetal maternal/placental perfusion during
pregnancy?
·1073 The knee-chest position, but the ideal position of COMFORT for the mother which supports
fetal/maternal/placental perfusion is the side-lying position off the abdominal vessels (vena cava,
aorta)·1074 Name the major discomforts of the first trimester and one suggestion for amelioration
of each.
·1075 Nausea and vomiting: crackers before rising. Fatigue: teach the need for rest periods/naps
and 7-8 hours sleep at night.
·1076 If the first day of a woman’s last normal menstrual period was May 28, what is the
estimated delivery date (EDD) using Nagele’s rule?
·1077 Count back 3 months and add 7 days: March 7 (always give February 28 days).
·1078 At twenty weeks gestation, the fundal height would be ______ , the fetus would weigh
approximately _______ and look like _____ .
·1079 At the umbilicus; 300-400 grams; a baby with hair, lanugo and verniz, but without
subcutaneous fat.
·1080 State the normal psychosocial responses to pregnancy in the 2nd trimester
·1081 Ambivalence wanes and acceptance of pregnancy occurs; pregnancy becomes “real;” signs
of maternal-fetal bonding occur.
·1082 Hemodilution of pregnancy peaks at ______ weeks and results in a/an ______ in a
women’s Hct.
·1083 28-32 weeks; increase in Hct
·1084 State three principles relative to the PATTERN of weight gain in pregnancy.
·1085 Total gain should average 24-30 lbs. Gain should be consistent throughout pregnancy. An
average of 0.9 lb/week should be gained in the 2nd & 3rd trimester.
·1086 During pregnancy a woman should add ____ calories to her diet, and drink ____ of
milk/day.
·1087 300 calories; 1 quart of milk
·1088 Fetal heart rate can be auscultated by Doppler at ____ weeks gestation.
·1089 10-12 weeks
·1090 Describe the schedule for prenatal visits for a low-risk pregnant woman.
·1091 Once a month until 28 weeks, then once every week until delivery.
FETAL-MATERNAL ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES:
·1092 Name 5 maternal variables associated with diagnosis of a high risk pregnancy
·1093 Age (under 17 years or over 34 years of age), parity (over 5), <3 months between
pregnancies, diagnosis of PIH, diabetes mellitus, or cardiac disease.
·1094 Is one ultrasound examination useful in determining the presence of intrauterine
growth retardation (IUGR)?
·1095 no, serial measurements are needed to determine IUGR.
·1096 What does the biophysical profile (BPP) determine?
·1097 Fetal well-being
·1098 List 3 necessary nursing actions prior to an ultrasound exam for a woman in the first
trimester of pregnancy.
·1099 Have client fill bladder. Do not allow client to void. Position supine with uterine wedge.·1100 State the advantage of CVS over amniocentesis.
·1101 Can be done between 8-12 weeks gestation with results returned within one week, which
allows for decision about termination while still in 1st trimester.
·1102 Why are serum or amniotic AFP levels done prenatally?
·1103 To determine if alpha-fetoprotein levels are elevated which may indicate the presence of
neural tube defects; or low levels, which may indicate trisomy 21.
·1104 What is the most important determinant of fetal maturity for extrauterine survival?
·1105 L/S ratio (lung maturity, lung surfactant development)
·1106 Name the 3 most common complications of amniocentesis.
·1107 Spontaneous abortion, fetal injury, infection.
·1108 Name the 4 periodic changes of the fetal heart rate, their causes, and one nursing
treatment for each.
·1109 Acceleration: caused by burst of sympathetic activity; they are reassuring and require no
treatment. Early decelerations: caused by head compression, are benign and caution the nurse to
monitor for labor progress and fetal descent. Variable decelerations: caused by cord compression;
change of position should be tried first. Late decelerations: are caused by UPI (uteroplacental
insufficiency) and should be treated by placing client on her side and administering O2.
·1110 What is the most important indicator of fetal autonomic nervous system
integrity/health?
·1111 Fetal heart rate variability
·1112 Name 4 causes of decreased FHR variability.
·1113 Hypoxia, acidosis, drugs, fetal sleep
·1114 State the most important action to take when a cord prolapse is determined.
·1115 Examiner should position mother to relieve pressure on the cord with fingers until emergency
delivery is accomplished.
·1116 What is a “reactive” non-stress test?
·1117 FHR acceleration of 15 beats per minute for 15 seconds in response to fetal movement.
·1118 What are the dangers of nipple-stimulation stress test?
·1119 The inability to control “oxytocin” dosage and the chance of tetany/hyperstimulation.
·1120 Normal fetal scalp pH in labor is ____ and values below ____ indicate true acidosis.
- 7.25-7.35 normal pH; 7.2 indicates true acidosis.
INTRAPARTUM:
·1121 List five prodromal signs of labor the nurse might teach the client.
·1122 lightening, braxton-hicks contractions increase, bloody show, loss of mucous plug, burst of
energy, and nesting behaviors.
·1123 How is true labor discriminated from false labor?
·1124 true labor: regular, rhythmic contractions that intensify with ambulation, pain in the abdomen
sweeping around from the back, and cervical changes. False labor: irregular rhythm, abdominalpain (not in back) that decreases with ambulation.
·1125 State 2 ways to determine if the membranes have truly ruptured (ROM).
·1126 Nitrazine testing: paper turns dark blue or black. Demonstration of fluid “ferning” under
microscope.
·1127 Are psychoprophylactic breathing techniques prescribed for use by the stage and
phase of labor?
·1128 No, clients should use these techniques according to their discomfort level and change
techniques when one is no longer working for relaxation.
·1129 Identify two reasons to withhold anesthesia and analgesia until the mid-active phase of
Stage 1 labor.
·1130 if given too early, can retard labor; if given too late, can cause fetal distress
·1131 Hyperventilation often occurs to the laboring client. What results from hyperventilation
and what actions should the nurse take to relieve the condition?
·1132 Respiratory alkalosis occurs which is caused by blowing off CO2 and is relieved by breathing
into a paper bag or cupped hands.
·1133 Describe maternal changes that characterize the transition phase of labor.
·1134 irritability, unwillingness to be touched but does not want to be left alone, nausea and
vomiting, and hiccupping.
·1135 When should a laboring client be examined vaginally?
·1136 Vaginal exams should be done prior to analgesia/anesthesia, to rule out cord prolapse, to
determine labor progress if it is questioned, and to determine when pushing can begin.
·1137 Define cervical effacement.
·1138 the taking up of the lower cervical segment into the upper segment; shortening of the cervix
expressed in percent from 0-100% or complete effacement.
·1139 Where is the fetal heart rate best heard?
·1140 through the fetal back in vertex, OA positions.
·1141 Normal fetal heart rate in labor is _____ = 110-160 bpm
Normal maternal BP in labor is _____ = <140/90
Normal maternal pulse in labor is _____ = <100 bpm
Normal maternal temperature in labor is _____ = <100.4 F
·1142 List four nursing actions for the 2nd stage of labor.
·1143 make sure cervix is completely dilated before pushing is allowed. Assess FHR with each
contraction. Teach woman to hold breath for no longer than 5 seconds. Teach pushing technique.
·1144 List 3 signs of placental separation.
·1145 gush of blood; lengthening of cord, and globular shape of uterus
·1146 When should the postpartum dosage of Pitocin be administered? Why is it
administered?
·1147 give immediately after placenta is delivered to prevent postpartum hemorrhage/atony.
·1148 State one contraindication to the use of ergot drugs (Methergine).·1149 Hypertension
·1150 State 5 symptoms of respiratory distress in the newborn.
·1151 tachypnea, dusky color, flaring nares, retractions, and grunting.
·1152 If meconium was passed in utero, what action must the nurse take in the delivery
room?
·1153 arrange for immediate endotracheal tube observation to determine the presence of meconium
below the vocal cords (prevents pneumonitis/meconium aspiration syndrome)
·1154 What score is considered a good Apgar score?
·1155 7 to 10
·1156 What is the purpose of eye prophylaxis for the newborn?
·1157 prevent opthalmia neonatorum, which results from exposure to gonorrhea in vagina.
·1158 What is the danger associated with regional blocks?
·1159 hypotension resulting from vasodilation below the block, which pools blood in periphery
reducing venous return.
·1160 What is the major cause of maternal death when general anesthesia is administered?
·1161 Aspiration of gastric contents
·1162 Why are PO medications avoided in labor?
·1163 gastric activity stops or slows in labor, decreasing absorption from PO route, may cause
vomiting.
·1164 State the best way to administer IV drugs in labor.
·1165 at beginning of contraction, push a little medication in while uterine blood vessels are
constricted, thereby reducing dose to fetus.
·1166 When is it dangerous to administer butorphanol (Stadol), an agonist/antagonist
narcotic?
·1167 when the client is an undiagnosed drug abuser of narcotics, it can cause immediate
withdrawal symptoms.
·1168 Hypotension often occurs after the laboring client receives a regional block. What is
one of the first signs the nurse might observe?
·1169 Nausea
·1170 State three actions the nurse should take when hypotension occurs in a laboring client.
·1171 turn client to left side. Adminsiter O2 by mask at 10L/min. increase speed of intravenous
infusion (if it does not contain medication).
·1172 The fourth stage is defined as:
·1173 the first 1 to 4 hours after delivery placenta.
·1174 What actions can the nurse take to assist in preventing postpartum hemorrhage?
·1175 massage the fundus (gently) and keep the bladder emptied.
·1176 To promote comfort, what nursing interventions are used for a 3rd degree episiotomy,
which extends into the anal sphincter?·1177 ice pack, withc hazel compresses, and no rectal manipulation
·1178 What nursing interventions are used to enhance maternal-infant bonding during the 4th
stage of labor?
·1179 withhold eye prophylaxis up to 2 hours. Perform newborn admission/routine procedures in
room with parents. Encourage early initiation of breastfeeding. Darken room to encourage
newborn to open eyes.
·1180 List 3 nursing interventions to ease the discomfort of afterpains.
·1181 keep bladder empty. Provide warm blanket to abdomen. Administer analgesics ordered by
doctor.
·1182 List symptoms of a full bladder, which might occur in the 4th stage of labor.
·1183 fundus above umbilicus, dextroverted (to the right side of abdomen), increased bleeding
(uterine atony).
·1184 What action should the nurse take first when a soft, boggy, uterus is palpated?
·1185 perform fundal massage
·1186 What are the symptoms of hypovolemic shock?
·1187 pallor, clammy skin, tachycardia, lightheadedness, and hypotension
·1188 How often should the nurse check the fundus during the 4th stage of labor?
·1189 q15 minutes X 4 (1 hour), q30 minutes X 2 hours if normal.
NORMAL PUERPERIUM (POSTPARTUM):
·1190 A nurse discovers a postpartum client with a boggy uterus, displaced above and to the
right of the umbilicus. What nursing action is indicated?
·1191 Perform immediate fundal massage. Ambulate to the bathroom or use bedpan to empty
bladder because cardinal signs of bladder distention are present.
·1192 Which women experience afterpains more than others?
·1193 Breastfeeding women, multiparas, and women who experienced over distention of the uterus.
·1194 Upon admission to the postpartum room, 3 hours after delivery, a client has a
temperature of 99.5F. What nursing actions are indicated?
·1195 Probably elevated due to dehydration and work of labor; force fluids and retake temperature in
an hour; notify physician if above 100.4F.
·1196 A client feels faint on the way to the bathroom. What nursing assessments should be
made?
·1197 Assess BP sitting and lying, assess Hgb and Hct for anemia.
·1198 What factor places the postpartum client at risk for thromboembolism?
·1199 Increased clotting factors.
·1200 A breastfeeding mother complains of very tender nipples. What nursing actions should
be taken?
·1201 Have her demonstrate infant position on breast (incorrect positioning often causes
tenderness). Leave bra open to air-dry nipples for 15 minutes 3X daily. Remove all “smothering”
creams.·1202 Three days postpartum, a lactating mother has full, warm, taut, tender breasts. What
nursing actions should be taken?
·1203 She is engorged; have newborn suckle frequently; use measures to increase milk flow; warm
water, breast massage and supportive bra.
·1204 What information should be given to a client regarding resumption of sexual
intercourse after delivery?
·1205 Avoid until postpartum exam. Use water soluble jelly. Expect slight discomfort due to vaginal
changes.
·1206 A woman has decided to take birth control pills as her contraceptive method. What
should she do if she misses taking the pill two consecutive days?
·1207 Take two pills for two days and use an alternate form of birth control.
·1208 A woman asks why she is urinating so much in the postpartum period. The nurse
bases the response on what information.
·1209 Up to 3,000 cc per day can be voided due to the reduction of the 40% plasma volume
increase during pregnancy.
·1210 A woman’s white blood count returns 17,000; she is afebrile and has no symptoms of
infection. What nursing action is indicated?
·1211 Continue routine assessments; normal leukocytosis occurs during postpartal period because
of placental site healing.
·1212 What is the most common cause of uterine atony in the first 24 hours postpartum?
·1213 full bladder
·1214 What is the purpose of giving docusate sodium (Colace) to the postpartum client?
·1215 to soften the stool in mother’s with 3rd and 4th degree episiotomies, hemorrhoids, or Cesarean
section delivery.
·1216 What should the fundal height be at three days postpartum for a woman who has had a
vaginal delivery?
·1217 3 fingerbreadths/cm below the umbilicus.
·1218 List 3 signs of positive bonding between parents and newborn?
·1219 Calling infant by name, exploration of newborn head to toe, en face position.
THE NORMAL NEWBORN:
·1220 The newborn transitional period consists of the first ____ of life.
·1221 6 to 8 hours of life
·1222 The nurse anticipates which newborn will be more at risk for problems in the
transitional period. State 3 predisposing factors to respiratory depression in the newborn.
·1223 Cesarean delivery; magnesium sulfate given to mother in labor; asphyxia/fetal distress in
labor.
·1224 What is the danger of heat loss to the newborn in the first few hours of life?
·1225 Leads to depletion of glucose (very little glycogen storage in immature liver); begins to use
brown fat for energy producing ketones causing subsequent ketoacidosis and shock.·1226 Normal newborn temperature is ____ = 97.7 – 99.4F
Normal newborn heart rate is ____ = 110-160 bpm
Normal newborn respiratory rate is ____ = 30-60 bpm
Normal blood pressure is ____ = 80/50
·1227 The nurse records a temperature below 97F on admission of the newborn. What
nursing actions should be taken?
·1228 Place newborn in isolette or under radiant warmer and attach a temperature skin probe to
regulate isolette or radiant warmer temperature. Wrap newborn double if no isolette or warmer
available and put cap on head. Watch for signs of hypothermia and hypoglycemia.
·1229 True or False: the newborn’s head is usually smaller than the chest.
·1230 FALSE: head is usually 2 cm larger unless severe molding occurred.
·1231 During the physical exam of the newborn, the nurse notes the cry is shrill, highpitched, and weak. What are the possible causes?
·1232 CNS anomalies, brain damage, hypoglycemia, drug withdrawal.
·1233 The nurse notes a swelling over the back part of the newborn head. Is this normal
newborn variation?
·1234 It depends on the exam. If it crosses suture lines and is a caput (edema), it is normal. If it
does not cross suture lines, it is a cephalhematoma with bleeding between the skull and
periosteum. This could cause hyperbilirubinemia. This is an abnormal variation.
·1235 What symptoms are common to most newborns with Down Syndrome?
·1236 Low set ears, simian crease on palm, protruding tongue, Brushfield’s spots in iris, epicanthal
folds.
·1237 Identify 3 ways t determine presence of congenital hip dislocation in the newborn.
·1238 Hip click determination, asymmetrical gluteal folds, unequal limb lengths.
·1239 Should the normal newborn have a positive or negative Babinski reflex?
·1240 Positive. The transient reflex is present until 12-18 months of age.
·1241 A small-for-gestational age newborn is identified as one who ____.
·1242 Has a weight below the 10th percentile for estimated weeks of gestation.
·1243 When suctioning the newborn with a bulb syringe, which should be suctioned first, the
mouth or the nose?
·1244 Mouth; stimulating the nares can initiate inspiration which could cause aspiration of mucus in
oral pharynx.
·1245 A new mother asks the nurse if circumcision is medically indicated in the newborn.
How should the nurse respond?
·1246 There is controversy concerning this issue, but we do know it causes pain and trauma to the
newborn, and the medical indication may be unfounded.
·1247 Normal blood glucose in the term neonate is ____. = 40-80 mg/dl.
·1248 Why does the newborn need vitamin K in the 1st hour after birth?
·1249 Sterile gut at delivery lacks intestinal bacteria necessary for the synthesis of vitamin K; vitamin
K is needed in the clotting cascade to prevent hemorrhagic disorders.·1250 Physiologic jaundice in the newborn occurs _____. It is caused by _____.
·1251 Jaundice occurs at 2-3 days of life and is caused by immature liver’s inability to keep up with
bilirubin production of normal RBC destruction.
·1252 When is the screening test for phenylketonuria done?
·1253 At 2-3 days of life or after enough milk ingestion to determine body’s ability to metabolize
amino acid phenylalanine.
·1254 A term newborn needs to take in _____ calories per pound per day. After the initial
weight loss is sustained, the newborn should gain _____ per day.
·1255 50 calories; 1 ouncce or 30 grams.
·1256 List 5 signs and symptoms new parents should be taught to report immediately to a
doctor or clinic.
·1257 Lethargy; temperature >100F, vomiting, green stools, refusal of 2 feeds in a row.
HIGH-RISK DISORDERS:
·1258 What instructions should the nurse give the woman with a threatened abortion?
·1259 Maintain strict bedrest for 24-48 hrs. Avoid sexual intercourse for two weeks.
·1260 Identify the nursing plans and interventions for a woman hospitalized with hyperemesis
gravidarum.
·1261 Weight daily; uring ketone checks 3X daily; progressive diet; check FHR q8h; monitor for
electrolyte imbalances.
·1262 Describe discharge counseling for a woman after hydatidiform mole evacuation by
D&C.
·1263 Prevent pregnancy for one year. Return to clinic/MD for monthly hCG levels for 1 yr. Post-op
D&C instructions; call if bright red vaginal bleeding or foul smelling vaginal discharge occurs, or
temperature spike over 100.4F.
·1264 What condition should the nurse suspect if a woman of childbearing age presents to an
emergency room with bilateral or unilateral abdominal pain with or without bleeding?
·1265 Ectopic pregnancy
·1266 List 3 symptoms of abruptio placentae and 3 symptoms of placenta previa.
·1267 Abruption: fetal distress; rigid, board-like abdomen; pain; dark red or absent bleeding. Previa:
painless, bright red vaginal bleeding; fetal heart rate normal; soft uterus.
·1268 What specific information should the nurse include when teaching human
papillomavirus detection & treatment?
·1269 Detection of dry; wart-like growths on vulva or rectum. Need for pap smear in the prenatal
period. Treatment with laser ablation (cannot use Podophyllin in pregnancy). Associated with
cervical carcinoma in mother and respiratory papillomatosis in neonate.
·1270 State 3 principles pertinent to counseling and/or teaching a pregnant adolescent.
·1271 Nurse must establish trust/rapport before counseling/teaching begins. Adolescents do not
respond to an authoritarian approach. Consider the developmental tasks of identity and
social/individual intimacy.
·1272 What complications are pregnant adolescents more prone to develop?
·1273 PIH, IUGR, CPD, STDs, Anemia.·1274 All pregnant women should be taught preterm labor recognition. Describe the warning
symptoms of preterm labor.
·1275 More than 5 contractions/hour, cramps, low, dull backache; pelvic pressure; change in vaginal
discharge.
·1276 List the predisposing factors to preterm labor.
·1277 Urinary tract infection; over distention of uterus; diabetes; PIH; cardiac disease; placenta
previa, psychosocial factors, i.e., stress
·1278 When is preterm labor able to be arrested?
·1279 Cervix is <4cm dilated, <50% effacement, and membranes intact and not bulging out of the
cervical os.
·1280 What is the major side effect of beta-adrenergic (Terbutaline, Ritodrine) tocolytic
drugs?
·1281 Tachycardia
·1282 What special actions should the nurse take in the intrapartum period if preterm labor is
unable to be arrested?
·1283 Monitor the FHR continuously and limit drugs, which cross placental barriers to prevent fetal
depression or further compromise.
·1284 A prolonged latent phase for a multipara is ____ and for a nullipara is ____. Multiparas
average cervical dilatation is ____cm/hr in the active phase and nulliparas average cervical
dilatation is ____cm/hr in the active phase.
·1285 >14 hours, >20 hours, 1.5 cm/her; 1.2 cm/hr.
·1286 What are the major goals of nursing care related to pregnancy-induced hypertension
with preeclampsia?
·1287 Maintenance of uteroplacental perfusion; prevention of seizures; prevention of complications
such as HELLP syndrome, DIC and abruption.
·1288 Magnesium sulfate is used to treat PIH. A) What is the purpose for administration of
magnesium sulfate? B) What is the main action of magnesium sulfate? C) The antidote for
magnesium sulfate? D) List the 3 main assessment findings indicating toxic effects of
magnesium sulfate.
·1289 A) Prevent seizures by decreasing CNS irritability B) Central nervous system depression
(seizure prevention) C) Calcium Gluconate D) Reduced urinary output, reduced respiratory rate,
and decreased reflexes.
·1290 What are the major symptoms of pregnancy induced hypertension (preeclampsia)?
·1291 Increase in BP of 30mmHg systolic and 15 mmHg diastolic over previous baseline;
hyperflexia; proteinuria (albuminuria); CNS disturbances; headache, and visual disturbances;
epigastric pain.
·1292 What is the priority nursing action after spontaneous or artificial rupture of
membranes?
·1293 Assessment of the fetal heart rate.
·1294 What is the most common complication of oxytocin augmentation or induction of
labor? List 3 actions the nurse should take if such a complication occurs.
·1295 Tetany. Turn off Pitocin. Turn pregnant woman to side. Administer O2 by face mask.·1296 List the symptoms of water intoxification from the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) effect of
Pitocin (oxytocin).
·1297 Nausea and vomiting, headache, and hypotension.
·1298 State 3 nursing interventions during FORCEPS delivery.
·1299 Ensure empty bladder. Auscultate FHR before application, during, and between traction
periods. Observe for maternal lacerations and newborn cerebral/facial trauma.
·1300 What is the cause of pregnancy induced hypertension?
·1301 The person who determines the exact cause will be our next NOBEL prize winner! However,
the underlying pathophysiology appears to be generalized vasospasm with increased peripheral
resistance and vascular damage. This decreased perfusion results in damage to numerous
organs.
·1302 What interventions should the nurse implement to prevent further CNS irritability in the
PIH client?
·1303 Darken room, limit visitors, maintain close 1:1 nurse/client ratio, place in private room, plan
nursing interventions all together so client is disturbed as little as possible.
·1304 A woman on Orinase (oral hypoglycemic) asks the nurse if she can continue this
medication in pregnancy. How should the nurse respond?
·1305 No, oral hypoglycemic medications are teratogenic to the fetus. Insulin will be used.
·1306 Name 3 maternal & 3 fetal complications of gestational diabetes.
·1307 Maternal: hypoglycemia, herperglycemia, ketoacidosis; Fetal: macrosomia, hypoglycemia at
birth, fetal anomalies
·1308 When should the nurse hold the dose of magnesium sulfate and call the physician?
·1309 When the client’s respirations are <12/minute, DTRs are absent, or urinary output is <100cc/4
hours
·1310 State 3 priority nursing actions in the postdelivery period for the client with PIH.
·1311 Monitor for signs of blood loss. Continue to assess BP and DTRs q4 hours. Monitor for
uterine atony.
·1312 When are the 2 most difficult times for control for the pregnant diabetic?
·1313 Late in the 3rd trimester and in the postpartum period when insulin needs to drop sharply (the
diabetogenic effects of pregnancy drop precipitously).
·1314 Why is regular insulin used in labor?
·1315 It is short-acting, predictable, can be infused intravenously and discontinued quickly if
necessary.
·1316 List 3 conditions clients with diabetes mellitus are more prone to develop.
·1317 PIH, hydramnios; infection
·1318 When is cardiac disease in pregnancy most dangerous?
·1319 At peak plasma volume increase, 28-32 weeks gestation and during Stage II labor.
·1320 Does insulin cross the placental/breast barrier?
·1321 No, therefore insulin-dependent women may breastfeed.·1322 The goal for diabetic management during labor is euglycemia. How is it defined?
·1323 60-100 mg/dl.
·1324 What contraceptive technique is recommended for diabetic women?
·1325 Diaphragm with spermicide. Avoid birth control pills that contain estrogen and IUDs, which
are an infection risk.
·1326 List the symptoms of cardiac decompensation in the laboring client with cardiac
disease.
·1327 Tachycardia, tachypnea, dry cough, rales in lung bases, dyspnea, and orthopnea.
·1328 What interventions can the nurse implement to maintain cardiac perfusion in a laboring
cardiac client?
·1329 Position client in a semi or high-Fowler’s position. Prevent Valsalva’s maneuvers. Position
client in a supine or R/T for regional anesthesia. Avoid stirrups because of possible popliteal vein
compression and decreased venous return.
·1330 Gentle counterpressure against the perineum during an emergency delivery prevents
____ and ____.
·1331 Maternal lacerations, fetal cerebral trauma.
·1332 When may a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC) be considered by a woman with a
previous c-section?
·1333 If a low uterine transverse incision was performed and can be documented AND if the original
complication does not recur, i.e., CPD.
·1334 Prior to anesthesia for C-section delivery, the mother may be given an antacid or a
gastric antisecretory drug (histamine receptor antagonist). State the reasons why these
drugs are given.
·1335 Antacid buffers alkalize the stomach secretions. If aspiration occurs, less lung damage
ensues. An antisecretory drug reduces gastric acid, reducing the risk of gastric aspiration.
·1336 Clients who have had a C-section are prone to what post-op complications?
·1337 Paralytic ileus, infection, thromboembolism, respiratory complications, and impaired maternal
infant bonding.
POSTPARTUM HIGH-RISK DISORDERS:
·1338 May women with a positive HIV antibody test breastfeed?
·1339 No, HIV has been found in breast milk.
·1340 What are the common side effects of antibiotics used to treat puerperal infection?
·1341 GI adverse reactions: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. Hypersensitivity reactions:
rashes, urticaria, and hives
·1342 How does the nurse differentiate symptomatology of cystitis from pylonephritis?
·1343 Pyelonephritis has the same symptoms as cystitis (dysuria, frequency, and urgency) with the
addition of flank pain, fever, and pain at costovertebral angle.
·1344 What are the signs of endometritis?
·1345 Subinvolution (boggy, high uterus), lochia returns to rubra with possible foul smell,
temperature 100.4F or higher, unusual fundal tenderness.·1346 What are the nursing actions for endometritis and parametritis?
·1347 Measures to promote lochial drainage; antipyretic measures (acetaminophen, cool baths);
administration of analgesics and antibiotics as ordered; increase fluids with attention to high
protein/high vitamin C diet.
·1348 State 4 risk factors or predisposing factors t opostpartum infection.
·1349 Operative delivery, intrauterine manipulation , anemia or poor physical health, traumatic
delivery, and hemorrhage.
·1350 State 4 risk factors or predisposing factors to postpartum hemorrhage.
·1351 Dystocia or prolonged labor, over distention of the uterus, abruptio placentae, and infection
·1352 What immediate nursing actions should be taken when a postpartum hemorrhage is
detected?
·1353 Fundal massage. Notify MD if massage does NOT firm fundus. Count pads to estimate blood
loss. Assess/record vital signs. Increase IV fluids and administer oxytocin infusion as ordered.
·1354 Must women diagnosed with mastitis stop breastfeeding?
·1355 No, women who abruptly stop breastfeeding may make the situation worse by increasing
congestion/engorgement and providing further media for bacterial growth. Client may HAVE to
discontinue breastfeeding if pus is present or if antibiotics are contraindicated for neonate.
NEWBORN HIGH-RISK DISORDERS:
·1356 List the major CNS danger signals, which occur in the neonate.
·1357 Lethargy, high-pitched cry, jitteriness, seizures, and bulging fontanels.
·1358 A baby is delivered blue, limp, and with a heart rate <100. The nurse dries the infant,
suctions the oropharynx and gently stimulates the infant while blowing O2 over the face.
The infant still does not respond. What is the next nursing action?
·1359 Begin oxygenation by bag and mask at 30-50 breaths/minute. Assist physician in setting up
for intubation procedure.
·1360 What does the Silverman-Anderson index measure?
·1361 Respiratory difficulty
·1362 What are the two major complications of O2 toxicity?
·1363 Retrolental fibroplasias and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
·1364 Necrotizing enterocolitis results from ____ and is manifested by ____.
Ischemia/hypoxia results in ____.
·1365 Ischemis hypoxia; abdominal distention, sepsis and a lack of absorption from intestines.
Injury to the intestinal mucosa.
·1366 Intraventricular hemorrhage is more common in ____ and results in symptoms of ____.
·1367 Premature neonates and VLBW babies.
·1368 What conditions make oxygenation of the newborn more difficult?
·1369 Respiratory distress syndrome; alveolar prematurity/lack of surfactant, anemia and
polycythemia.
·1370 In order to prevent problems with oxygenating the newborn, what parameters can the
nurse observe?·1371 PO2 50-90, SVO2 60-80 mmHg.
·1372 What are the cardinal symptoms of sepsis in a newborn?
·1373 Lethargy, temperature instability, difficulty feeding, subtle color changes, subtle behavioral
changes and hyperbilirubinemia.
·1374 A premature baby is born and develops hypothermia. State the major nursing
interventions to treat hypothermia.
·1375 Place under radiant warmer or in incubator with temperature skin probe over liver. Warm all
items touching the newborn. Place plastic wrap over neonate.
·1376 Nurses often weigh diapers in order to determine exact urine output in the high-risk
neonate. Explain this procedure.
·1377 Diaper is weighed in grams before applying. Weigh diaper after wetting. Calculate and record
each gram or added weight as one cc of urine.
·1378 What factors does the nurse look for in determining the newborn’s ability to take in
nourishment by nipple/mouth?
·1379 Good suck, coordinated suck-swallow, takes less than 20 minutes to feed, gaining 20-30
gm/day.
·1380 What complications are associated with total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
·1381 Hyperglycemia, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and infection.
·1382 In order to prevent rickets in the preterm newborn, what supplement is given?
·1383 Calcium and vitamin D.
·1384 List 4 nursing interventions to enhance family/parent adjustment to a high-risk
newborn.
·1385 Initiate early visitation at ICU. Provide daily information to family. Encourage participation in
support group for parents. Encourage all attempts at care-giving (enhances bonding).
·1386 List risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia.
·1387 Rh incompatibility, ABO incompatibility, prematurity, sepsis, perinatal asphyxia.
·1388 List symptoms of hyperbilirubinemia in the neonate.
·1389 Bilirubin levels rising 5mg/day, jaundice, dark urine, anemia, high reticulocyte (RBC) count,
and dark stools.
·1390 Write one nursing diagnosis generated from the data pertinent to hyperbilirubinemia.
·1391 Potential for injury related to predisposition of bilirubin for fat cells in brain.
·1392 List 3 nursing interventions for the neonate undergoing phototherapy.
·1393 Apply opaque mask over eyes. Leave diaper loose so stools/urine can be monitored. Turn
every 2 hours. Watch for dehydration.
·1394 List the symptoms of neonatal narcotic withdrawal.
·1395 Irritability, hyperactivity, high-pitched cry, frantic sucking, coarse flapping tremors, and poor
feeding.
·1396 Neonates who are “sick” are prone to receive too much stimulation in the form of
invasive procedures and handling too little developmentally-appropriate stimulation andaffection. How might such an infant respond?
·1397 Failure to thrive, lack of crying.
·1398 How should the nurse determine the length of a tube needed for oral gavage feeding of
a newborn?
·1399 From the bridge of the nose, to the earlobe, to a point halfway between the xiphoid and the
umbilicus.
·1400 What are the 2 best ways to test for correct placement of the gavage tube in the infant’s
stomach?
·1401 Aspiration of stomach contents with pH testing, and auscultation of air bubble injected into
stomach.
·1402 What characteristics would the nurse expect to see in a neonate with fetal alcohol
syndrome?
·1403 Microcephaly, growth retardation, short palpebral fissures, and maxillary hypophysia.
ALL HESI HINTS
ADVANCED CLINICAL CONCEPTS
·1404 ARDS is an unexpected, catastrophic pulmonary complication occurring in a person with no
previous pulmonary problems. The mortality rate is high (50%)
·1405 In ARDS, a common laboratory finding is lowered PO2. However, these clients are not very
responsive to high concentrations of oxygen.
·1406 Think about the physiology of the lungs by remembering PEEP: Positive End Expiratory
Pressure is the instillation and maintenance of small amounts of air into the alveolar sacs to
prevent them from collapsing each time the client exhales. The amount of pressure can be set
with the ventilator and is usually around 5 to 10 cm of water.
·1407 Suction only when secretions are present.
·1408 Before drawing arterial blood gases from the radial artery, perform the Allen test to assess
collateral circulation. Make the client’s hand blanch by obliterating both the radial and ulnar
pulses. Then release the pressure over the ulnar artery only. If flow through the ulnar artery is
good, flushing will be seen immediately. The Allen test is then positive, and the radial artery can
be used for puncture. If the Allen test is negative, repeat on the other arm. If this test is also
negative, seek another site for arterial puncture. The Allen test ensures collateral circulation to the
hand if thrombosis of the radial artery should follow the puncture.
·1409 If the client does not have O2 to his/her brain, the rest of the injuries do not matter because
death will occur. However, they must be removed from any source of imminent danger, such as a
fire.
·1410 PC)2 >45 or PO2 <60 on 50% O2 signifies respiratory failure.
·1411 A child in severe distress should be on 100% O2.
·1412 Early signs of shock are agitation and restlessness resulting from cerebral hypoxia.·1413 If cardiogenic shock exists with the presence of pulmonary edema, i.e., from pump failure,
position client to REDUCE venous return (HIGH FOWLER’s with legs down) in order to decrease
venous return further to the left ventricle.
·1414 Severe shock leads to widespread cellular injury and impairs the integrity of the capillary
membranes. Fluid and osmotic proteins seep into the extra vascular spaces, further reducing
cardiac output. A vicious cycle of decreased perfusion to ALL cellular level activities ensues. All
organs are damaged, and if perfusion problems exist, the damage can be permanent.
·1415 All vasopressors/vasodilator drugs are potent and dangerous and require weaning on and off.
Do not change infusion rates simultaneously.
·1416 A client is brought into the hospital suffering shock symptoms as a result of a bee sting. What
is the first priority? Maintaining an open airway (the allergic reaction damages the lining of the
airways causing edema). Also, keep the client warm without constricting clothing; keep legs
elevated (not Trendelenburg because the weight of the lower organs restricts breathing).
·1417 Epinephrine: 1:1000, 0.2 to 0.5ml subq for mild
·1418 Epinephrine: 1:10,000, or 5ml IV for severe
·1419 Volume expanding fluids are usually given to clients in shock. However, if the shock is
cardiogenic, pulmonary edema may result.
·1420 Drugs of choice for shock
·1421 Digitalis preparations: Increase the contractility of the heart muscle
·1422 Vasoconstrictors (Levophed, Dopamine): Generalized vasonconstriction to provide more
available blood to the heart to help maintain cardiac output.
·1423 A common volume-expanding substance is plasma and possibly whole blood.
·1424 You are caring for a woman who was in severe automobile accident several days ago. She
has several fractures and internal injuries. The exploratory laparotomy was successful in
controlling the bleeding. However, today you find that this client is bleeding from her incision,
short of breath, has a weak thready pulse, has cold and clammy skin, and hematuria.
·1425 What do you think is wrong with the client, and what would you expect to do about it?
·1426 These are typical signs and symptoms of DIC crisis. Expect to administer IV heparin to block
the formation of thrombin (Coumadin does not do this). However, the client described is already
past the coagulation phase and into the hemorrhagic phase. Her management would be
administration of clotting factors along with palliative treatment of the symptoms as they arise.
(Her prognosis is poor).
·1427 NCLEX-RN questions on CPR often deal with prioritization of actions. Question: What actions
are required for each of the following situations?
·1428 A 24-year old motorcycle accident vistim with a ruptured artery if the leg is pulseless and
apneic.
·1429 A 36-year old first time pregnant woman who arrests during labor.
·1430 A 17-year old with no pulse or respirations who is trapped in an overturned car, which is
starting to catch fire.
·1431 A 40-year old businessman who arrests two days after a cervical laminectomy.
·1432 WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE (EMS)·1433 The American Heart Association recommends that those with known angina pectoris seek
emergency medical care if chest pain is NOT relieved by three nitroglycerin tablets 5 minutes
apart over a 150minute period.
·1434 A person with previously unrecognized coronary disease experiencing chest pain persisting
for 2 minutes or longer should seek emergency medical treatment.
·1435 It is important for the nurse to stay current with the American Heart Association’s guidelines for
Basic Life Support (BLS) by being certified every two years as required.
·1436 If one rescuer is performing CPR, 1 15:2 ratio of compression to ventilations is performed for
4 cycles, then reassess for breathing and pulse. If two rescuers are performing CPR, a 15:2 ratio
is now recommended for compressions to ventilations. Perform for 15 cycles with a 100/min
compression rate. When trading off, start with compressions.
·1437 Initiate CPR with BLS guidelines immediately, then move on to Advanced Cardiac Life Support
(ACLS) guidelines.
·1438 When significant arterial acidosis is noted, try to reduce PCO2 by increasing ventilation, which
will correct arterial, venous, and tissue acidosis. Bicarbonate may exacerbate acidosis b
producing CO2. Thus, the ACLS guidelines have recommended bicarbonate NOT be used unless
hyperkalemia and/or preexisting acidosis is documented.
·1439 Infants/prematures may have problems with the following that can predispose to arrest:
Beware of the “H’s” – hypoxia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, increased H+ (metabolic and/or
respiratory acidosis), hypercoagulability (if polycythemia exists).
·1440 Changes is osmolarity cause shifts in fluid. The osmolarity of the extracellular fluid (ECF) is
almost entriely due to sodium. The osmolarity of intracellular fluid (ICF) is related to many
particles, with potassium being the primary electrolyte. The pressures in the ECF and the ICF are
almost identical. If either ECF or ICF change in concentration, fluid shifts from the area of lesser
concentration to the area of greater concentration.
·1441 Dextrose 10% is a hypertonic solution and should be administered IV.
·1442 Normal saline is an isotonic solution and is used for irrigations, such as bladder irrigations or
IV flush lines with intermittent IV medication.
·1443 Use only isotonic (neutral) solutions in irrigations, infusions, etc., unless the specific aim is to
shift fluid into intracellular or extracellular spaces.
·1444 Potassium imbalances are potentially life-threatening, must be corrected immediately. A low
magnesium often accompanies a low K+, especially with the use of diuretics.
·1445 Fluid Volume Deficit: Dehydration
·1446 Elevated BUN: The BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea is formed
in the liver as the end product of protein metabolism. The BUN is directly related to the metabolic
function of the liver and the excretory function of the kidneys.
·1447 Creatinine, as with BUN, is excreted entirely by the kidneys and is therefore directly
proportional to renal excretory function. However, unlike BUN, the creatinine level is affected very
little by dehydration, malnutrition, or hepatic function. The daily production of creatinine depends
on muscle mass, which fluctuates very little. Therefore, it is a better test of renal function than is
the BUN. Creatinine is generally used in conjunction with the BUN test and they normally are in a
1:20 ratio.
·1448 Serum osmolality measures the concentration of particles in a solution. It refers to the fact
that the same amount of solute is present, but the amount of solvent (fluid) is decreased.Therefore, the blood can be considered “more concentrated.”
·1449 Urine osmolality and specific gravity increase.
·1450 Check the IV tubing container to determine the drip factor because drip factors vary. The
most common drip factors are 10, 12, 15, and 60 drops per milliliter. A microdrip is 60 drops per
milliliter.
·1451 Flushing a saline lock requires approximately 1 ½ times the amount of fluid that the tubing will
hold in order to efficiently flush the tubing. REMEMBER to use sterile technique to prevent
complications such as infiltration, emboli and infection.
·1452 A pH of less than 6.8 or more than 7.8 is NOT COMPATIBLE WITH LIFE.
·1453 The acronym ROME can help you remember: Respiratory, Opposite, Metabolic, Equal.
·1454 Review the order of blood flow to the heart:
·1455 Unoxygenated blood flows from the superior and inferior vena cava into the right atrium, then
to the right ventricle. It flows out of the heart through the pulmonary artery, to the lungs for
oxygenation. The pulmonary vein delivers oxygenated blood back to the left atrium, then to the
left ventricle (largest, strongest chamber) and out the aorta.
·1456 Review the three structures that control the one-way flow of blood through the heart:
·1457 Valves→ Atrioventricular valves → Tricuspid (right side) → Mitral (left side)
Semilunar valves → Pulmonary (in pulmonary artery) → Aortic (in aorta)
·1458 Cordae Tendinae
·1459 Papillary muscles
·1460 Since the T waves represents repolarization of the ventricle, this is a critical time in the
heartbeat. This action represents a resting and regrouping stage so that the next heartbeat can
occur. If defibrillation occurs during this phase, the heart can be thrust into a life-threatening
dysrhythmia.
·1461 Observe the client for tolerance of the current rhythm. This information is the most important
data the nurse can collect on the client with an arrythmia.
·1462 REMEMBER to monitor the client as well as the machine! If the EKG monitor shows a severe
dysrhythmia, but the client is sitting up quietly watching a TV without any sign of distress, assess
to determine if the leads are attached properly.
·1463 Marking the operative site is required for procedures involving right/left distinctions, multiple
structures (fingers, toes), or levels (spinal procedures). Site marking should be done with the
involvement of the client.
·1464 Wound dehiscence is separation of the wound edges and is more likely to occur with vertical
incisions. It usually occurs after the early postoperative period, when the client’s own granulation
tissue is “taking over” the wound, after absorption of the sutures has begun. Evisceration of the
wound is protrusion of intestinal contents (in an abdominal wound) and is more likely in clients
who are older, diabetic, obese, or malnourished and have prolonged paralytic ileus.
·1465 NCLEX-RN items will focus on the nurse’s role in terms of the entire perioperative process.
Sample: A 43-year old mother of 2 teenage daughters enters the hospital to have her gallbladder
removed in a same-day surgery using a scope instead of an incision. What nursing needs will
dominate each phase of her short hospital stay?
·1466 Preparation phase: Education about postoperative care, NPO, assist with meeting family
needs.·1467 Operative phase: Assessment, management of the operative suite.
·1468 Post-anesthesia phase: Pain management, post-anesthesia precautions.
·1469 Post-operative phase: Prevent and assess for complications, pain management, dietary
restrictions, activity.
·1470 HIV clients with tuberculosis require respiratory isolation. Tuberculosis is the only real risk to
non-pregnant caregivers that is not related to a break in universal precautions (i.e., needle sticks,
etc.).
·1471 STANDARD PRECAUTIONS:
·1472 Wash hands, even if gloves have been worn to give care
·1473 Wear gloves (latex) for touching blood or body fluids, or any non-intact body surface.
·1474 Wear gowns during any procedure that might generate splashes (changing clients with
diarrhea).
·1475 Use masks and eye protection during activity which might disperse droplets (suctioning).
·1476 Do not recap needles, dispose of in puncture-resistant containers.
·1477 Use mouth piece for resuscitation efforts.
·1478 Refrain from giving care if you have open skin lesions.
·1479 Caregivers who are pregnant may choose not to care for a client with Cytomegalovirus
(CMV).
·1480 Pediatric HIV is often evidenced by lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis.
·1481 The focus of NCLEX-RN questions is likely to be assessment of early signs of the disease
and management of complications associated with HIV.
·1482 For narcotic induced respiratory depression, administer Naloxone 0.1mg to 0.4mg IV every 2-
3 minutes as needed, until 1.0mg is achieved.
·1483 Use non-invasive methods for pain management when possible:
·1484 Relaxation techniques
·1485 Distraction
·1486 Imagery
·1487 Biofeedback
·1488 Interpersonal skills
·1489 Physical care: altering positions, touch, hot and cold applications.
·1490 Narcotic analgesics are prepared for pain relief because they bind to the various opiate
receptor sites in the CNS. Morphine is often the preferred narcotic (REMEMBER: it causes
respiratory depression).
·1491 Other agonists are meperidine and methadone. Narcotic antagonists block the attachment of
narcotics to the receptors, such as Narcan (naloxone). Once Narcan has been given, additional
narcotics cannot be given until the Narcan effects have passed.
·1492 Do not take away the coping style used in a crisis state…DENIAL. It is a useful and needed
tool at the initial stage for some. Support, do not challenge, unless it hinders/blocks treatment –
endangering the patient.MEDICAL –SURGICAL NURSING
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
·1493 Fever can cause dehydration from excessive fluid loss in diaphoresis. Increased temperature
also increases metabolism and the demand for oxygen.
·1494 High risk for pneumonia:
·1495 Any person, who has altered level of consciousness, has depressed or absent gag reflex and
cough reflexes, is susceptible to aspirating oropharyngeal secretions. (Alcoholics, anesthesized
individuals, those with brain injury, drug overdose, or stroke victims).
·1496 When feeding, raise the head of the bed and position the client on side – not on back.
·1497 Bronchial breath sounds are heard over areas of density or consolidation. Sound waves are
easily transmitted over consolidated tissue.
·1498 Hydration – enables liquification of mucous trapped in the bronchioles and alveoli, facilitating
expectoration. Essential for the client experiencing fever. Important because 300 to 400 ml of
fluid are lost daily by the lungs through evaporation.
·1499 Irritability and restlessness are early signs of cerebral hypoxia – the client is not getting
enough oxygen to the brain.
·1500 Pneumonia preventatives:
·1501 Elderly: flu shots; pneumonia immunizations; avoiding sources of infection and indoor
pollutants (dust, smoke, and aerosols); do not smoke.
·1502 Immunosuppressed and debilitated persons: infection avoidance, sensible nutrition, adequate
intake, balance of rest and activity.
·1503 Comatose and immobile persons: elevate head of bed to feed; turn frequently.
·1504 Compensation occurs over time in clients with chronic lung disease, and arterial blood gases
(ABGs) are altered. It is imperative that baseline data are obtained on the client.
·1505 Productive cough and comfort can be facilitated by Semi-Fowler’s or high Fowler’s positions,
which lessen pressure on the diaphragm from abdominal organs. Gastric distention becomes a
priority in these clients because it elevates the diaphragm and inhibits lung expansion.
·1506 Pink puffer: Barrel chest is indicative of emphysema and is caused by use of accessory
muscles to breathe, which causes the person to work harder to breathe, but the amount of O2
taken in in adequate to oxygenate the tissues.
·1507 Blue bloater: insufficient oxygenation occurs with chronic bronchitis and leads to generalized
cyanosis and often right-sided heart failure.
·1508 Cells of the body depend on oxygen to carry out their functions. Inadequate arterial
oxygenation is manifested by cyanosis and slow capillary refill (<3 seconds). A chronic sign is
clubbing of the fingernails, and a late sign is clubbing of the fingers.
·1509 Caution must be used in administering O2 to COPD client. The stimulus to breathe is hypoxia
(hypoxic drive) not the usual hypercapnia, the stimulus to breathe for healthy persons. Therefore,
if too much oxygen is given, the client may stop breathing!·1510 Health Promotion:
·1511 Eating consumes energy needed for breathng. Offer mechanically soft diets, which do not
require as much chewing and digestion. Assist with feeding if needed.
·1512 Prevent secondary infections – avoid crowds, contact with persons who have infectious
diseases, and respiratory irritants (tobacco smoke).
·1513 Teach client to report any change in characteristics of sputum.
·1514 Encourage client to hydrate well and to obtain immunizations needed (flu and pneumonia).
·1515 When asked to prioritize nursing actions, use the ABC rule:
·1516 Airway first
·1517 Then breathing
·1518 Then circulation
·1519 Look and listen. If breath sounds are clear, but the client is cyanotic and lethargic, adequate
oxygenation is not occurring.
·1520 The key to respiratory status assessment of breath sounds as well as visualization of the
client. Breath sounds are better “described,” not named, e.g., sounds should be described as
“crackles,” “wheeze,” “hihg-pitched whistling sound,” rather than “rales,” “rhonchi,” etc., which may
not mean the same thing to each clinical professional.
·1521 Watch for NCLEX-RN questions that deal with oxygen delivery. In adults, O2 must bubble
through some type of water solution so it can be humidified if given at >4 L/min or delivered
directly to the trachea. If given at 1 to 4 L/min or by mask or nasal prongs, the oropharynx and
nasal pharynx provide adequate humidification.
·1522 With cancer of the larynx, the tongue and mouth often appear white, gray, dark brown, or
black, and may appear patchy.
·1523 Tracheostomy care involves cleaning the inner cannula, suctioning, and applying a clean
dressing.
·1524 Air entering the lungs is humidified along the naso-bronchial tree. This natural humidifying
pathway is gone for the client who has had a laryngectomy. If the air is not humidified before
entering the lungs, secretions tend to thicken and become crusty.
·1525 A laryngectomy tube has a larger lumen and is shorter than the tracheostomy tube. Observe
the client for any signs of bleeding or occlusion, which are the greatest immediate postoperative
risks (first 24 hours).
·1526 Fear of choking is very real for laryngectomy clients. They cannot cough as before because
the glottis is gone. Teach the “glottal stop” technique to remove secretions (take a deep breath,
momentarily occlude the tracheostomy tube, cough, and simultaneously remove the finger from
the tube).
·1527 TB SKIN TEST: a positive TB skin test is exhibited by an induration 10mm or greater in
diameter 48 hours after skin test. Anyone who has received a BCG vaccine will have a positive
skin test and must be evaluated using a chest x-ray.
·1528 Teaching is very important with the TB client. Drug therapy is usually long term (9 months or
longer). It is essential that the client take the medications as prescribed for the entire time.
Skipping doses or prematurely terminating the drug therapy can result in a public health hazard.
·1529 TEACHING POINTS –·1530 Rifampin: Reduces effectiveness of oral contaceptives; should use other birth control methods
during treatment; gives body fluids orange tinge; stains soft contacts.
·1531 Isoniazid (INH): Increases Dilantin levels.
·1532 Ethambutal: Vision check before starting therapy and monthly; may have to take 1 to 2 years
longer.
·1533 Teach rationale for combination drug therapy to increase compliance. Resistance develops
more slowly if several anti-TB drugs given, instead of just one drug at a time.
·1534 Some tumors are so large that they fill entire lobes of the lung. When removed, large spaces
are left. Chest tubes are not usually used with these clients because it is helpful if the mediastinal
cavity, where the lung used to be, fills up with fluid. This fluid helps prevent a shift of the
remaining chest organs to fill the empty space.
·1535 If the chest tube remains disconnected, do not clamp! Immediately place the end of the tube
in a container of sterile saline or water until a new drainage system can be connected.
·1536 If the chest tube is accidentally removed from the client, the nurse should apply pressure
immediately with an occlusive dressing and notify the healthcare provider.
·1537 Chest Tube NCLEX-RN content: Fluctuations (tidaling) in the fluid will occur if there is no
external suction. These fluctuating movements are a good indicator that the system is intact and
should move upward with each inspiration and downward with each expiration. If fluctuations
cease, check for kinked tubing, accumulation of fluid in the tubing, occlusions, or change in the
client’s position, since expanding lung tissue may be occluding the tube opening. Remember,
when external suction is applied the fluctuations cease. Most hospitals DO NOT MILK chest tubes
as a means of clearing or preventing clots – it is too easy to remove chest tubes. Mediastinal
tubes may have orders to be stripped because of location, compared to larger thoracic cavity
tubes.
·1538 Various pathophysiological conditions can be related to the nursing diagnosis “Ineffective
Breathing Patterns.”
·1539 Inability of air sacs to fill and empty properly (emphysema, cystic fibrosis)
·1540 Obstruction of the air passages (carcinoma, asthma, chronic bronchitis)
·1541 Accumulation of fluid in the air sacs (pneumonia)
·1542 Respiratory muscle fatigue (COPD, pneumonia)
RENAL SYSTEM
·1543 Normally, kidney excrete approximately 1ml of urine per kg of body weight per hour, which is
about 1 to 2 liters in a 24-hour period.
·1544 Electrolytes are profoundly affected by kidney problems. There must be a balance between
extracellular fluid and intracellular fluid to maintain homeostasis. A change in the number of ions
or in the amount of fluid will cause a shift in one direction or the other. Sodium and chloride are
the primary extracellular ions. Potassium and phosphate are the primary intracellular ions.
·1545 In some cases, persons in ARF may not experience the oliguric phase but may progress
directly to diuretic phase during which the urine output may be as much as 10 liters per day.
·1546 Body weight is a good indicator of fluid retention and renal status. Obtain accurate weights on
all clients with renal failure – done on the same scale at the same time every day.
·1547 Fluid Volume Alterations Fluid·1548 Excess symptoms:
·1549 Dyspnea
·1550 Tachycardia
·1551 Jugular vein distention
·1552 Peripheral edema
·1553 Pulmonary edema
·1554 Fluid deficit symptoms:
·1555 Decreased urine output
·1556 Reduction in body weight
·1557 Decreased body turgor
·1558 Dry mucous membranes
·1559 Hypotension
·1560 Tachycardia
·1561 Watch for signs of hyperkalemia: dizziness, weakness, cardiac irregularities, muscle cramps,
diarrhea, and nausea.
·1562 Potassium has a critical safe range (3.5 to 5.0 mEg/L) because it affects the heart, and any
imbalance must be corrected by medications or dietary modification. Limit high potassium foods
(bananas, avocados, spinach, fish) and salt substitutes, which are high in potassium.
·1563 Clients with renal failure retain sodium. With water retention, the sodium becomes diluted and
serum levels may appear near normal. With excessive water retention, the sodium levels appear
decreased dilution). Limit fluid and sodium intake in ARF clients.
·1564 During oliguric phase, minimize protein intake. When the BUN and creatinine return to
normal, aRF is determined to be resolved.
·1565 Accumulation of waste products from protein metabolism is the primary cause of uremia.
Protein must be restricted in CRF clients. However, if protein intake is inadequate, a negative
nitrogen balance occurs causing muscle wasting. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is most
often used as an indicator of level of protein consumption.
·1566 DIALYSIS COVERED BY MEDICARE:
·1567 All persons in the United States are eligible for Medicare as of their first day of dialysis under
special End Stage Renal Disease funding.
·1568 Medicare card will indicate ESRD.
·1569 Transplantation is covered by Medicare procedure; coverage terminates six months
postoperative if dialysis is no longer required.
·1570 Protein intake is restricted until blood chemistry shows ability to handle protein catabolites:
urea, creatinine. Ensure high calorie intake so protein is spared for its own work: give hard candy,
jelly beans, flavored carbohydrate powders.
·1571 As kidneys fail, medications must often be adjusted. Of particular importance is digoxin
toxicity since digitalis preparations are excreted by the kidneys. Signs of toxicity in adults include
nausea, vomiting, anorexia, visual disturbances, restlessness, headache, cardiac arrythmias, and
pulse <60 beats per minute (bradycardia).
·1572 The major difference between dailysate for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis is the amount
of glucose. Peritoneal dialysis dialysate is much higher in glucose. For this reason, if the
dialysate is left in the peritoneal cavity too long, hyperglycemia may occur.·1573 The key to resolving UTI with most antibiotics is to keep the blood level of the antibiotic
constant. It is important to tell the client to take the antibiotics round-the-clock and not skip doses
so that a consistent blood level can be maintained for optimal effectiveness.
·1574 Location of the pain can help determine location of the stone.
·1575 Flank pain usually means the stone is in the kidney or upper ureter. If it radiates in the
abdomen or scrotum, the stone is likely to be in the ureter or bladder.
·1576 Excruciating, spastic-type pain is called colic.
·1577 During kidney stone attacks, it is preferable to administer pain medications at regularly
scheduled intervals rather than PRN to prevent spasm and optimize comfort.
·1578 Percutaneous nephrostomy: A needle/catheter is inserted through the skin into the calyx of
the kidney. The stone may be dissolved by percutaneous irrigation with a liquid which will dissolve
the stone, or ultrasonic sound waves (lithotripsy) can be directed through the needle/catheter to
break up the stone which then can be eliminated through the urinary tract.
·1579 Bladder spasms frequently occur after TURP. Inform the client that the presence of the
oversized balloon on the catheter (30 to 45 cc inflate) will cause a continuous feeling of needing to
void. The client should not try to avoid around the catheter since this can precipitate bladder
spasms. Medications to reduce or prevent spasms should be given.
·1580 Instillation of hypertonic or hypotonic solution into a body cavity will cause a shift in cellular
fluid. Use only sterile saline for bladder irrigation after TURP since the irrigation must be isotonic
to prevent fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
·1581 Inform the client prior to discharge that some bleeding is expected after TURP. Large
amounts of blood or frank bright bleeding should be reported. However, it is normal for the client
to pass small amounts of blood during the healing process as well as small clots. He should rest
quietly and continue drinking large amounts of fluid.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
·1582 What is the relationship of the kidneys to the cardiovascular system?
·1583 The kidneys filter about a liter of blood per minute
·1584 If cardiac output is decreased, the amount of blood going through the kidneys is decreased;
urinary output is decreased. Therefore, a decreased urinary output may be a sign of cardiac
problems.
·1585 When the kidneys produce and excrete 0.5 ml of urine per kg of body weight or average 30
ml/hr output, the blood supply is considered to be minimally adequate to perfuse the vital organs.
·1586 Angina is caused by myocardial ischemia. Which cardiac medications would be appropriate
for acute angina?
·1587 Digoxin – Not appropriate – Increases the strength and contractility of the heart muscle; the
problem in angina is that the muscle is not receiving enough oxygen. Digoxin will not help.
·1588 Nitroglycerin – Appropriate – Causes dilation of the coronary arteries, allowing more oxygen to
get to the heart muscle.
·1589 Atropine – Not appropriate – Increases heart rate by blocking vagal stimulation, which
suppresses the heart rate. Does not address the lack of O2 to the heart muscle.
·1590 Propanolol (Inderal) – Not appropriate – for acute angina attack; however, is appropriate for
long-term management of stable angina because it acts as a beta-blocker to control
vasoconstriction.·1591 Blood pressure is created by the difference in the pressure of the blood as it leaves the heart
and the resistance it meets flowing out to the tissues. Therefore, any factor that alters cardiac
output or peripheral vascular resistance will alter blood pressure. Diet and exercise, smoking
cessation, weight control, and stress management can control many factors that influence the
resistance blood meets as it flows from the heart.
·1592 Remember the risk factors for hypertension: heredity, race, age, alcohol abuse, increased salt
intake, obesity, and use of oral contraceptives.
·1593 The number one cause of CVA with hypertensive clients is non-compliance with medication
regime. Hypertension is often symptomless, and antihypertensive medications are expensive and
have side effects. Studies have shown that the more clients know about their antihypertensive
medications, the more likely they are to take them – teaching is important.
·1594 Decreased blood flow results in diminished sensation in the lower extremities. Any heat
source can cause severe burns before the client actually realizes the damage is being done.
·1595 A client is admitted with severe chest pain and states that he feels a terrible, tearing sensation
in his chest. He is diagnosed with a dissecting aortic aneurysm. What assessment should the
nurse obtain in the first few hours?
·1596 Vital signs q1 hour
·1597 Neurological vital signs
·1598 Respiratory status
·1599 Urinary output
·1600 Peripheral pulses
·1601 During aortic aneurysm repair, the large arteries are clamped for a period of time and kidney
damage can result. Monitor daily BUN and creatinine levels. Normal BUN is 10 to 20 mg/dl and
normal creatinine is 20:1. When this ratio increases or decreases, suspect renal problems.
·1602 A positive Homen’s sign is considered an early indication of thrombophlebitis. However, it
may also indicate muscle inflammation. If a deep vein thrombosis has been confirmed, a Homan’s
sign should not be elicited because of the increased risk of embolization.
·1603 Heparin prevents conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and prothrombin to thrombin, thereby
inhibiting clot formation. Since the clotting mechanism is prolonged, do not cause tissue trauma
which may lead to bleeding when giving heparin subcutaneously. Do not massage area or
aspirate; give in the abdomen between the pelvic bones; 2 inches from umbilicus; rotate sites.
·1604 HEPARIN:
·1605 Antagonist: Protamine Sulfate
·1606 LAB: PTT or APTT determines efficacy
·1607 Keep 1.5 to 2.5 times normal control
·1608 COUMADIN:
·1609 Antagonist: Vitamin K
·1610 LAB: PT determines efficacy
·1611 Keep 1.5 to 2.5 times normal control
·1612 INR: Desirable therapeutic level usually 2 to 3 seconds (reflects how long it takes a blood
sample to clot).
·1613 A holter monitor offers continuous observation of the client’s heart rate. To make assessmentof the rhythm strips, most meaningful, teach the client to keep a record of:
·1614 Medication times and doses
·1615 Chest pain episodes – type and duration
·1616 Valsalva maneuver (straining at stool, sneezing, coughing)
·1617 Sexual activity
·1618 Exercise
·1619 Cardioversion is the delivery of synchornized electrical shock to the myocardium.
·1620 Differentiate in synchronous and asynchronous pacemakers:
·1621 Synchronous or demand pacemaker fires only when the client’s heart rate falls below a rate
set on the generator.
·1622 Asynchronous or fixed pacemaker fires at a constant rate.
·1623 Restricting sodium reduces salt and water retention, thereby reducing vascular volume and
preload.
·1624 DIGITALIS:
·1625 Side effects of digitalis are increased when the client is hypokalemic.
·1626 Has a negative chronotropic effect, i.e., it shows the heart rate. Hold the digitalis if the pulse
rate is <60, >120, or has markedly changed rhythm.
·1627 Bradycardia, tachycardia, or dysrhythmias may be signs of digitalis toxicity: these signs
include nausea, vomiting, and headache in adults.
·1628 If withheld, consult with physician.
·1629 Infective endocarditis damage to heart valves occurs with the growth of vegetative lesions on
valve leaflets. These lesions pose a risk of embolization; erosion/perforation of the valve leaflets;
or abscesses within adjacent myocardial tissue. Valvular stenosis or regurgitation (insufficiency),
most commonly of the mitral valve, can occur depending upon the type of damage inflicted by the
lesions, leading to symptoms of left – or right-sided heart failure.
·1630 Acute and Subacute Infective Endocarditis - There are 2 types of infective endocarditis:
·1631 Acute, which often affects individuals with previously normal hearts and healthy valves, and
carries a high mortality rate
·1632 Subacute, which typically affects individuals with preexisting conditions, such as rheumatic
heart disease, mitral valve prolapse, or immunosuppression. Intravenous drug abusers are at risk
for both acute and subacute bacterial endocarditis. When this population develops Subacute
Infective Endocarditis, the valves on the right side of the heart (tricuspid and pulmonic) are
typically affected due to the introduction of common pathogens which colonize on the skin (S.
epidermis and Candida) into the venous system.
·1633 Pericarditis – presence of a friction rub is an indication of pericarditis (inflammation of the
lining of the heart). ST segment elevation and T wave inversion are also signs of pericarditis.
·1634 With mitral valve stenosis, blood is regurgitated back into the left atrium from the left ventricle.
In early period, there may be no symptoms; but, as the disease progresses, the client will exhibit
excessive fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea, dry cough, hemoptysis, or pulmonary edema.
There will be a rumbling apical diastolic murmur, and atrial fibrillation is common.
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
·1635 A Fowler’s or semi-Fowler’s position is beneficial in reducing the amount of regurgitation aswell as preventing the encroachment of the stomach tissue upward through the opening in the
diaphragm.
·1636 Stress can cause or exacerbate ulcers. Teach stress reduction methods and encourage those
with a family history of ulcers to obtain medical surveillance for ulcer formation.
·1637 CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF GI BLEEDING:
·1638 Pallor: conjuctival, mucous membranes, nail beds
·1639 Dark, tarry stools
·1640 Bright red or coffee-ground emesis
·1641 Abdominal mass or bruit
·1642 Decreased BP, rapid pulse, cool extremities (shock).
·1643 The GI tract usually accounts for only 100 to 200 ml fluid loss per day, although it filters up to
8 liters per day. Large fluid losses can occur if vomiting and/or diarrhea exists.
·1644 Opiate drugs tend to depress gastric motility. However, they should be given with care, and
those receiving them should be closely monitored because a distended intestinal wall
accompanied by decreased muscle tone may lead to intestinal perforation.
·1645 Diverticulosis is the presence of pouches in the wall of the intestine. There is usually do
discomfort, and the problem goes unnoticed unless seen on radiological examination (usually
prompted by some other condition).
·1646 Diverticulitis is an inflammation of the diverticula (punches), which can lead to perforation of
the bowel.
·1647 A client admitted with complaints of severe lower abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea is
diagnosed with diverticulitis. What are the nutritional needs of this client throughout recovery?
·1648 Acute phase – NPO graduating to liquids.
·1649 Recovery phase – no fiber or foods that irritate the bowel.
·1650 Maintenance phase – high-fiber diet, with bulk-forming laxatives to prevent pooling of foods in
the pouches where they can become inflamed. Avoid small, poorly digested foods such as
popcorn, nuts, seeds, etc.
·1651 Bowel obstructions:
·1652 Mechanical: due to disorders outside the bowel (hernia, adhesions), due to disorders within
the bowel (tumors, diverticulitis), or due to blockage of the lumen in the intestine (intussusception,
gall stone).
·1653 Non-mechanical: paralytic ileus, which does not involve any actual physical obstruction, but
results from inability of the bowel itself to function.
·1654 Blood gas analysis will show alkalotic state if the bowel obstruction is high in the small
intestine where gastric acid is secreted. If the obstruction is in the lower bowel where base
solutions are secreted, the blood will be acidic.
·1655 A client admitted with complaints of constipation, thready stools and rectal bleeding over the
past few months is diagnose with a rectal mass. What are the nursing priorities for this client?
·1656 NPO
·1657 NG tube (possibly an intestinal tube such as a Miller-Abbott)
·1658 IV fluids
·1659 Surgical preparations of bowel (if obstruction is complete)·1660 Teaching (preoperative, nutrition, etc.)
·1661 Diet recommended by the American Cancer Society to prevent bowel cancer:
·1662 Eat more cruciferous vegetables (from the cabbage family such as broccoli, cauliflower,
Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale).
·1663 Increase fiber intake.
·1664 Maintain average body weight
·1665 Eat less animal fat.
·1666 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RECOMMENDATIONS for early detection of Colon Cancer:
·1667 A digital rectal examination every year after 40.
·1668 A stool blood test every year after 50.
·1669 A sigmoidoscopy examination every 3 to 5 years after the age of 50, based on the advice of a
physician.
·1670 Cancer of the colon is the most common cancer in the US when considering men and women
together. An early sign is the rectal bleeding. Encourage patients 50 years of age or older, or
those with increased risk factors, to be screened yearly with fecal occult blood testing. Routine
colonoscopy at 50 is also recommended.
·1671 CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF JAUNDICE
·1672 Yellow skin, sclera, and/or mucous membranes (bilirubin in skin)
·1673 Dark-colored urine (bilirubin in urine)
·1674 Chalky or clay-colored stools (absence of bilirubin in stools)
·1675 Fetor hepaticus is a distinctive breath odor of chronic liver disease. It is characterized by a
fruity or musty odor which results from the damaged liver’s inability to metabolize and detoxify
mercaptan which is produced by the bacterial degradation of metionine, a sulfurous amino acid.
·1676 For treatment of ascities, paracentesis and peritoneovenous shunts (LaVeen and Denver
shunts) may be indicated.
·1677 Esophageal varices may rupture and cause hemorrhage. Immediate management includes
insertion of an esophagogastric balloon tamponade – a Blakemore-Sengstaken or Minnesota
tube. Other therapies include vasopressors, vitamin K, coagulation factors, and blood
transfusions.
·1678 Ammonia is not broken down as usual in the damaged liver; therefore, the serum ammonia
level rises.
·1679 PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO EATING for clients who are anorexic and/or
nauseated:
·1680 Remove strong odors immediately; they can be offensive and increase nausea.
·1681 Encourage client to sit up for meals; this can decrease the propensity to vomit.
·1682 Serve small, frequent meals.
·1683 Liver tissue is destroyed by hepatitis. Rest and adequate nutrition are necessary for
regeneration of liver tissue being destroyed by the disease. Since many drugs are metabolized in
the liver, drug therapy must be scrutinized carefully. Caution the client that recovery takes many
months, and previously taken medications should not be resumed without the healthcare
provider’s directions.·1684 Acute pancreatic pain is located retroperitoneally. Any enlargement of the pancreas causes
the peritoneum to stretch tightly. Therefore, sitting up or leaning forward will reduce the pain.
·1685 Following an endoscopic retrogade cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the client may feel
sick. The scope is placed in the gallbladder and the stones are crushed and left to pass on their
own. These clients may be prone to pancreatitis.
·1686 Non-surgical management of the client with cholecystitis includes:
·1687 Low-fat diet
·1688 Medications for pain and clotting if required
·1689 Decompression of the stomach via NG tube
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
·1690 Thyroid storm is a life-threatening event that occurs with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism due to
Grave’s disease. Symptoms include fever, tachycardia, agitation, anxiety, and hypertension.
·1691 Primary nursing interventions include maintaining an airway and adequate aeration.
·1692 Propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole (Tapazole) are antithyroid drugs used to treat thyroid
storm. Propanolol (Inderal) may be given to decrease excessive sympathetic stimulation.
·1693 Post-operative thyroidectomy: be prepared for the possibility of laryngeal edema. Put a
tracheostomy set at bedside along with oxygen and a suction machine; Ca++ gluconate easily
accessible.
·1694 Normal serum calcium is 9.0 to 10.5 mEq/L. The best indicator of parathyroid problems is a
decrease in the client’s calcium compared to the preoperative value.
·1695 If two or more parathyroid glands have been removed, the chance of tetany increases
dramatically:
·1696 Monitor serum calcium levels (9.0 to 10.5 mg/dl is normal range)
·1697 Check for tingling of toes, fingers, and around the mouth.
·1698 Check for Chvostek’s sign (tap over the parotid gland and which for twitching of lip = positive)
·1699 Check Trousseau’s sign (carpopedal spasm after inflating BP cuff above systolic pressure =
positive).
·1700 Myxedema coma can be precipitated by acute illness, withdrawal of thyroid medication,
anesthesia, use of sedatives, or hypoventilation (with the potential for respiratory acidosis and
carbondioxide narcosis). The airway must be kept patent, and ventilator support as indicated.
·1701 Many people take steroids for a variety of conditions. NCLEX-RN questions often focus on
the need to teach clients the importance of precisely following the prescribed regimen. They
should be cautioned against suddenly stopping the medications and be informed that it is
necessary to taper off taking steroids.
·1702 ADDISON”S CRISIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY: Brought on by sudden withdrawal of
steroids or a stressful event (trauma, severe infection)
·1703 Vascular Collpase: Hypotension and tachycardia occur; administer IV fluids at rapid rate until
stabilized.
·1704 Hypoglycemia: Administer IV glucose
·1705 ADMINISTER PARENTERAL HYDROCORTISONE: Essential for reversing the crisis.·1706 ALDOSTERONE REPLACEMENT: Administer fludrocortisone acetate(Florinef) PO (only
available as oral preparation) with simultaneous administration of salt (sodium chloride) if client
has a sodium deficit.
·1707 Teach clients to take steroids with meals to prevent gastric irritation. They should never skip
doses. If they have nausea or vomiting for more than 12 to 24 hours, they should contact the
physician.
·1708 Why do diabetics have trouble with wound healing? High blood glucose contributes to
damage of the smallest vessels, the capillaries. This damage causes permanent capillary
scarring, which inhibits the normal activity of the capillary. This phenomenon causes disruption of
capillary elasticity and promotes problems such as diabetic retinopathy, poor healing or breaks in
the skin, cardiovascular abnormalities, etc.
·1709 Glycosylated Hgb (Hgb A1C)
·1710 Indicates glucose control over previous 120 days (life of RBC)
·1711 Valuable measurement of diabetes control.
·1712 The body’s response to illness/stress is to produce glucose. Therefore, any illness results in
hyperglycemia.
·1713 If in doubt whether the client is hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic, treat for hypoglycemia.
·1714 SELF-MONITORING BLOOD GLUCOSE (SMBG)
·1715 Provides tight glucose control thereby decreasing the potential for long-term complications
·1716 Technique is specific to each meter if meter is used.
·1717 Monitor before meals, at bedtime, and any time symptoms occur.
·1718 Record results and report to healthcare provider at time of visit.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
·1719 A client comes to the clinic complaining of morning stiffness, weight loss, and swelling of both
hands and wrists. Rheumatoid arthritis is suspected. Which methods of assessment might the
nurse use and which methods would the nurse not use?
·1720 Use inspection, palpation, and strength testing.
·1721 Do not use range of motion (this activity promotes pain because ROM is limited).
·1722 In the joint, the normal cartilage becomes soft, fissures and pitting occur, and the cartilage
thins. Spurs form and inflammation sets in. The result is deformity marked by immobility, pain,
and muscle spasm. The prescribed treatment regimen is corticosteroids for the inflammation;
splinting, immobilization, and rest for joint deformity; and NSAIDS for the pain.
·1723 Synovial tissues line the bone of the joints. Inflammation of this lining causes destruction of
tissue and bone. Early detection of rheumatoid arthritis can decrease the amount of bone and
joint destruction. Often the disease will go into remission. Decreasing the amount of bone and
joint destruction will reduce the amount of disability.
·1724 What activity recommendations should the nurse provide a client with rheumatoid arthritis?
·1725 Do not exercise painful, swollen joints.
·1726 Do not exercise any joint to the point of pain.·1727 Perform exercises slowly and smoothly; avoid jerky movements.
·1728 NCLEX-RN questions often focus on the fact that avoiding sunlight is key in management of
lupus erythematosus – this is what differentiates it from other connective tissue diseases.
·1729 Degenerative joint disease (DJD) and osteoarthritis are often described as the same disease,
and indeed they both result in hypertrophic changes in the joints. However, they differ in that
osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disease and DJD is characterized by non-inflammatory
degeneration of the joints.
·1730 Postmenopausal, thin, Caucasian women are at highest risk for development of osteoporosis.
Encourage exercise, a diet high in calcium, and supplemental calcium. While TUMS is an
excellent source of calcium, it is also high in sodium and hypertensive or edematous individuals
should seek another source for supplemental calcium.
·1731 The main cause of fractures in the elderly, especially women, is osteoporosis. The main
fracture sites seem to be hip, vertebral bodies, and Colles’ fracture of forearm.
·1732 NCLEX-RN questions focus on safety precautions. Improper use of assistive devices can be
very risky. When using a non-wheeled walker, the client should lift and move the walker forward,
then take a step into it. The client should avoid scooting the walker or shuffling forward into it
which takes more energy and is less stable than a single movement.
·1733 What type of fracture is more difficult to heal, an extra capsular fracture (below the neck of the
femur) or an intracapsular fracture (in the neck of the femur)?
·1734 The blood supply enters the femur below the neck of the femur. Therefore, an intra-capsular
fracture is much more harder to heal and has a greater likelihood of necrosis since it is cut off from
the blood supply.
·1735 The risk of a fat embolism, a syndrome in which fat globules migrate into the bloodstream and
combine with platelets to form emboli, is greatest in the first 36 hours after a fracture. It is more
common in clients with multiple fractures, fractures of long bones, and fractures of the pelvis. The
initial symptom of a fat embolism is confusion due to hypoxemia (check blood gases for PO2).
Assess for respiratory distress, restlessness, irritability, fever, and petechiae. If an embolus is
suspected, notify physician STAT, draw blood gases, administer oxygen, and assist with
endotracheal intubation.
·1736 In clients with hip fractures, thromboembolism is the most common complication. Prevention
includes passive range of motion exercises, elastic stocking use, elevation of the foot of the bed
25 degrees to increase venous return, and low-dose hepatin therapy.
·1737 Clients with fractures, casts, or edema to the extremities need frequent neurovascular
assessment distal to the injury. Skin color, temperature, sensation, capillary refill, mobility, pain
and pulses should be assessed.
·1738 Assess the “5 Ps” of neurovascular functioning: pain, paresthesia, pulse, pallor and paralysis.
·1739 Orthopedic wounds have a tendency to ooze more than other wounds. A suction drainage
device usually accompanies the client to the postoperative floor. Check drainage often.
·1740 A big problem after joint replacement is infection.
·1741 Fractures of bone predispose the client to anemia, especially if long bones are involved.
Check hemtocrit every 3 to 4 days to monitor erythropoiesis.
·1742 Instruct the client not to lift the leg upward from a lying position or to elevate the knee when
sitting. This upward motion can pop the prosthesis out of the socket.·1743 Immobile clients are prone to complications: skin integrity problems, formation of urinary
calculi (may limit milk intake), and venous thrombosis (may be on prophylactic anticoagulants).
·1744 The residual limb should be elevated on one pillow. If the residual limb (stump) is elevated
too high, the elevation can cause contracture.
NEUROSENSORY SYSTEM
·1745 Glaucoma is often painless and symptom-free. It is usually picked up as part of a regular eye
exam.
·1746 Eye drops are used to cause pupil constriction since movement of the muscles to constrict the
pupil also allows aqueous humor to flow out, thereby decreasing the pressure in the eye.
Pilocarpine is often used. Caution client that vision may be blurred 1 to 2 hours after
administration of pilocarpine and adaptation to dark environments is difficult because of pupillary
constriction (desired effect of the drug).
·1747 There is an increased incidence of glaucoma in the elderly population. Older clients are prone
to problems associated with constipation. Therefore, the nurse should assess these clients for
constipation and postoperative complications associated with constipation, and implement a plan
of care directed at prevention, and, if necessary, treatment for constipation.
·1748 The lens of the eye is responsible for projecting light, which enters onto the retina so that
images can be discerned. Without the lens, which becomes opaque with cataracts, light cannot
be filtered and vision is blurred.
·1749 When the cataract is removed, the lens is gone, making prevention of falls important. If the
lens is replaced with an implant, vision is better than if a contact lens is used (some visual
distortion) or if glasses are used (greater visual distortion – everything has a curved shape).
·1750 The ear consists of three parts: the external ear, middle ear, and the inner ear. Inner ear
disorders, or disorders of the sensory fibers going to the CNS., often are neurogenic in nature and
may not be helped with a hearing aid. External and middle ear problems (conductive) may result
from infection, trauma or wax buildup. These types of disorders are treated more successfully with
hearing aids.
·1751 NCLEX-RN questions often focus on communicating with older adults who are hearing
impaired.
·1752 Speak in a low-pitched voice, slowly, and distinctly.
·1753 Stand in front of the person with the light source behind the client.
·1754 Use visual aids if available.
NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEM
·1755 Use of the Glasgow Coma Scale eliminates ambiguous terms to describe neurologic status
such as lethargic, stuporous, or obtunded.
·1756 Almost every diagnosis in the NANDA format is applicable, as severely neurologically
impaired persons require total care.
·1757 Clients with an altered state of consciousness are fed by enteral routes since the likelihood of
aspiration with oral feedings is great. Residual feeding is the amount of previous feeding still in
the stomach. The presence of 100 ml residual in adults usually indicates poor gastric emptying
and the feeding should be held.·1758 Paralytic ileus is common in comatose clients. Gastric tube aids in gastric decompression.
·1759 Any client on bedrest/immobilized must have range of motion exercises often and very
frequent position changes. Do not leave the client in any one position for longer than 2 hours.
Any position that decreases venous return is dangerous, i.e., sitting with dependent extremities for
long periods.
·1760 If temperature elevates, take quick measures to decrease it since fever increases cerebral
metabolism and can increase cerebral edema.
·1761 Safety measures for immobilized clients:
·1762 Prevent skin breakdown with frequent turning.
·1763 Maintain adequate nutrition.
·1764 Prevent aspiration with slow, small feedings or NG feedings.
·1765 Monitor neurological signs to detect the first signs that intracranial pressure may be
increasing.
·1766 Provide range of motion exercises to prevent deformities.
·1767 Prevent respiratory complications – frequent turning and positioning for optimal drainage.
·1768 Restlessness may indicate a return to consciousness but can also indicate anoxia, distended
bladder, covert bleeding, or increasing cerebral anoxia. Do not over-sedate, and report any
symptoms of restlessness.
·1769 The forces of impact influence the type of head injury. They include acceleration injury, which
is caused by the head in motion, and deceleration injury, which occurs when the head stops
suddenly. Helmets are a GREAT preventive measure for motorcyclists and bicyclists.
·1770 Even subtle behavior changes, such as restlessness, irritability, or confusion, may indicate
increased ICP.
·1771 CSF leakage carries the risk of meningitis and indicates a deteriorating condition. Because of
CSF leakage, the usual signs of increased ICP may not occur.
·1772 Try not to use restraints; they only increase restlessness. AVOID narcotics since they mask
level of responsiveness.
·1773 Physical assessment should concentrate on respiratory status, especially in clients with injury
at C-3 to C-5, as cervical plexus innervates diaphragm.
·1774 It is imperative to reverse spinal shock as quickly as possible. Permanent paralysis can occur
if a spinal cord is compressed for 12 to 24 hours.
·1775 A common cause of death after spinal cord injury is urinary tract infection. Bacteria grow best
in alkaline media, so keeping urine diluted ad acidic is prophylactic against infection. Also,
keeping the bladder emptied assists in avoiding bacterial growth in urine, which is stagnated in the
bladder.
·1776 Benign tumors continue to grow and take up space in the confined area of the cranium
causing neural and vascular compromise for the brain, increased intracranial pressure, and
necrosis of brain tissue – even benign tumors must be treated as they may have malignant effects.
·1777 Craniotomy post-operative medications:
·1778 Corticosteroids to reduce swelling·1779 Agents and osmotic diuretics to reduce secretions (atropine, robinul)
·1780 Agents to reduce seizures (phenytoin)
·1781 Prophylactic antibiotics
·1782 Symptoms involving motor function usually begin in the upper extremities with weakness
progressing to spastic paralysis. Bowel and bladder dysfunction occurs in 90% of the cases. MS
is more common in women. Progression is not “orderly.”
·1783 Drug therapy for MS clients: ACTH, cortisone, Cytoxan, and other immunosuppressive drugs.
Nursing implications for administration of these drugs should focus on prevention of infection.
·1784 In clients with Myasthenia Gravis, be alert for changes in respiratory status – the most severe
involvement may result in respiratory failure.
·1785 Bedrest often relieves symptoms. Bladder and respiratory infections are often a recurring
problem. Need for health promotion teaching.
·1786 Myasthenic crisis is associated with a positive edrophonium (Tensilon) test, while a cholinergic
crisis is associated with a negative test.
·1787 NCLEX-RN questions often focus on the features of Parkinson’s disease – tremors (a coarse
tremor of fingers and thumb on one hand which disappears during sleep and purposeful activity –
also called “pill rolling”), rigidity, hypertonicity, and stooped posture. Focus: SAFETY!
·1788 An important aspect of Parkinson’s treatment is drug therapy. Since the pathophysiology
involves an imbalance between acetylcholines and dopamine, symptoms can be controlled by
administering dopamine precursor (Levodopa).
·1789 CNS involvement related to cause of CVA:
·1790 Hemorrhagic: caused by a slow or fast hemorrhage into the brain tissue – often related to
hypertension.
·1791 Embolytic: caused by a clot, which has broken away from some vessel and has lodged in one
of the arteries of the brain, blocking the blood supply. It is often related to atherosclerosis (may
happen again).
·1792 Atrial flutter/fibrillation has a high incidence of thrombus formation following arrythmias due to
turbulence of blood flow through all valves/heart chambers.
·1793 A woman who had a stroke two days ago has left-sided paralysis. She has begun to regain
some movement in her left side. What can the nurse tell the family about the client’s recovery
period?
·1794 The quicker movement is recovered, the better the prognosis is for more or full recovery. She
will need patience and understanding from her family as she tries to cope with the stroke. Mood
swings can be expected during the recovery period, and bouts of depression and tearfulness are
likely.
·1795 Words that describe losses from CVA:
·1796 Apraxia: inability to perform purposeful movements in the absence of motor problems.
·1797 Dysarthria: difficulty articulating
·1798 Dysphasia: impairment of speech and verbal comprehension
·1799 Aphasia: loss of the ability to speak
·1800 Agraphia: loss of the ability to write
·1801 Alexia: loss of the ability to read·1802 Dysphagia: dysfunctional swallowing
·1803 Steroids are administered after a stroke to decrease cerebral edema and retard permanent
disability. H2 inhibitors are administered to prevent peptic ulcers.
HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY
·1804 Physical symptoms occur as a compensatory mechanism when the body is trying to make up
for a deficit somewhere in the system. For instance, cardiac output increases when hemoglobin
levels drop below 7g/dl.
·1805 ONLY use normal saline to flush IV tubing or to run with blood. NEVER add medications to
blood products. TWO registered nurses should simultaneously check the physician’s prescription,
client’s identity, and blood bag label.
·1806 A 24-year old is admitted with large areas of ecchymosis on both upper and lower extremities.
She is diagnosed with acute myeologenous leukemia. What are the expected laboratory findings
for this client and what is the expected treatment?
·1807 Lab: Decreased Hgb, decreased Hct, decreased platelet count, altered WBC (usually quite
high).
·1808 Treatment: Prevention of infection; prevention and/or control of bleeding; high protein, high
calorie diet; assistance with ADL; drug therapy.
·1809 Infection in the immunosuppressed person may not be manifested with an elevated
temperature. It is imperative, therefore, that the nurse performs a total and thorough assessment
of the client frequently.
·1810 Most oncologic drugs cause immunosuppression. Prevention of secondary infections is vital!
Advise client to stay away from persons with known infections such as colds. In the hospital,
maintain an environment as sterile and as clean as possible. These persons should not eat raw
vegetables or fruits – only cooked to destroy any bacteria.
·1811 Hodgkin’s is one of the most curable of all adult malignancies. Emotional support is vital.
Career development is often interrupted for treatment. Chemotherapy renders many male clients
sterile. May bank sperm prior to treatment, if desired.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
·1812 Menorrhagia (profuse or prolonged menstrual bleeding) is the most important factor relating to
benign uterine tumors. Assess for signs of anemia.
·1813 What is the anatomical significance of a prolapsed uterus? When the uterus is displaced, it
impinges on other structures in the lower abdomen. The bladder, rectum, and small intestine can
protrude through the vaginal wall.
·1814 Laser therapy or cryosurgery is used to treat cervical cancer when the lesion is small and
localized. Invasive cancer is treated with radiation, conization, hysterectomy, or pelvic
exenteration (a drastic surgical procedure where the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina,
rectum, and bladder are removed in an attempt to stop metastasis). Chemotherapy is not useful
with this type of cancer.
·1815 Pap smears should begin within 3 years of having intercourse or no later than age 21,
whichever comes first. Should be done annually until age 30 and then may be done every 2 to 3
years if a woman has 3 consecutive normal results. After age 70 may stop if woman has 3
consecutive normal and no abnormal pap smears in last 10 years. Women at high risk shouldhave annual screenings.
·1816 Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the US. Growth is
insidious, so it is not recognized until it is at an advanced stage.
·1817 The major emphasis in nursing management of cancers of the reproductive tract is early
detection.
·1818 The importance of teaching female clients how to do self-breast examination cannot be
overemphasized. Early detection is related to positive outcomes.
·1819 The presence or absence of hormone receptors is paramount in selecting clients for adjuvant
therapy.
·1820 Men whose testes have not descended into the scrotum or whose testes descended after age
6 are at high risk for developing testicular cancer. The most common symptom is the appearance
of a small, hard lump about the size of a pea on the front or side of the testicle. Manual testicular
examination should be done after a shower by gently palpating the testes and cord to look for a
small lump. Swelling may also be a sign of testicular cancer.
·1821 STDs in infants and children usually indicate sexual abuse and should be reported. The nurse
is legally responsible to report cases of child abuse. Chlamydia is the most reported
communicable disease in the United States.
·1822 Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) involves one more of the pelvic structures. The infection
can cause adhesions and eventually result in sterility. Manage the pain associated with PID with
analgesics and warm sitz baths. Bedrest in a semi-Fowler’s position may increase comfort and
promote drainage. Antibiotic treatment is necessary to reduce inflammation and pain.
·1823 A client comes to the clinic with a chancre on his penis. What is the usualy treatment?
·1824 IM dose of penicillin (such as Benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units).
·1825 Obtain sexual history, including the names of his sex partners, so that they can receive
treatment.
BURNS
·1826 Massive volumes of IV fluids are given. It is not uncommon to give over 1,000 cc/hr during
various phases of burn care. Hemodynamic monitoring must be closely observed to be sure the
client is supported with fluids but is not overloaded.
·1827 Infection is a life-threatening risk for those with burns. Dressing changes are VERY PAINFUL!
Medicate client prior to procedure.
·1828 Pre-existing conditions that might influence burn recovery are age, chronic illness, diabetes,
cardiac problems, etc.), physical disabilities, disease, medications used routinely, and drug and/or
alcohol abuse.
PEDIATRIC NURSING
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT:
·1829 When does birth length double? = by 4 years
·1830 When does the child sit unsupported? = 8 months·1831 When does a child achieve 50% of adult height? = 2 years
·1832 When does a child throw a ball overhand? = 18 months
·1833 When does a child speak 2-3 word sentences? = 2 years
·1834 When does a child use scissors? = 4 years
·1835 When does a child tie his/her shoes? = 5 years
·1836 Be aware that a girl’s growth spurt during adolescence begins earlier than boys (as early as
10 years old).
·1837 Temper tantrums are common in the toddler, i.e., considered “normal,” or average behavior.
·1838 Be aware that adolescence is a time when the child forms his/her identity and that rebellion
against family values is common for this age group.
·1839 Normal growth and development knowledge is used to evaluate interventions and therapy.
For example, “What behavior would indicate that thyroid hormone therapy for a 4-month-old is
effective?” You must know what milestones are accomplished by a 4-month-old. One correct
answer would be “has steady head control” which is an expected milestone for a 4-month-old and
indicates that replacement therapy is adequate for growth.
·1840 Use facts and principles related to growth and development in planning teaching
interventions. For example: “What task could a 5-year-old diabetic boy be expected to accomplish
by himself?” One correct answer would be to pick the injection sites. This is possible for a
preschooler to do and gives the child some sense of control.
·1841 School-age children are in Erikson’s stage of industry, meaning they like to do and accomplish
things. Peers are also becoming important for this age child.
·1842 Age groups concepts of bodily injury:
·1843 Infants: After 6 months, their cognitive development allows them to remember pain.
·1844 Toddlers: Fear intrusive procedures.
·1845 Preschoolers: Fear body mutilation.
·1846 School Age: Fear loss of control of their body.
·1847 Adolescent: Major concern is change in body image.
CHILD HEALTH PROMOTION
·1848 Subcutaneous injection, rather than intradermal, invalidates the Mantoux test.
·1849 The common cold is not a contraindication for immunization.
·1850 Following immunization, what teaching should the nurse provide to the parents?
·1851 Irritability, fever (<102F), redness and soreness at injection site for 2 to 3 days are normal side
effects of DPT and IPV administration.
·1852 Call health care provider if seizures, high fever, or high-pitched crying occur.
·1853 A warm washcloth on the thing injection site and “bicycling” the legs with each diaper change
will decrease soreness.
·1854 Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is administered orally 4 to 6 hours (10 to 15 mg/Kg).·1855 Children with German measles pose a serious threat to their unborn siblings. The nurse
should counsel all expectant mothers, especially those with young children, to be aware of the
serious consequences of exposure to German measles during pregnancy.
·1856 Common childhood problems are encountered by nurses caring for children in the community
or hospital settings. The child’s age directly influences the severity and management of these
problems.
·1857 Teach proper cooking and storage to preserve potency, i.e., cook vegetables in small amount
of liquid. Store milk in opaque container.
·1858 Add potassium to IV fluids ONLY with adequate urine output.
·1859 Urinary output for infants and children should be 1 to 2 ml/kg/hr.
·1860 Use of syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Teach parents that it is NOT recommended to induce vomiting in any way as it may cause more
damage.
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
·1861 Child needs 150% of the usual calorie intake for normal growth and development.
·1862 Do not examine the throat of a child with epiglottis due to the risk of completely obstructing the
airway, i.e., do not put a tongue blade or any object in the throat.
·1863 In planning and providing nursing care, a patent airway is always a priority of care, regardless
of age!
·1864 Respiratory disorders are the primary reason most children and their families seek medical
care. Therefore, these disorders are frequently tested on the NCLEX-RN. Knowing the normal
parameters for respiratory rates and the key signs of respiratory distress in children is essential!
·1865 The nurse should be sure a PT and PTT have been determined prior to a tonsillectomy. More
importantly, the nurse should ask if there has been a history of bleeding, prolonged/excessive, or if
there is a history of any bleeding disorders in the family.
·1866 When calculating a pediatric dosage, the nurse must often change the child’s weight from
pounds to kilograms.
·1867 HINT: weight expressed in kilograms should always be a smaller number than weight
expressed in pounds.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
·1868 Polycythemia is common in children with cyanotic defects.
·1869 The heart rate of a child will increase with crying or fever.
·1870 Infants may require tube feeding to conserve energy.
·1871 Basic difference between cyanotic and acyanotic defects:
·1872 Acyanotic: Has abnormal circulation, however, all blood entering the systemic ciruclation is
oxygenated.·1873 Cyanotic: Has abnormal circulation with unoxygenated blood entering systemic circulation.
·1874 Congestive heart failure is more often associated with acyanotic defects.
·1875 CHF is a common complication of congenital heart disease. It reflects the increased workload
of the heart resulting from shunts or obstructions. The two objectives in treating CHF are to
reduce the workload of the heart and increase cardiac output.
·1876 When frequent weighings are required, weigh client on the same scale at same time of day so
that accurate comparisons can be made.
NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDERS
·1877 The nursing goal in caring for children with Down syndrome is to help the child reach his/her
OPTIMAL level of functioning.
·1878 Feed infant or child with cerebral palsy using nursing interventions aimed at preventing
aspiration. Position child upright and support the lower jaw.
·1879 The signs of ICP are the opposite of those of shock.
·1880 Shock: Increased pulse, Decreased blood pressure.
·1881 Increased ICP: Decreased pulse, Increased blood pressure.
·1882 Baseline data on the child’s USUAL behavior and level of development is essential so
changes associated with increased ICP can be detected EARLY.
·1883 Do not pump shunt unless specifically prescribed. The shunt is made up of delicate valves,
and pumping changes pressures within the ventricles.
·1884 Medication noncompliance is the most common cause of increased seizure activity.
·1885 Do NOT use tongue blade, padded or not, during a seizure. It can cause traumatic damage to
mouth/oral cavity.
·1886 Monitor hydration status and IV therapy carefully. With meningitis, there may be inappropriate
ADH secretions causing fluid retention (cerebral edema) and dilutional hyponatremia.
·1887 Headache upon awakening is the most presenting symptom of brain tumors.
·1888 Most postoperative clients with infratentorial tumors are prescribed to lie flat and turn to either
side. A large tumor may require that the child NOT be turned to the operative side.
·1889 Suctioning, coughing, straining, and/or causes increased ICP.
RENAL DISORDERS
·1890 Decreased urinary output is FIRST sign of renal failure.
·1891 Surgical correction for hypospadias is usually done before preschool years due to achieving
sexual identity, castration anxiety and toilet training.GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
·1892 Typical parent/family reaction to a child with an obvious malformation such as cleft lip/palate
are quilt, disappointment, grief, sense of loss, and anger.
·1893 Children with cleft lip/palate and those with pyloric stenosis both have a nursing diagnosis
“alteration in nutrition; less than body requirements.”
·1894 Cleft lip/palate is related to decreased ability to suck.
·1895 Pyloric stenosis is related to frequent vomiting.
·1896 Nutritional needs and fluid and electrolyte balance are key problems for children with GI
disorders. The younger the child, the more vulnerable they are to fluid and electrolyte imbalances
and greater is the need for caloric intake required for growth.
·1897 Take axillary temperature on children with congenital megacolon.
HEMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS
·1898 Remember the Hgb norms:
·1899 Newborn: 14 to 24 g/dl
·1900 Infant: 10 to 15 g/dl
·1901 Child: 11 to 16 g/dl
·1902 Teach family about administration of oral iron:
·1903 Give on empty stomach (as tolerated for better absorption)
·1904 Give with citrus juices (vitamin C) for increased absorption
·1905 Use dropper or straw to avoid discoloring teeth
·1906 Stools will become tarry
·1907 Iron can be fatal in severe overdose; keep away from children. Do not give with dairy
products.
·1908 Inherited bleeding disorders (hemophilia and sickle cell anemia) are often used to test
knowledge of genetic transmission patterns. Remember:
·1909 Autosomal recessive: Both parents must be heterozygous, or carriers of the recessive trait, for
the disease to be expressed in their offspring. With each pregnancy, there is a 1:4 chance of the
infant having the disease. However, all children of such patterns CAN get the disease – NOT 25%
of them. This is the transmission for sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and phenylketonuria (PKU).
·1910 X-linked recessive trait: The trait is carried on the X chromosome, therefore, usually affects
male offspring, e.g., hemophilia. With each pregnancy of a woman who is a carrier there is a 25%
chance of having a child with hemophilia. If the child is male, he has a 50% chance of having
hemophilia. If the child is female, she has a 50% chance of being a carrier.
·1911 Hydration is very important in treatment of sickle cell disease because it promotes
hemodilution and circulation of red cells through the blood vessels.
·1912 Important terms:
·1913 Heterozygous gene (HgbAS) sickle cell trait
·1914 Homozygous gene (HbSS) sickle cell disease
·1915 Abnormal hemoglobin (HGBS) disease and trait
·1916 Supplemental iron is not given to clients with sickle cell anemia. The anemia is not caused by
iron deficiency. Folic acid is given only to stimulate RBC synthesis.·1917 Have epinephrine and oxygen readily available to treat anaphylaxis when administering lasparaginase.
·1918 Prednisone is frequently used in combination with antineoplastic drugs to reduce the mitosis
of lymphocytes. Allopurinol, a xanthine-oxidase inhibitor, is also administered to prevent renal
damage from uric acid build up during cellular lysis.
METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE DISORDERS
·1919 An infant with hypothyroidism is often described as a “good, quiet baby” by the parents.
·1920 Early detection of hypothyroidism and phenylhetonuria is essential in preventing mental
retardation in infants. Knowledge of normal growth and development is important, since a lack of
attaintment can be used to detect the existence of these metabolic/endocrine disorders and
attainment can be used for evaluating the treatment’s effect.
·1921 Nutrasweet (aspartame) contains phenylalanine and should not therefore, be given to a child
with phenylketonuria.
·1922 Diabetes mellitus (DM) in children was typically diagnosed as insulin dependent diabetes
(Type I) until recently. A marked increase in Type II DM has occurred recently in the US,
particularly among Native-American, African-American, and Hispanic children and adolescents.
Adolescence frequently causes difficulty with management since growth is rapid and the need to
be like peers makes compliance difficult. Remember to consider the child’s age, cognitive level of
development, and psychosocial development when answering NCLEX-RN questions.
·1923 When child is in ketoacidosis, administer regular insulin IV as prescribed in normal saline.
·1924 There has been an increase in the number of children diagnosed with Type II diabetes. The
increasing rate of obesity in children is thought to be a contributing factor. Other contributing
factors include lack of physical activity and a family history of Type II diabetes.
SKELETAL DISORDERS
·1925 Fractures in older children are common as they fall during play and are involved in motor
vehicle accidents.
·1926 Spiral fractures (caused by twisting) and fractures in infants may be related to child abuse.
·1927 Fractures involving the epiphyseal plate (growth plate) can have serious consequences in
terms of growth of the affected limb.
·1928 Skin traction for fracture reduction should not be removed unless prescribed by healthcare
provider.
·1929 Pin sites can be sources of infection. Monitor signs of infection. Cleanse and dress pin sites
as prescribed.
·1930 Skeletal disorders affect the infant’s or child’s physical mobility, and typical NCLEX-RN
questions focus on appropriate toys or activities for the child who is on bedrest and/or
immobilized.·1931 Children do not like injections and will deny pain to avoid “shots.”
·1932 A brace does not correct the curve of a child with scoliosis, it only stops or slows the
progression.
·1933 Corticosteroids are used short term in low doses during exacerbations. Long-term use is
avoided due to side effects and their adverse effect on growth.
MATERNITY NURSING
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
·1934 The menstrual phase varies in length for most women.
·1935 From ovulation to the beginning of the next menstrual cycle is usually exactly 14 days. In
other words, ovulation occurs 14 days before the next menstrual period.
·1936 Sperm lives approximately 3 days and eggs live about 24 hours. A couple must avoid
unprotected intercourse for several days before the anticipated ovulation and for 3 days after
ovulation in order to prevent pregnancy.
·1937 Because some women experience implantation bleeding or spotting, they do not know they
are pregnant.
·1938 Look for signs of maternal-fetal bonding during pregnancy. For example: talking to fetus in
utero, massaging abdomen, nicknaming fetus are all healthy psychosocial activities.
·1939 For many women, BATTERING (emotional or physical abuse) begins during pregnancy.
Women should be assessed for abuse in private, away from the male partner, by a nurse who
knows local resources and how to determine the safety of the client.
·1940 Practice determining gravidity and parity: A woman who is 6 weeks pregnant has the following
maternal history:
·1941 Has a 2 yr. old healthy daughter.
·1942 Had a miscarriage at 10 weeks, 3 years ago.
·1943 Had an elective abortion at 6 weeks, 5 years ago. With this pregnancy, she is a gravida 4,
para 1 (only 1 delivery after 20 weeks gestation).
·1944 Practice calculating EDB (estimated date of birth). If the first day of a women’s last normal
menstrual period was October 17, what is her EDB using Nagele’s rule? July 24. Count back 3
months and add 7 days (always give February 28 days).
·1945 At approximately 28 to 32 weeks gestation, the maximum plasma volume increase of 25 to
40% occurs, resulting in normal hemodilution of pregnancy and Hct values of 32 to 42%. High Hct
values may look “good,” but in reality represent pregnancy-induced hypertension and a depleted
vascular space.
·1946 Hgb/Hct data can be used to evaluate nutritional status. Example: a 22-year old primigravida
at 12 weeks gestation has a high Hgb of 9.6 g/dl and a Hct of 31%. She has gained 3 pounds
during the first trimester. A weight gain of3.5 to 5 pounds during the first trimester is
recommended and this client is anemic. Supplemental iron and a diet higher in iron are needed.
·1947 Foods high in iron: fish and red meats; cereal and yellow vegetables; green leafy vegetablesand citrus fruits; egg yolks and dried fruits.
·1948 As pregnancy advances, the uterus presses on abdominal vessels (vena cava and aorta).
Teach the woman that a side-lying position increases perfusion to uterus, placenta, and fetus.
Recent research indicates that the knee-chest position is best for increasing perfusion and that the
side-lying position (either left or right side-lying) is the second most desirable position to increase
perfusion. Prior to this research, the left side-lying position was usually encouraged.
·1949 Fetal well-being is determined by assessing fundal height, fetal heart tones/rate, fetal
movement and uterine activity (contractions). Changes in fetal heart rate are the first and most
important indicator of compromised blood flow to the fetus, and these changes require action!
Remember, the normal FHR is 110 to 160 bpm.
·1950 Danger signs during pregnancy. Teach clients to immediately report any of the following
danger signs. Early intervention can optimize maternal and fetal outcome.
·1951 Possible indications of preeclampsia/eclampsia:
·1952 Visual disturbances
·1953 Swelling of face, fingers or sacrum
·1954 Severe, continuous headache
·1955 Persistent vomiting
·1956 Signs of infection:
·1957 Chills
·1958 Dysuria
·1959 Temperature over 100.4 F
·1960 Pain in abdomen
·1961 Fluid discharge from vagina (anything other than normal leukorrhea)
·1962 Change in fetal movement and/or increased FHR
·1963 Most providers prescribe prenatal vitamins to ensure that the client receives an adequate
intake of vitamins. However, only the healthcare provider can prescribe prenatal vitamins. It is the
nurse’s responsibility to teach about proper diet and taking prescribed vitamins, if prescribed by
the healthcare provider.
·1964 It is recommended that pregnant women drink one quart of milk/day. This will ensure that the
daily calcium needs are met an help to alleviate the occurrence of leg cramps.
FETAL/MATERNAL ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES
·1965 In some states, the screening for neural tube defects through either maternal serum AFP
levels or amniotic fluid AFP levels is mandated by state law. This screening test is highly
associated with both false positives and false negatives.
·1966 When an amniocentesis is done in early pregnancy, the bladder must be full to help support
the uterus and to help push the uterus up in the abdomen for easy access. When an
amniocentesis is done in late pregnancy, the bladder must be empty to avoid puncturing the
bladder.
·1967 Early decelerations, caused by head compression and fetal descent, usually occur between 4
and 7 cm and in the 2nd stage. Check for labor progress if early decelerations are noted.
·1968 If cord prolapse is detected, the examiner should position the mother to relieve pressure onthe cord (i.e., knee-chest position) or push the presenting part off the cord until IMMEDIATE
Cesarean delivery can be accomplished.
·1969 Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency and are associated with conditions
such as postmaturity, preeclampsia, diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease, and abruptio placentae.
·1970 When deceleration patterns (late or variable) are associated with decreased or absent
variability and tachycardia, the situation is OMINOUS (potentially disastrous) and requires
immediate intervention and fetal assessment.
·1971 A decrease in uteroplacental perfusion results in late decelerations; cord compression results
in a pattern of variable decelerations. Nursing interventions should include changing maternal
position, discontinuing Pitocin infusion, administering oxygen and notifying the healthcare provider.
·1972 The danger of nipple stimulation lies in controlling the “dose” of oxytocin stimulated from the
posterior pituitary. The chance of hyper-stimulation or tetany (contractions over 90 seconds or
contractions with less than 30 seconds in between) is increased.
·1973 Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) can be done during pregnancy under
ultrasound for prenatal diagnosis and therapy. Hemoglobinopathies, clotting disorders, sepsis,
and some genetic testing can be done using this method.
·1974 The most important determinant of fetal maturity for extra-uterine survival is the L/S ratio (2:1
or higher).
INTRAPARTUM NURSING CARE
·1975 Be able to differentiate true labor from false labor.
·1976 True labor:
·1977 Pain in lower back that radiates to abdomen
·1978 Accompanied by regular, rhythmic contractions
·1979 Contractions that intensify with ambulation
·1980 Progressive cervical dilation and effacement
·1981 False labor:
·1982 Discomfort is localized in abdomen
·1983 No lower back pain
·1984 Contractions decrease in intensity and/or frequency with ambulation
·1985 Know normal findings for clients in labor:
·1986 Normal FHR in labor: 110 to 160 bpm
·1987 Normal maternal BP: <140/90
·1988 Normal maternal pulse: <100 bpm
·1989 Normal maternal temperature: <100.4 F
·1990 Slight elevation is often due to dehydration and the work of labor. Anything higher indicates
infection and must be reported immediately.
·1991 Admission procedures:
·1992 vulvar/perineal shave (may not be done)·1993 enema: may be refused by woman due to pre-labor diarrhea or recent, large bowel
movement. An enema should not be administered to a client in active labor. If head is floating,
watch for cord prolapse.
·1994 Meconium-stained fluid is yellow-green and may indicate fetal stress.
·1995 Breathing techniques such as deep chest, accelerated, and cued are not prescribed by the
stage and phase of labor, but by the discomfort level of the laboring woman. If coping is
decreasing, switch to a new technique.
·1996 Hyperventilation results in respiratory alkalosis due to blowing off too much CO2. Symptoms
include:
·1997 Dizziness
·1998 Tingling of fingers
·1999 Stiff mouth
·2000 Have woman breathe into her cupped hands or a paper bag in order to rebreathe CO2.
·2001 Determine cervical dilation before allowing client to push. Cervix should be completely dilated
(10 cm) before the client begins pushing. If pushing starts too early, the cervix can become
edematous and never fully dilate.
·2002 Give the oxytocin after the placenta is delivered because the drug will cause the uterus to
contract. If the oxytocic drug is administered before the placenta is delivered, it may result in a
retained placenta, which predisposes the client to hemorrhage and infection.
·2003 Application of perineal pads after delivery:
·2004 Place two on perineum
·2005 Do NOT touch inside of pad
·2006 DO apply from front to back, being careful not to drag pad across the anus.
·2007 Methergine is NOT given to clients with hypertension due to its vasoconstrictive action.
Pitocin is given with caution to those with hypertension.
·2008 FULL BLADDER is one of the most common reasons for uterine atony and/or hemorrhage in
the first 24 hours after delivery. If the nurse finds the fundus soft, boggy, and displaced above and
to the right of the umbilicus, what action should be taken first? First, perform fundal massage; then
have the client empty her bladder. Recheck fundus q15 minutes X 4 (1 hour); q30 minutes X 2
hours.
·2009 If narcotic analgesics (codeine, meperidine) are given, raise side rails and place call light
within reach. Instruct client not to get out of bed or ambulate without assistance. Caution client
about drowsiness as a side effect.
·2010 A 1st degree tear involves only the epidermis. A 2nd degree tear involves dermis, muscle, and
fascia. A 3rd degree tear extends into the anal sphincter, and a 4th degree extends up the rectal
mucosa. Tears cause pain and swelling. Avoid rectal manipulations.
·2011 If it was documented that the fetus passed meconium in utero or the nurse noted LATE
passage of meconium in delivery room, the neonate MUST be attended by a pediatrician,
neonatologist, and/or nurse practitioner to determine, through endotracheal tube observation and
suction, the presence of meconium below the cords. It can result in pneumonitis/meconium
aspiration syndrome, which will necessitate a sepsis workup including a chest x-ray early in the
transitional newborn period.·2012 Do not wait until a 1 minute Apgar is assigned to begin resuscitation of the compromised
neonate.
·2013 Apgar scores of 6 or < at 5 minutes require an additional Apgar assessment at 10 minutes.
·2014 IV administration of analgesics is preferred to IM for the client in labor because the onset and
peak occurs more quickly and duration of the drug is shorter.
·2015 IV administration:
·2016 Predictable onset: 5 minutes
·2017 Peak: 30 minutes
·2018 Duration: 1 hour
·2019 IM administration:
·2020 Onset: within 30 minutes
·2021 Peak: 1 to 3 hours after injection
·2022 Duration: 4 to 6 hours
·2023 Tranquilizers (ataractics and/or phenothiazines) Phenergan, Vistaril, are used in labor as
analgesic-potentiating drugs to decrease maternal anxiety.
·2024 Agonist narcotic drugs (Demerol, morphine) produce narcosis and have a higher risk for
maternal/fetal respiratory depression. Antagonist drugs (Stadol, Nubain) have less respiratory
depression but MUST be used with caution in a mother with preexisting narcotic dependency
since withdrawal symptoms occur immediately.
·2025 Pudendal block and subarachnoid (saddle block) are used only for second stage of labor.
Peri/epidural may be used for all stages of labor.
·2026 The first sign of block effectiveness is usually warmth and tingling of ball/big toe of foot.
·2027 Discontinue continuous infusion at end of Stage I or during transition to increase pushing
effectiveness.
·2028 Regional block anesthesia and fetal presentation
·2029 Internal rotation is harder to achieve when the pelvic floor is relaxed by anesthesia resulting in
persistent occiput posterior position of fetus.
·2030 Monitor for fetal position. REMEMBER, mother cannot tell you she has back pain, which is
the cardinal sign of persistent posterior fetal position.
·2031 Regional blocks, especially epidural and caudal, often result in assisted (forceps or vacuum)
delivery due to the inability to push effectively in 2nd stage.
·2032 Nerve block anesthesia (spinal or epidural) during labor blocks motor as well as nerve fibers.
Vasodilation below the level of the block results in blood pooling in the lower extemities and
maternal hypotension. Approximately 20 minutes prior to nerve block anesthesia, the client should
be hydrated with 500 to 1000 cc of lactated ringers IV. Monitor maternal vital signs and FHR q5 to
15 minutes. If hypotension occurs – turn the client to her side, administer O2 at 10 L/min by
facemask, and increase IV rate.
NORMAL PUERPERIUM
·2033 Normal leukocytosis of pregnancy averages 12,000 to 15,000 mm3. The first 10 to 12 dayspost-delivery, values of 25,000 mm3 are common. Elevated WBC and the normal elevated ESR
may confuse interpretation of acute postpartal infections. For example, if the nurse assesses a
client’s temperature to be 101 F on the client’s second postpartum day, what assessments should
be made before notifying the physician? Assess fundal height and firmness, perineal integrity,
check for a positive Homan’s sign and other symptoms, i.e., burning on urination, pain in leg,
excessive tenderness of uterus.
·2034 Client/family teaching is a common area for NCLEX-RN questions. Remember, when
teaching the first step is to assess the client’s (parent’s) level of knowledge and identify their
readiness to learn. Client teaching regarding lochia changes, perineal care, breastfeeding, sore
nipples are commonly tested content.
·2035 After the 1st PP day, the most common cause of uterine atony is retained placental fragments.
The nurse must check for presence of fragments in lochial tissue.
·2036 Women can tolerate blood loss, even slightly excessive blood loss, in the postpartal period
due to the 40% increase in plasma volume during pregnancy. In postpartal period can void up to
3,000 cc/day to reduce this volume increase that occurred during pregnancy.
·2037 Client should void within 4 hours of delivery. Monitor closely for urine retention. Suspect
retention if voiding is frequent and <100 cc per voiding.
·2038 Women often have a syncopal spell (faint) on the first ambulation after delivery (usually
related t ovasomotor changes, orthostatic hypotension). The astute nurse will check for client’s
Hgb and Hct for anemia and the blood pressure, sitting and lying for orthostatic hypotension.
·2039 Kegel exercises: increase integrity of introitus and improve urine retention. Teach client to
alternate contraction and relaxation of the pubococcygeal muscles.
·2040 Assess for thromboembolism: Examine legs of PP client daily for pain, warmth, and
tenderness or a swollen vein which is tender to touch. Client may or may not exhibit a positive
Homan’s sign (dorsiflexion of foot causes compression of tibial veins and pain if thrombus is
present).
·2041 “Postpartum blues” are usually normal, especially 5 to 7 days after delivery (unexplained
tearfulness, feeling “down,” and a decreased appetite). Encourage use of support persons to help
with housework for first two postpartum weeks. Refer to community resources.
·2042 Remember RhoGAM is given to a Rh-negative mother who delivers a Rh-positive fetus and
has a negative direct Coombs. If the mother has a positive Coombs, there is no need to give
RhoGAM since the mother is already sensitized.
·2043 Because Rh Immune Globulins suppress the immune system, the client who receives both
RhoGAM and the Rubella vaccine should be tested for rubella immunity at 3 months.
THE NORMAL NEWBORN
·2044 PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT: A detailed physical assessment is performed by the nurse or
physician. Regardless of who performs the physical assessment, the nurse must know normal
versus abnormal variations of the newborn. Observations must be recorded and the physician
and the physician notified regarding abnormalities.
·2045 It is difficult to differentiate between caput succedaneum (edema under the scalp) and
cephalhematoma (blood under the periosteum). The caput crosses suture lines and is usually
present at birth, while the cephalhematoma does NOT cross suture lines and manifests a fewhours after birth. The danger of cephalhematoma is increased by hyperbilirubinemia due to
excess RBC breakdown.
·2046 These neurological reflexes are transient, and, as such, disappear usually within the first year
of life. In the pediatric client, prolonged presence of these reflexes can indicate CNS defects.
Anticipate NCLEX-RN questions regarding normal newborn reflexes. Physical assessment
questions focus on normal characteristics of the newborn and the differentiation of conditions such
as caput succedaneum and cephalhematoma.
·2047 The umbilical cord should always be checked at birth. It should contain 3 vessels, 1 vein
which carries oxygenated blood to the fetus and 2 arteries which carry unoxygenated blood back
to the placenta. This is the opposite of normal circulation in the adult. Cord abnormalities usually
indicate cardiovascular or renal anomalies.
·2048 Postnatally, the fetal structures of foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus and ductus venosus
should close. If they do not, cardiac and pulmonary compromise will develop.
·2049 Suctioning the mouth first and then the nose. Stimulating the nares can initiate inspiration
which could cause aspiration of mucus in oral pharynx.
·2050 Circumcision has become controversial since there is no real medical indication for the
procedure and it does not cause trauma and pain to the newborn. It was once thought to
decrease the incidence of penile and cervical cancer, but some researchers say this is unfounded.
·2051 HYPOTHERMIA (heat loss) leads to depletion of glucose and, therefore, the use of brown fat
(special fat deposits fetus puts on in last trimester which are important to thermoregulation) for
energy, resulting in ketoacidosis and possible shock. Prevent by keeping neonate warm!
·2052 Physiologic jaundice (normal inability of the immature liver to keep up with normal RBC
destruction) occurs at 2 to 3 days of life. If it occurs before 24 hours or persists beyond 7 days, it
becomes pathologic. Typically, NCLEX-RN questions ask about normal problem of physiologic
jaundice which occurs 2 to 3 days after birth due to the liver’s inability to keep up with RBC
destruction and bind bilirubin. Remember, unconjugated bilirubin is the culprit.
·2053 Do not feed a newborn when the respiratory rate is over 60. Inform the physician and
anticipate gavage feedings in order to prevent further energy utilization and possible aspiration.
·2054 A 7 lb. 8 oz. baby would need 50 calories X 7 lbs = 350 calories plus 25 calories (1/2 lb. or 8
oz.) = 375 calories per day. Most infant formulas contain 20 calories/ounce. Dividing 375 by 20 =
18.75 ounces of formula needed per day.
·2055 Teach parents to take infant’s temperature BOTH axillary and rectally. While axillary is
recommended, some pediatricians will request a rectal temperature (core).
·2056 AXILLARY: Place thermometer under arm and hold thermometer in place 5 minutes.
·2057 RECTALLY: Use thermometer with BLUNT end. Insert thermometer ¼ to ½ inch and hold in
place for 5 minutes. Hold feet and legs firmly.
HIGH-RISK DISORDERS
·2058 Clients with prior traumatic delivery, history of D&C, multiple abortions (spontaneous or
induced), or daughters of DES mothers may experience miscarriage or preterm labor related to
INCOMPETENT CERVIX. The cervix may be surgically repaired prior to pregnancy, or DURING
gestation. A CERCLAGE (McDonald’s suture) is placed around the cervix to constrict the internal
os. The cerclage may be removed prior to labor if labor is planned or left in place if cesarean birthis planned.
·2059 Suspect ectopic pregnancy in any woman of childbearing age who presents at an emergency
room, clinic, or office with unilateral or bilateral abdominal pain. Most are misdiagnosed with
appendicitis.
·2060 A client who is 32 weeks gestation calls the healthcare provider because she is experiencing
dark, red vaginal bleeding. She is admitted to the emergency room where the nurse determines
the FHR to be 100 bpm. The client’s abdomen is rigid and boardlike, and she is complaining of
severe pain. What action should the nurse take first? First, the nurse must use knowledge base
to differentiate between abruptio placentae (this client) from placenta previa (painless bright red
bleeding occurring in the third trimester). The nurse should immediately notify the healthcare
provider and no abdominal or vaginal manipulation or exams should be done. Administer O2 per
face mask. Monitor for bleeding at IV sites and gums due to the increased risk of DIC.
Emergency Cesarean section is required since uteroplacental perfusion to the fetus is being
compromised by early separation of the placenta from the uterus.
·2061 Clients with abruptio placentae or placenta previa (actual or suspected) should have NO
abdominal or vaginal manipulation. NO Leopold’s maneuvers. NO vaginal exams. NO rectal
exams, enemas, or suppositories. NO internal monitoring.
·2062 Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a syndrome of abnormal clotting that is
systematic and pathologic. Large amounts of clotting factors, especially fibrinogen, are depleted
causing widespread external and/or internal bleeding. DIC is related to fetal demise,
infection/sepsis, pregnancy-induced hypertension (Preeclampsia) and abruptio palcentae.
·2063 Podophyllin, which is usually used to treat HPV, is contraindicated in pregnancy because it is
associated with fetal death, preterm labor, and cervical carcinoma.
·2064 Toxoplasmosis is usually related to exposure to cats, gardening (where cat feces may be
found), or eating raw meat.
·2065 Rubella is teratogenic to the fetus during the FIRST trimester, causing congenital heart
disease and/or congenital cataracts. All women should have their titers checked during
pregnancy. If a women’s titer’s are low, she should receive the vaccine AFTER delivery and be
instructed not to get pregnant within 3 months. Breastfeeding mothers may take the vaccine.
·2066 Although Metronidazole (Flagyl) is the treatment of choice for some vaginal infections, its use
is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy, and its use during the second trimester is
controversial. Medications usually recommended for the non-pregnant client with STDs may be
CONTRAINDICATED for the pregnant client due to effect on the fetus.
·2067 The outcome of adolescent pregnancy depends on prenatal care. NUTRITION is a key factor
since the adolescent’s physiological needs for growth are already increased, plus the additional
stress of pregnancy.
·2068 Although the toxic side effects of magnesium sulfate are well known and watched for, it is just
as important to get serum blood levels of magnesium sulfate above 4 mg/dl in order to prevent
convulsions and reach therapeutic range.
·2069 Hold next dose of magnesium sulfate and notify healthcare provider if any toxic symptoms
occur (<12 respirations/minute, urine output <100 cc/4 hours, absent DTRs, Magnesium sulfate >
8 mg/dl).
·2070 When administering magnesium sulfate. ALWAYS have antidote available (calcium gluconate,
20 ml vial of 10% solution).·2071 Tachycardia is the major side-effect of tocolytic drugs, which are bete adrenergic agents such
as terbutaline (Brethine) or ritodrine (Yutopar) used to stop preterm labor. Teach the client to take
her pulse prior to administration and withhold medication if pulse is not within the prescribed
parameters (usually whitheld if pulse >120 to 140). If administration is via a continuous pump,
teach client to monitor pulse periodically.
·2072 In 1978, the FDA banned the use of oxytocin for ELECTIVE inductions. The healthcare
provider must provide, for the record, the medical reason for oxytocin use.
·2073 Dystocia frequently requires the use of oxytocin for augmentation or induction of labor.
Uterine tetany is a harmful complication and careful monitoring is required. The desired effect is
contractions q2 to 3 minutes, with duration of contractions no longer than 90 seconds.
Continuously monitor FHR and uterine resting tone. If tetany occurs, turn off Pitocin, turn client to
a side-lying position, and administer O2 by facemask. Check output (should be at least 100 cc/4
hours). Oxytocin’s most important side effects is its antidiuretic (ADH) effect, which can cause
water intoxification. Using IV fluids containing electrolytes decreases the risk of water
intoxification.
·2074 The uterus is most sensitive to becoming tetanic at the beginning of infusion. The client must
ALWAYS be attended and contractions monitored. Contractions should last NO longer than 90
seconds to prevent fetal hypoxia.
·2075 Women with previous uterine scars are prone to uterine rupture especially if oxytocin or
forceps are used. If a woman complains of a sharp pain accompanied by the abrupt cessation of
contractions, suspect uterine rupture, a MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Immediate surgical delivery is
indicated to save the fetus and the mother.
·2076 Rarely are antihypertensive drugs used in the preeclamptic client. They are given only in the
event of diastolic blood pressure over 110 mmHg. (CVA danger). Drug of choice is Hydralazine
HCL (Apresoline).
·2077 Altough delivery is often described as the “cure” for preeclampsia, the client can convulse up
to 48 hours after delivery.
·2078 The major goal of nursing care for a client with preeclampsia is to maintain uteroplacental
perfusion and prevent seizures. This requires the administration of magnesium sulfate. Withhold
administration of magnesium sulfate if signs of toxicity exist: respirations <12/minute, absence of
DTRs, and urine output <30 ml/hour.
·2079 Nursing care during labor and delivery for the client with cardiac disease is focused on
prevention of cardiac embarrassment, maintenance of uterine perfusion, and alleviation of anxiety.
·2080 Should these clients experience preterm labor, the use of beta-adrenergic agents such as
terbutaline (Brethine) and ritodrine HCL (Yutopar) are contraindicated due to the chance of
myocardial ischemia.
·2081 Normal diuresis, which occurs in the postpartum period, can pose serious problems to the
new mother with cardiac disease because of the increased cardiac output.
·2082 Coumadin may NOT be taken during pregnancy due to its ability to cross the placenta and
affect the fetus. HEPARIN is the drug of choice; it does NOT cross the placental membrane.
·2083 Recent research has found that Helicobacter pylori, (the bacterium that causes stomach
ulcers) infection is another possible causative factor in hyperemesis. Other pregnancy and nonpregnancy risk factors for hyperemesis gravidarum include first pregnancy, multiple fetuses, age
under 24, history of this condition in other pregnancies, obesity, and high fat diets.
·2084 In severe cases of hyperemesis gravidarum, the healthcare provider may prescribe
antihistamines, vitamin B6, or phenothiazines to relieve nausea. The provider also prescribe
metoclopramide (Reglan) to increase the rate the stomach moves food into the intestines, or
antacids to absorb stomach acid and help prevent acid reflux.
·2085 Women who suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum are often deficient in thiamin, riboflavin,
vitamin B6, vitamin A, and retinol-binding proteins.
·2086 GLUCOSE SCREEN: Client does NOT have to fast for this test. 50 gm of glucose is given
and blood is drawn after one hour. If the blood glucose is greater than 135 mg/dl, the na threehour glucose tolerance test (GTT) is done.
·2087 High incidence of fetal anomalies occurs in pregnant diabetic women. Therefore, fetal
surveillance is very important. Ultrasound exam. Alpha-fetoprotein (to determine neural tube
anomalies). Non-stress and contraction stress tests.
·2088 Oral hypoglycemics are not taken in pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects on fetus.
Insulin is used for therapeutic management.
·2089 When a woman is admitted in labor with diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. She is more prone to
preeclampsia, hemorrhage and infection. Delivery is often scheduled between 37 to 38 weeks
gestation to avoid the end of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy because this is a VERY difficult time to
maintain diabetic control.
·2090 It is useful to discontinue long-acting insulin administration on the day before the delivery is
planned since insulin requirements are less in labor and drop precipitously after delivery.
·2091 Estrogen-containing birth control pills affect glucose metabolism by increasing resistance to
insulin. The intrauterine device may be associated with an increased risk of infection in these
already vulnerable women.
·2092 If a woman is medicated, the responsible adult accompanying her must sign the necessary
consent forms. State laws differ as to the acceptability of a friend signing the consent form rather
than a relative.
·2093 Babies delivered abdominally miss out on the vaginal squeeze and are born with more fluid in
the lungs, predisposing the newborn to transient tachypnea (TTN) and respiratory distress.
·2094 The preferable low-transverse uterine incision usually results in less postoperative pain, less
bleeding, and less incidents of ruptured uterus. The classical, vertical incision on the uterus may
involve part of the fundus, resulting in more postoperative pain, bleeding, and an increased
chance of uterine rupture.
·2095 Due to the exploration and cleansing of the uterus just after delivery of the placenta, the
amount of lochia may be scant in the recovery room. However, pooling in the vagina and uterus
while on bedrest may result in blood running down the client’s leg when she first ambulates.
Cesarean birth clients have the same lochial changes, placental site healing, and aseptic needs
as do vaginal birth clients.
·2096 A laparotomy of any kind, including cesarean birth, predisposes the client to postoperative
paralytic ileus. When the bowel is manipulated in surgery, it ceases preistalsis, which may persist.
Symptoms include: absent bowel sounds, abdominal distention, tympany on percussion, nauseaand vomiting, and of course, obstipation (intractible constipation). Early ambulation is an effective
nursing intervention.
POSTPARTUM HIGH-RISK DISORDERS
·2097 Nurse must be especially supportive of postpartum client with infection because it usually
implies isolation from newborn until organism is identified and treatment begun. Arrange phone
calls to nursery and window viewing. Involve family, spouse, significant others in teaching, and
encourage other family members to continue neonatal attachment activities.
·2098 Most common iatrogenic cause of UTI is urinary catheterization. Encourage clients to void
frequently and not ignore the urge. IV antibiotic are usually administered to clients with
pyelonephritis.
·2099 Remember, the risk of postpartum infections increases for clients who experienced problems
during pregnancy (e.g., anemia, diabetes) or experienced trauma during labor and delivery.
·2100 Clients taking anticoagulants can usually expect to have heavy menstrual periods.
·2101 In most cases, a mother who is on antibiotic therapy can continue to breastfeed unless the
healthcare provider thinks the neonate is at risk for sepsis by maternal contact. Sulfa drugs are
used cautiously in lactating mothers because they can be transferred to the infant in breast milk.
·2102 Many times mastitis can be confused with a blocked milk sinus, which is treated by nursing
closer to the lump and by rotating the baby on the breast. Breastfeeding is not contraindicated for
women with mastitis, unless pus is in the breast milk, or the antibiotic of choice is harmful to the
infant. If either of these occurs, milk production can still be fostered by manual expression.
·2103 During medical emergencies such as bleeding episodes, clients need calm, direct
explanations and assurance that all is being done that can be done. If possible, allow support
person at bedside. Risk-management principles state that the suit-prone client is one who feels
things are being hidden from her or that adequate attention is NOT being give to HER problem.
·2104 Risk factors for hemorrhage include: dystocia, prolonged labor, over distended uterus,
abruptio placentae, and infection.
·2105 What immediate nursing actions should be taken when a postpartum hemorrhage is
detected?
·2106 Perform fundal massage
·2107 Notify the healthcare provider if the fundus does not become firm with massage
·2108 Count pads to estimate blood loss
·2109 Assess and record vital signs
·2110 Increase IV fluids (additional IV line may be indicated)
·2111 Administer oxytocin infusion as prescribed
NEWBORN HIGH-RISK DISORDERS
·2112 “Jitteriness” is a clinical manifestation of hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia. Laboratory
analysis is indicated to differentiate between two etiologies.
·2113 To avoid metabolic problems brought on by cold stress, the first step and number one priority,
in management of the newborn is to prevent loss of body heat, followed by ABCs. Neonatesproduce heat by non-shivering thermogenesis, by burning brown fat. The neonate is easily
stressed by hypothermia and develops acidosis from hypoxia. Prevent chilling (keep under
radiant warmer or in isolette). If cold, the first signs exhibited are prolonged acrocyanosis, skin
mottling, tachycardia, and tachypnea. If cold stressed, warm slowly over 2 to 4 hours since rapid
warming may produce apnea. The neonate needs glucose, he/she has little glycogen storage and
needs to be fed.
·2114 The lower the score on the Silverman-Anderson index of Respiratory Distress, the better the
respiratory status of the neonate. A score of 10 indicates that a newborn is in severe respiratory
distress. This is the exact opposite of the method used for Apgar scoring.
·2115 WATCH the newborn Hct; it is difficult to oxygenate either an anemic newborn (lack of oxygencarrying capacity) or a newborn with polycythemia (Hct >80%, thich, sluggish circulation).
·2116 The PO2 should be maintained between 50 to 90 mmHg. PO2 <50 signifies hypoxia, PO2 >
90 signifies oxygen toxicity problems.
·2117 Antibiotic dosage is based on the neonate’s weight in kilograms. Peak and trough drug levels
are drawn to evaluate if therapeutic drug levels have been achieved. Closely monitor the neonate
for adverse effects of ALL drugs.
·2118 Sepsis can be indicated by both a temperature increase and a temperature decrease.
·2119 Drugs used to treat neonatal infections can be ototoxic and nephrotoxic. Close monitoring of
therapeutic levels and observation for side effects are required.
·2120 Renal immaturity in the preterm infant makes the monitoring of IV fluid administration and
drug therapy crucial. Closely monitor BUN and creatinine levels when administering the “mycin”
antibiotics to treat infections in the neonate.
·2121 If tube passes into trachea, newborn can make NO noise, i.e., no crying. Newborn may gag,
cough, or become cyanotic.
·2122 To assess for skin jaundice, apply with thumb over bony prominences to blanch skin. After
removing thumb, area will look yellow before normal skin color reappears. The best areas for
assessment are the nose, forehead, and sternum. In dark-skinned infants, observe conjunctival
sac and oral mucosa.
·2123 Lab tests measure total and direct (conjugated, excretable, non-fat soluble) bilirubin levels.
The dangerous bilirubin is the unconjugated, indirect (fat-soluble), which is measured by
subtracting the direct from the total bilirubin.
·2124 Maintenance of hydration is crucial for all infants. The preterm infant is already at risk for fluid
and electrolyte imbalances due to increased body surface area from extended body positioning
and larger body area in related to body weight. Phototherapy treatment for hyperbilirubinemia
(level > 12 mg/dl) increases the risk for dehydration.
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION / TREATMENT MODALITIES
·2125 The purpose of therapeutic interaction with clients is to allow them the autonomy to make
choices when appropriate. Keep statements value free, advice free, and reassurance free.
Remember, JUST THE FACTS! NO OPINIONS!·2126 What action should the nurse take in a “psychiatric situation” when the client describes a
physical problem? Assess, assess, assess! If the client with paranoid schizophrenia on the
psychiatric unit complains of chest pain, take his/her blood pressure. If the OB client who has
delivered a dead fetus complains of perineal pain – look at the perineal area (she may have a
hematoma). Just because the focus of the client’s situation is on his/her psychological needs, it
does not mean that the nurse can ignore physiological needs.
·2127 Remember, nurses are “nice” people, but they are also therapeutic.
·2128 Basic communication principles can be applied to all clients:
·2129 Establish trust.
·2130 Demonstrate a non-judgmental attitude
·2131 Offer self; be emphathetic, NOT sympathetic
·2132 Use active listening
·2133 Accept and support client’s feelings
·2134 Clarify and validate client’s statement
·2135 Use matter-of-fact approach
·2136 Remember, a nurse’s nonverbal communication may be more important that his/her verbal
communication.
·2137 A question concerning nurse-client confidentiality often appears on the NCLEX-RN. For the
nurse to tell a client she/he will not tell anyone about their discussion, puts the nurse in a difficult
position. Some information MUST be shared with other team members for the client’s safety (e.g.,
suicide plan) and optimal therapy.
·2138 Nausea is a common complaint after ECT. Vomiting by the unconscious client can lead to
aspiration. Because post-ECT clients are unconscious, the nurse must observe closely for the
possibility of aspiration, i.e., MAINTAIN A PATENT AIRWAY!
ANXIETY DISORDERS
·2139 Common physiological responses to anxiety include increased heart rate and blood pressure;
rapid, shallow respirations; dry mouth, tight feeling in throat; tremors, muscle tension; anorexia;
urinary frequency; palmar sweating.
·2140 Anxiety is very contagious and is easily transferred from client to nurse AND from nurse to
client. FIRST, the nurse must assess his/her own level of anxiety and remain calm. A calm nurse
assists the client to gain control, decrease anxiety, and increase feelings of anxiety.
·2141 When a client described a phobia or expresses an unreasonable fear, the nurse should
acknowledge the feeling (fear) and refrain from exposing the client to the identified fear. After trust
is established, a desensitization process may be prescribed. Desensitization is the nursing
intervention for phobia disorders. The nurse should:
·2142 Assist client to recognize factors associated with feared stimuli that precipitate a phobic
response.
·2143 Teach and practice with client alternative adaptive coping strategies such as the use of
thought substitution (replacing a fearful thought with a pleasant thought), and relaxation
techniques. Role-playing is useful when the client is in a calm state.
·2144 Expose client progressively to feared stimuli, offering support with the nurse’s presence.
·2145 Provide positive reinforcement whenever a decrease in phobic reaction occurs.
·2146 NOTE: In all likelihood, the desensitization process will be overseen by a mental healthpractitioner (NP psych CNS, or psychologist).
·2147 The nurse should place an anxious client where there are reduced environmental stimuli – a
quiet area of the unit, away from the nurse’s station.
·2148 The best time for interaction with a client is at the completion of the performed ritual. The
client’s anxiety is lowest at this time; therefore, it is an optimal time for learning.
·2149 Compulsive acts are used in response to anxiety, which may or may not be related to the
obsession. It is the nurse’s responsibility to help alleviate anxiety. Interfering will increase anxiety.
These acts should be allowed as long as the client’s acts are free of violence. The nurse should:
·2150 Actively listen to the client’s obsessive themes
·2151 Acknowledge effects that ritualistic acts have on the client
·2152 Demonstrate empathy
·2153 Avoid being judgmental
·2154 For clients with postraumatic stress disorder, the nurse should:
·2155 Actively listen to client’s stories of experiences surrounding the traumatic event
·2156 Assess suicide risk
·2157 Assist client to develop objectivity about the event and problem solve regarding possible
means of controlling anxiety related to the event
·2158 Encourage group therapy with other clients who have experienced the same or related
traumatic events
SOMATOFORM DISORDERS
·2159 Be aware of your own feelings when dealing with this type of client. It is a challenge to be
non-judgmental. The pain is real to the person experiencing it. These disorders cannot be
explained medically: they result from internal conflict. The nurse should:
·2160 Acknowledge the symptom or complaint
·2161 Reaffirm that diagnostic test results reveal no organic pathology
·2162 Determine the secondary gains acquired by the client
DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS
·2163 The nurse should be aware that ALL behavior has meaning.
·2164 Avoid giving clients with dissociative disorders too much information about past events at one
time. The various types of amnesia, which accompany dissociative disorders, provide protection
from pain. Too much, too soon, may cause decompensation.
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
·2165 Personality disorders are long-standing behavioral traits that are maladaptive responses to
anxiety and cause difficulty in relating and working with other individuals. NCLEX-RN questions
test personality disorder content by describing management situations.
·2166 Persons with a personality disorder are usually comfortable with their disorder and believe
that they are right and the world is wrong. These individuals usually have very little motivation to
change. Think of them as a CHALLENGE.EATING DISORDERS
·2167 People with Anorexia gain pleasure from providing others with food and watching them eat.
These behaviors reinforce their perception of self-control. Do not allow these clients to plan or
prepare food for unit-based activities.
·2168 People with Bulimia often use syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting which may cause
cardiovascular problems such as congestive heart failure (CHF). Because CHF is not usually
seen in young people, it is often overlooked. Assess for edema and listen to breath sounds.
·2169 Physical assessment and nutritional support are a priority; the physiological implications are
great. Nursing interventions should increase self-esteem and develop a positive body image.
Behavior modification is useful and effective. Family therapy is most effective since issues of
control are common in these disorders. (Therapy is usually long term).
MOOD DISORDERS
·2170 Depressed clients have difficulty hearing and accepting compliments because of their lowered
self-concept. Comment on signs of improvement by noting the behavior, e.g., “I noticed you
cobed your hair today” NOT, “You look nice today.”
·2171 The most important signs and symptoms of depression are a depressed mood with a loss of
interest or pleasure in life. The client has sustained a loss. Other symptoms include:
·2172 Significant change in appetite often accompanied by a change in weight – either weight loss
or gain
·2173 Insomnia or hyperinsomnia (usually sleeping during the day – often because the client is not
sleeping at night due to anxiety).
·2174 Fatigue or a lack of energy
·2175 Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, or over-responsibility
·2176 Loss of ability to concentrate or think clearly
·2177 Preoccupation with death or suicide
·2178 The nurse knows depressed clients are improving when they begin to take an interest in their
appearance or begin to perform self-care activities, which were previously of little or no interest.
·2179 The nurse should suspect an imminent suicide attempt if a depressed client becomes “better,”
e.g., happy or even elated. Be aware – a happy affect may signify that the client feels relieved
that a plan has been made and he/she is ready for the suicide attempt.
·2180 When dealing with a depressed client, the nurse should assist with personal hygiene tasks
and encourage the client to initiate grooming activities even when he/she does not feel like doing
so. This helps promote self-esteem and a sense of control.
·2181 An important intervention for the depressed client is to sit quietly with the client. When
answering NCLEX-RN questions, remember that you are working at Utopia General and there is
plenty of time and staff to provide ideal nursing care. Do not let realities of clinical situations deter
you from choosing the best nursing intervention. The best intervention is to sit quietly with the
client, offering support with your presence.
·2182 There are always drug questions on the NCLEX-RN. Here are some tips: Know common side
effects for drug groups. For example:·2183 Anti-anxiety drugs = sedation, drowsiness
·2184 Antidepressant drugs = anticholinergic effects, postural hypotension
·2185 MAO inhibitors = hypertensive crisis
·2186 Know specific problems or concerns for drug therapy. For example:
·2187 Lithium requires renal function assessment and monitoring
·2188 Phenothiazines cause extrapyramidal effects (EPS); tardive dyskinesia can be permanent if
client is not assessed regularly for signs of tardive dyskinesia!
·2189 Know specific client teaching for drug therapy. For example:
·2190 Phenothiazines = photosensitivity, need to wear protective clothing, sunglasses
·2191 MAO inhibitors = dietary restrictions to prevent hypertensive crisis
·2192 Monitor serum lithium levels carefully. The therapeutic range is between 0.5 and 1.5 mEq/L.
the therapeutic and toxic levels are very close in reading. Signs of toxicity are evident when
lithium levels are more than 1.5 mEq/L. Blood levels should be drawn 12 hours after LAST dose.
·2193 Manic clients can be very caustic toward authority figures. Be prepared for personal “put
downs.” Avoid arguing or becoming defensive.
·2194 What activities are appropriate for a manic client? = Noncompetitive physical activities, which
require the use of large muscle groups.
·2195 Where should a manic client be placed on the unit? = Make every attempt to reduce stimuli in
the environment. Place the client in a quiet part of the unit.
·2196 What interventions should the nurse use if a client becomes abusive?
·2197 Redirect negative behavior or verbal abuse in a calm, firm, non-judgmental, non-defensive
manner
·2198 Suggest a walk or physical activity
·2199 Set limits on intrusive behavior. For example, “When you interrupt, I cannot explain the
procedure to the others; please wait your turn.”
·2200 If necessary, seclude or administer medication if client becomes totally out of control. Always
remember to use compassion because nurses are “nice” people.
·2201 Two atypical antipsychotic drugs are also indicated for mania (risperidone and olanzapine).
THOUGHT DISORDERS: SCHIZOPHRENIA
·2202 There are five types of schizophrenia specified under the DSM-IV-TR. The DSM-IV-TR is a
diagnostic manual prepared by the American Psychiatric Association that provides diagnostic
criteria for all psychiatric disorders.
·2203 Observe for increased motor activity and/or erratic response to staff and other clients. The
client may be experiencing an increase in command hallucinations. When this occurs, there is an
increased potential for aggressive behavior. THINK PRN!
·2204 When evaluating client behaviors, consider the medications the client is receiving. Exhibited
behaviors may be manifestations of schizophrenia or a drug reaction.
·2205 Use Bleuler’s four As to help remember the important characteristics of schizophrenia:·2206 Autism (preoccupied with self)
·2207 Affect (flat)
·2208 Association (loose)
·2209 Ambivalence (difficulty making decisions)
·2210 Do not argue with a client about their delusions. Logic does NOT work, it only increases the
client’s anxiety. Be matter-of-fact and divert delusional thought to reality. Trust is the basis for all
interactions with these clients. Be supportive and non-judgmental. Stress increases anxiety and
the need for delusions and hallucinations. Do not agree you hear voices (you should be the
client’s contact to reality), but acknowledge your observation of the client, for example, “You look
like you’re listening to something.”
·2211 Know the side effects of drugs commonly used to treat schizophrenia since client behavioral
changes may be due to drug reactions instead of schizophrenia.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
·2212 Know what defense mechanisms are used by chemically dependent clients. Denial and
rationalization are the two most common coping styles used – their use must be confronted so
accountability for the client’s own behavior can be developed.
·2213 What basic needs have priority when working with chemically dependent clients? Nutrition is
a priority. Alcohol and drug intake has superseded the intake of food for these clients.
·2214 What behaviors are expected during withdrawal? In the alcoholic, delirium tremens (DT)
occurs 12 to 36 hours after the last intake of alcohol. Know the symptoms (tachycardia,
tachypnea, diaphoresis, marked tremors, hallucinations, paranoia). In drug abuse, withdrawal
symptoms are specific to the type of drug.
·2215 What medications can the nurse expect to administer to chemically dependent clients? In
treating alcohol withdrawal, Librium or Ativan are commonly used. Antabuse is often used as s
deterrent to drinking alcohol. Client teaching should include the effects of consuming any alcohol
while on Antabuse. Encourage client to read all labels of over-the-counter medications and food
products, which may contain small amounts of alcohol.
·2216 What type of therapy is used with chemically dependent clients? Group therapy is effective as
well as support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc.
·2217 Harm reduction is a community health strategy designed to reduce the harm of substance
abuse to families, individuals, community, and society.
·2218 More compassionate drug treatment options including abstinence and drug substitution
models.
·2219 HIV related interventions such as needle exchanges
·2220 Directed drug use management should the client wish to continue use
·2221 Changes in laws concerning possession of paraphernalia
ABUSE
·2222 Select only one nurse to care for an abused child. Abused children have difficulty establishing
trust. The child will be less anxious with one consistent caregiver.
·2223 Women who are abused may rationalize the spouse’s behavior and unnecessarily accept theblame for his actions. The woman may or may not choose to press charges. Be sure to give her
the number of a shelter for “help line” for future occurrences, as well as develop a safety plan.
·2224 It is difficult for an elderly person to admit abuse for fear being placed in a nursing home or
being abandoned. Therefore, it is imperative to establish a trusting relationship with the elderly
client.
·2225 Rape victims are at high risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Immediate
intervention to diminish distress is vital. The nurse should also assess for and intervene for
sequellae such as unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV risk.
·2226 Questions on the NCLEX-RN regarding physical/sexual abuse usually focus on three aspects:
·2227 Physical manifestations of abuse
·2228 Client safety
·2229 Legal responsibilities of the nurse – In children, the nurse is legally responsible to report all
suspected cases of abuse. In intimate partner abuse, it is the adult’s decision; the nurse should
be supportive of their decision. Remember to document objective factual assessment data and
the client’s exact words in cases of sexual abuse/rape.
ORGANIC MENTAL DISORDERS
·2230 Confusion in the elderly is often “accepted” as part of growing old. This confusion may be due
to dehydration with resulting electrolyte imbalance. Think “sudden change” when obtaining a
history. Such changes are usually due to a specific stressor, and treatment for the causative
stressor will usually result in correcting the confusion.
·2231 Confabulation is not lying. It is used by the client to decrease anxiety and protect the ego.
·2232 Nursing interventions for the confused elderly should focus on:
·2233 Maintaining the client’s health and safety
·2234 Encouraging self care
·2235 Reinforcing reality orientation (e.g., “Today is Monday,” and call the client by name).
·2236 Providing a consistent, safe environment – engage client in simple tasks, activities to build
self-esteem
·2237 Providing consistent caregiver is a priority in planning nursing care for the confused older
client. Change increases anxiety and confusion.
·2238 May also use atypical antipsychotics such as resperidine, quetiapine, olanzapine, Clozaril is
not a front-line agent due to side-effects. May also give mood stabilizers and antianxiety
medications as indicated.
·2239 The basic difference between delirium and dementia is that delirium is acute, and reversible,
whereas dementia is gradual and permanent.
CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT DISORDERS
·2240 Children also experience depression, which often presents as headaches, stomachaches, and
other somatic complaints. Be sure to assess suicidal risks, especially in the adolescent.
·2241 The client’s lack of remorse or guilt about their antisocial behavior represents a malfunction ofthe superego or conscience. The id functions on the basic instinct level and strives to meet
immediate needs. The ego is in touch with external reality and is the part of the personality that
makes decisions.
·2242 Important points to remember when answering NCLEX-RN questions:
·2243 These children may be involved in self-fulfilling prophecy (e.g., “Mom says that he/she is a
trouble-maker, therefore, he/she must live up to Mom’s expectations”).
·2244 Confront the client with his/her behavior, e.g., lying. This gives the client a sense of security.
·2245 Provide consistent interventions – helps to prevent manipulation. Inconsistency does not help
the client develop self-control.
GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING
·2246 Changes in the heart and lungs result in less efficient utilization of O2, which reduces an
individual’s capacity to maintain physical activity for long periods of time. Physical training for
older persons can significantly reduce blood pressure and increase aerobic capacity. NCLEX-RN
questions ask about teaching and designing rehab programs for the elderly – they should contain
something about exercise and nutrition.
·2247 Older persons often complain that they cannot get to sleep at night and do not sleep soundly
even after they fall asleep. This is because they have shorter stages of sleep, particularly shorter
cycles from stages 1 to 4 and REM sleep (stage 4 is deep sleep). They are easily awakened by
environmental stimuli. They often compensate by napping during the day, which leads to further
disruptions of night sleep. A common response is use of prescription sleeping pills which can
create still further problems of disorientation, etc.
·2248 Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure tend to increase with normal aging, but the
elevation of the systolic is greater. REMEMBER the physiologic of blood pressure, which is
expressed as a ratio of systolic to diastolic pressure. Systolic refers to the level of blood pressure
during the contraction phase whereas diastolic refers to the stage when the chambers of the heart
are filling with blood.
·2249 Dysrhythmias in the elderly are particularly serious since older persons cannot tolerate
decreased cardiac output, which can result in syncope, falls, and transient ischemic attacks
(TIAs). Pulse may be rapid, slow, or irregular.
·2250 Angina symptoms may be absent in the elderly or they may be confused with GI symptoms.
·2251 With aging, the muscles that operate the lings lose elasticity so that respiratory efficiency is
reduced. Vital capacity (the amount of air brought into the lungs at one time) decreases.
Breathing may become more difficult after strenuous exercise or after climbing up several flights of
stairs. The rate of decline has been found to be slower in more active persons. The nurse should
encourage older persons to remain physically active for as long as possible. Declining muscle
strength may impair cough efficiency. This fact makes older persons more susceptible to chronic
bronchitis, emphysema, and pneumonia.
·2252 COPD is the major cause of respiratory disability in the elderly.
·2253 Aging changes that contribute to chronic constipation:
·2254 The number of enzymes in the small intestine is reduced and simple sugars are absorbed
more slowly, resulting in decreased efficiency of the digestive process.
·2255 The smooth muscle content and muscle tone of the wall of the colon decrease. Anatomical
changes in the large intestine result in decreased intestinal motility.
·2256 Psychological factors, as well as abuse of over-the-counter laxatives·2257 Decreases in fluid intake and mobility contribute to constipation
·2258 Tooth loss is NOT a normal aging process. Good dental hygiene, good nutrition, and dental
care can prevent tooth loss.
·2259 Older persons appear to eat small quantities of food at mealtimes. This is because the
digestive system of older persons features a decrease in contraction time of the muscles and
more time is needed for the cardiac sphincter to open. Therefore, it takes more time for the food
to be transmitted to the stomach. Thus, the sensation of fullness may occur before the entire meal
is consumed.
·2260 Older persons have a higher risk of developing renal failure because normal age-related
changes result in compromised renal functioning. The nurse should pay careful attention to
urinary output in older clients because it is the first sign of loss of renal integrity.
·2261 Kegel exercises consist of tightening and relaxing the vaginal and urinary meatus muscles.
These exercises have been very successful in reducing the incidence of incontinence. They must
be done consistently, and they can be done unobtrusively at home.
·2262 The elderly with incontinence may seek isolation, thereby predisposing themselves to
loneliness.
·2263 15 to 30% of community-based elderly and almost 50% of elderly living in nursing homes
suffer from difficulties with bladder control. Older persons may be more sensitive to alcohol and
caffeine since these substances inhibit the production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). An
assessment of sensitivity to bladder problems is essential when planning nursing care.
·2264 MEDICATION ALERT:
·2265 As one ages, the total number of functioning glomeruli decreases until function has been
reduced by nearly 50%. This decrease in the filtration efficiency of the kidneys has grave
implications for persons who are taking medication. Of particular importance are penicillin,
tetracycline, and digoxin, which are primarily cleared from the blood stream by the kidneys. These
drugs remain active longer in an older person’s system. Therefore, they may be more potent,
indicating a need to adjust the dosage frequency of administration.
·2266 Alzheimer’s disease is the most common irreversible dementia of old age. It is characterized
by deficits in attention, learning, memory, and language skills. Discuss the problems family
members have in dealing with Alzheimer’s clients in relation to the following disease
manifestations:
·2267 Depression
·2268 Night wandering
·2269 Aggressive or passiveness
·2270 Failure to recognize family members
·2271 Strokes from cerebral thrombosis are more common in older persons than are strokes from
cerebral hemorrhage. Clots tend to develop when patient is awake or just arousing.
·2272 Normal loss of brain cells is compounded by alcohol, smoking, and breathing polluted air. In
relation to such losses, the nurse should teach to shop at uncrowded times in stores that are
familiar to them, slow down well in advance of traffic signals, stay in the slower lane of the
freeway, avoid freeways during rush hours, and leave for appointments well ahead of time.
·2273 The most common endocrine disorders in the older adult are thyroid dysfunctions and
diabetes.·2274 Impaired mobility, impaired skin integrity, decreased peripheral circulation, and a lack of
physical activity place the elderly at risk for developing decubitus ulders.
·2275 Ways to help prevent/decrease the occurrence of falls:
·2276 Adequate lighting
·2277 Pain the edges of stairs a bright color
·2278 Place a bell on the elderly person’s cat (since cats move quickly and get underfoot)
·2279 Wear proper footwear that supports the foot and contributes to balance (made of non-slippery
materials).
·2280 Peripheral circulation decreases as one ages. Regular assessment of the feet is very
important because it increases the opportunity to discover and treat skin care problems early.
These problems could become more serious because of decreased circulation.
·2281 Older persons have a dry, wrinkled skin because they lose subcutaneous fat and the second
layer of skin, the dermis, becomes less elastic.
·2282 Diminished eyesight results in:
·2283 A loss of independence (ADL and driving)
·2284 A lack of stimulation
·2285 The inability to read
·2286 A fear of blindness
·2287 Lower the tone of your voice when talking to an older person who is hearing-impaired. Highpitched tones (i.e., women’s voices) are the first hearing to go, therefore, lowering the pitch of your
voice increases the likelihood that an older person with a hearing loss will be able to hear you
speak.
·2288 Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) can result in decreased socialization, avoidance of
friends and family, decreased sensory stimulation, and hazardous conditions when driving.
·2289 Use frequent touch to decrease the sense of isolation and to compensate for visual and
sensory loss.
·2290 Older persons undergo a great many changes, which are usually associated with LOSS (loss
of spouse, friends, career, home, health, etc.). therefore, older persons are extremely vulnerable
to emotional and mental stress.
·2291 INTEGRITY VS. DESPAIR is Erikson’s final stage of growth and development. Reminiscing is
a means of setting one’s life in order (accepting life and self), which is the task of this stage of
Erikson’s development theory. The goal of this stage is to feel a sense of meaning in one’s life,
rather than to feel despair or bitterness that life was wasted. The major task of old age is to
redefine self in relation to a changed role. Those persons who had been in charge of situations
most of their lives may now fund themselves in dependent positions. The role adjustment is a
major task of old age.
·2292 Think about the following situations and discuss the nursing care for each.
·2293 A nursing supervisor who has had a stroke and is sent to a long term facility for rehabilitation.
·2294 An oil company executive retires after 42 years with the company to travel in his recreational
vehicle wit his wife and dog.
·2295 Shortly after their 53rd wedding anniversary, a woman who has never worked outside the
home loses her husband to brain cancer.·2296 There are many conditions that can imitate dementia in the older adult. A key role for the
nurse is to complete assessment to rule out other possible causes.
Important HESI/NCLEX Terms/Glossary:
abruptio placentae
Premature separation of a normally positioned placenta in a pregnancy of at
least 20 weeks' gestation either before labor or during labor but before
delivery. This serious complication of pregnancy, occurring in one of every
200 births and often resulting in hemorrhage, may lead to the death of the
mother, the fetus, or both. Also called ablatio placentae, accidental
hemorrhage.
abuse
1. Behavior toward another that is offensive, harmful, or injurious. 2. Misuse
or particularly excessive use of a substance, service, or equipment;
commonly refers to improper use of a drug or similar substance.
accommodation
1. The act or process of adapting to changes in the physiologic or
psychological environment to maintain homeostasis. 2. In ophthalmology:
adjustment of the lens of the eye for various distances. 3. In sociology: the
use of compromise, arbitration, or negotiation to resolve conflicts between
persons or groups that arise from differences in customs or cultural norms.
Also called adjustment.
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
A disorder of the immune system characterized by an inability to mount a
successful defense against infection such as by organisms that usually aren't
pathogenic (opportunistic infections). The syndrome is caused by infection
with the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes a marked depletion in
the number of helper T cells. AIDS is currently incurable and fatal. However,
recently developed drug treatments and regimens seem to be effective in
prolonging the lives of clients with AIDS.
active immunity
Acquired immunity caused by the production of antibodies, either after
infection or as a result of vaccination.
acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
A form of leukemia, most commonly occurring in children, marked by large
numbers of immature leukocytes in the blood and blood-forming tissues
(including the bone marrow, spleen, liver, and lymph nodes). The disease has
a sudden onset and rapid clinical course. Signs and symptoms include fever,pallor, fatigue, loss of appetite, anemia, bleeding, bone pain, spleen
enlargement and, because the immune function is disturbed, frequent
infection. Also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
acute nephritis
Acute inflammation of the kidney, possibly involving the glomerulus, tubules,
and interstitial tissues.
Addison's disease
A life-threatening condition characterized by fatigue, hypotension, loss of
appetite and weight, nausea or vomiting, and increased hyperpigmentation of
the skin and mucous membranes. It results from partial or complete loss of
glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgenic function of the adrenal
glands caused by tuberculosis, an autoimmune process, or other disease.
Also called Addisonism, Addison's syndrome, chronic adrenocortical
insufficiency.
Addisonian crisis
An emergency situation occurring with adrenal hypofunction and exposure to
trauma, surgery, or other severe physiologic stress that exhausts the body's
stores of glucocorticoids.
adrenergic
1. Activated or transmitted by epinephrine, norepinephrine, or a similar
substance. 2. Also called a sympathomimetic, a drug that stimulates alpha or
beta receptors (thus mimicking the effects of epinephrine or norepinephrine)
or acts primarily on receptors in the sympathetic nervous system that are
stimulated by dopamine.
advance directive
Documented written or verbal instructions by the client about his wishes for
life-sustaining medical care in the event he becomes incapacitated (for
example, living wills, durable powers of attorney for health care, or any
document that states the client's wishes).
agonist
1. In anatomy: any muscle in a state of contraction whose action is opposed
by another muscle with which it’s paired (called the antagonist). 2. In
pharmacology: a drug that has an affinity for and stimulates physiologic
activity at cell receptors.
agoraphobia
An intense, irrational fear of being in open spaces or of venturing out from
the home or other familiar setting. The anxiety may be generalized to any
setting beyond the home or may be specific for certain types of situations
and environments, such as open spaces or crowded places.
akinesia
1. Loss of the ability to move voluntarily. 2. The rest period after systole in
the normal heart rhythm. 3. In psychiatry: a neurotic condition characterized
by symptoms of paralysis.Allen's test
A test designed to evaluate a client's collateral circulation in the arm before
an invasive arterial procedure such as arterial blood gas analysis. While the
client's radial and ulnar arteries are occluded, he clenches his fist, causing
the hand to blanch. The client then unclenches his fist while the pressure on
the ulnar artery is released (but the radial artery remains occluded). The
hand should become pink, indicating a patent ulnar artery.
amblyopia
Decreased visual acuity in one eye in the absence of detectable structural or
pathologic changes.
amenorrhea
The absence or cessation of menstruation. Except in preadolescents and in
pregnant and postmenopausal women, amenorrhea may reflect dysfunction
of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovary, or uterus; congenital absence or
surgical removal of both ovaries or the uterus; or an adverse effect of
medication.
amniocentesis
Withdrawal of a sample of amniotic fluid by transabdominal puncture and
needle aspiration, usually performed during the fifth month of pregnancy to
detect such genetic disorders as Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and
Tay-Sachs disease; if the clinician suspects sex-linked genetic defects, the
procedure may be done to determine fetal gender.
amniotomy
Artificial rupture of the membranes.
analgesic
1. Having the ability to relieve pain. 2. A medication that relieves pain.
anaphylaxis
A systemic reaction to a previously encountered antigen.
anastomosis
A surgical procedure in which two blood vessels, ducts, or other tubelike
structures are joined to allow the flow of substances between them. Types of
anastomoses are end-to-end and side-to-side.
angina pectoris
Severe chest pain characterized by sensations of spasm, constriction, and
crushing weight, classically radiating from the area over the heart to the left
shoulder and arm and possibly accompanied by a feeling of choking or
suffocation. Angina usually results from myocardial oxygen deprivation
secondary to atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries.
anorexia
Loss of appetite.
anorexia nervosa
An eating disorder, most common among adolescent girls, that ischaracterized by an aversion to eating, a morbid fear of becoming obese
despite significant weight loss, a disturbed body image that results in a
feeling of being fat even when extremely thin, and amenorrhea (in females).
antagonist
1. In pharmacology: a drug that nullifies the action of another drug. 2. In
anatomy: a muscle whose effects counteract the effects of another muscle. 3.
In dentistry, a tooth that meets another in the opposite jaw during chewing or
clenching of the teeth.
anteroposterior-to-lateral
Direction referring from front to back and side to side.
anticholinergic
1. Of or relating to blockade of the impulses of parasympathetic or other
cholinergic nerve fibers. 2. Any agent with anticholinergic properties.
anticipatory guidance
Information about a disorder or about the normal growth and development
expectations of a specific age-group given at an appropriate time before an
event in order to provide the client with support and strategies for dealing
with potential problems before they occur.
antiembolism stockings
Elasticized stockings prescribed for some postoperative or bedridden clients
to enhance venous blood flow from the lower extremities and thus prevent
thromboembolism resulting from pooling of blood in the veins and dilation of
veins.
antisocial personality disorder
A disorder that manifests after age 15 as a pervasive disregard for and
violation of the rights of others.
anuria
Absence of urine production.
aortic stenosis
An abnormal narrowing of the orifice of the aortic valve, which prevents
normal flow of blood from the left ventricle into the aorta. The constriction
may result from a congenital malformation or pathologic fusion of the valve
cusps. Aortic stenosis causes decreased cardiac output and pulmonary
vascular congestion.
Apgar score
A numerical evaluation of a neonate's condition in which a rating of 0, 1, or 2
is assigned to each of five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone,
reflex responses, and skin color. The five scores are then combined: A score
of 7 to 10 is considered normal, 4 to 7 indicates moderate distress, and 3 or
less indicates acute distress. The Apgar score is usually obtained at 1 minute
and 5 minutes after birth.
aphasiaLoss or impairment of the ability to communicate through speech, written
language, or signs, resulting from brain disease or trauma.
aphthous stomatitis
A recurring disease of unknown cause marked by the eruption of ulcers on
the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also called canker sore.
appendicitis
Inflammation of the vermiform appendix. When acute, appendicitis commonly
necessitates an appendectomy to prevent perforation of the appendix and
subsequent peritonitis.
apraxia
Complete or partial inability to perform purposeful movements in the absence
of sensory or motor impairment.
asepsis
The absence of living, disease-producing organisms. Medical asepsis refers to
the removal or destruction of disease organisms or infected material. Surgical
asepsis refers to protection against infection before, during, or after surgery
by means of sterile technique.
asthma
A respiratory disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of paroxysmal
dyspnea, bronchospasm, wheezing on expiration, and coughing. Conditions
that may trigger an asthma attack include inhalation of allergens or
pollutants, vigorous exercise, emotional stress, and infection.
ataxia
Impairment of the ability to coordinate voluntary muscle movement.
atopic dermatitis
A skin inflammation occurring in individuals with a genetic predisposition to
allergies, characterized by intense itching, maculopapular lesions, and
excoriation (rash pattern varies with age but usually occurs on the face).
audiometry
Evaluation of hearing using an audiometer. Various audiometric tests identify
the lowest intensity of sound at which a client can perceive an auditory
stimulus, hear different frequencies, and differentiate speech sounds. Pure
tone audiometry evaluates the ability to hear frequencies, usually ranging
from 125 to 8,000 Hz, and can determine whether a hearing loss results from
a problem in the middle ear, inner ear, or auditory nerve.
auditory hallucinations
Perceptual experiences occurring in the absence of actual external sensory
stimuli (for example, hearing voices telling one to do something).
auscultatory gap
Absence of Korotkoff sounds between phases I (onset of faint, clear tapping
sound that gradually intensifies) and II (onset of swishing-like sound) while
obtaining a blood pressure reading.Austin Flint murmur
A mid-diastolic aortic regurgitation murmur usually heard best using the bell
of the stethoscope over the mitral area. It’s a low-pitched, rumbling murmur.
autograft
The surgical transfer of tissue (commonly skin) from one location of the body
to another location in the same individual.
autoimmune disorder
A disorder resulting from an inappropriate immune response that is directed
against the self. Antigens normally found in the internal cells stimulate the
development of antibodies; these antibodies can’t distinguish antigens of the
internal cells from external antigens and act against the internal cells to
cause various reactions.
autoimmunity
A condition in which the immune system mounts an attack against the
individual's own body tissues. One theory proposes that autoimmunity
reflects an inability of the immune system to distinguish between
autoantigens and foreign substances, caused by some change in the cellular
components of the immune system. Autoimmunity may lead to
hypersensitivity and autoimmune disease.
autonomic dysreflexia
Reaction that may occur in clients with spinal cord injury above T6.
Dysreflexia results in profuse diaphoresis, pounding headache, blurred vision,
and dramatically elevated blood pressure. This life-threatening reaction may
occur even from seemingly minor stimuli, such as lying on a wrinkled sheet or
having a full bladder.
autosomal recessive disorder
Genetic disorder involving two expressed abnormal autosomal genes (not
expressed in the parents) in which the individual affected receives one copy
of the altered gene from each parent; thus the individual is homozygous for
that trait.
bacterial meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria
such as Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus
pneumoniae, or Escherichia coli.
Battle's sign
Discoloration of the skin behind the ear after the fracture of a bone in the
lower skull.
bipolar disorder
A mood disorder characterized by major depression and full manic episodes.
body surface area
Means for calculating the amount of drug to be given to a client (typically a
child) using a nomogram or for estimating the extent of a burnborderline personality disorder
A disorder characterized by unstable relationships, potentially self-damaging
impulsiveness, difficulty in controlling anger, recurrent suicidal threats, and
chronic feelings of boredom and emptiness.
bradyarrhythmias
Irregularity in heart rate or rhythm characterized by slowness.
bradycardia
A slow but steady heartbeat at a rate of less than 60 beats per minute.
Bradycardia is normal during sleep and in well-conditioned athletes. In other
circumstances, it may indicate an abnormal condition, such as brain tumor or
digitalis toxicity.
Braxton Hicks contraction
Light, painless, irregular uterine tightening during pregnancy, arising during
the first trimester and increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity by the
third trimester. Also called false labor. Strong Braxton Hicks contractions
occurring near term may be mistaken for true labor.
breast engorgement
Distention of the milk ducts and surrounding tissue as breast milk is formed,
causing the breasts to become fuller, larger, and firmer.
bronchiolitis
A lung inflammation that usually begins in the terminal bronchioles, occurring
mainly in infants and debilitated persons. Also called bronchopneumonia.
Commonly, bronchiolitis results from upper respiratory infection, specific
infectious fevers, and other debilitating diseases.
bronchoscopy
Visual examination of the tracheobronchial tree using a bronchoscope.
Broviac catheter
Single-lumen silicone central venous catheter used for long-term venous
access.
Brudzinski's sign
Flexion of the hips and knees in response to passive flexion of the neck;
signals meningeal irritation.
bruit
An abnormal vascular "swishing" sound heard on auscultation as a result of
turbulent blood flow through dilated, irregular, torturous, or stenotic vessels.
buccal
Of or relating to the inside of the cheek; may also refer to a tooth surface or
the gum next to the cheek.
bulimia
An eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating that may end in
self-induced vomiting, alternating with periods of normal eating or fasting.
Depression and awareness of the abnormal behavior are part of this illness.cardiac catheterization
A diagnostic procedure in which a cardiac catheter is inserted into a large
vein (usually of an arm or leg) and then threaded through the vein to the
client's heart.
cardiac output
The volume of blood ejected by the heart per minute (normally ranging from
4 to 8 L). Cardiac output equals the stroke volume (the difference between
end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume) multiplied by the heart rate.
cardiogenic shock
A condition of low cardiac output that results from heart pump failure, such as
in acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, or severe cardiomyopathy.
cardiomyopathy
Primary noninflammatory disease of the myocardium.
catatonic
A stuporous or unresponsive state commonly characterized by an inability to
move or talk.
catecholamine
Any of a group of compounds having a sympathomimetic action and
composed of a catechol molecule and the aliphatic portion of an amine. Some
catecholamines are produced by the body and function as key neurologic
chemicals. Others are synthesized as drugs for use in the treatment of such
disorders as asthma, shock, and heart failure.
cauda equina
The aggregation of spinal roots, resembling the tail of a horse, that descend
from the first lumbar vertebrae and occupy the vertebral canal below the
cord.
celiac disease
A chronic disease in which an individual can’t tolerate foods containing gluten
or wheat protein. Signs and symptoms include abdominal distention,
vomiting, diarrhea, muscle wasting, and extreme lethargy.
cellulitis
An infection of deep subcutaneous tissue and sometimes muscle that may be
associated with infection of an operative or traumatic wound. Cellulitis is
characterized by local heat, pain, redness, and swelling.
cerebral aneurysm
A saclike dilation of the wall of a cerebral artery, typically resulting from
weakness of the wall. A cerebral, or berry, aneurysm usually occurs in the
circle of Willis and is prone to rupture.
cerebral contusion
A bruising of the brain tissue as a result of a severe blow to the head. A
contusion disrupts normal nerve function in the bruised area and may cause
loss of consciousness, hemorrhage, edema, and even death.cerebral palsy
A permanent disorder of motor function resulting from nonprogressive brain
damage or a brain lesion. Cerebral palsy usually appears before age 3.
chelation therapy
Administration of agents that bind to metals; administered to aid in the
removal of excess metals, such as lead or iron in the body.
chemotherapy
Treatment of a disease using chemicals that exert a toxic effect on the
pathogen or abnormal cell growth.
chest physiotherapy
An array of physical techniques, including postural drainage, chest percussion
and vibration, and coughing and deep-breathing maneuvers. Chest
physiotherapy is used to loosen and help eliminate lung secretions, reexpand
lung tissue, and promote optimal use of respiratory muscles.
cholelithiasis
The presence or formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.
cholinergic
1. Of or relating to nerve fibers that are stimulated to free acetylcholine at a
synapse. 2. An agent that frees acetylcholine.
chronic bronchitis
A persistent respiratory disease marked by increased production of mucus by
the glands of the trachea and bronchi. This common disease is characterized
by a cough (with expectoration) at least 3 months of the year for more than 2
consecutive years.
Chvostek's sign
A spasm of the facial muscles elicited by light taps on the facial nerve. This
spasm signals tetany and is seen in clients with hypocalcemia.
circumcised
Involving the removal of the foreskin of the penis.
circumferential
Area encircling or concerning the periphery of an object or body part.
cirrhosis
A chronic, degenerative liver disease in which the lobes are covered with
fibrous tissue, the liver parenchyma degenerates, and the lobules are
infiltrated with fat.
clarification
Communication technique used to help the client identify inconsistencies in
his statements.
clinical depression
Syndrome characterized by persistent sadness and dysphoria accompanied
by disturbances in sleep and appetite, lethargy, and an inability to experiencepleasure.
clubfoot
A congenital foot deformity in which the foot is twisted out of shape or
position.
cognitive development
Ability to learn from experience, gain and maintain knowledge, respond to
new situations, and solve problems.
colonoscopy
Examination of the colon using a flexible endoscope to visualize internal body
areas or to remove tissue samples or small growths.
communicable disease
A disease that may be transmitted directly or indirectly from one person to
another.
compartment syndrome
A neurovascular complication commonly associated with fractures of the
limb; constricting or occlusive dressings, sutures, or casts; poor positioning;
and any injury causing ischemia, swelling, or bleeding into the tissues that
ultimately can lead to permanent dysfunction and deformity. It’s
characterized by increasing limb pain unrelieved by analgesics, pallid or
dusky skin color changes, absent pulse or edema distal to the injury site,
decreased active and passive muscle movement distal to the injury site, pain
with passive muscle stretching, and sensory changes.
compliance
1. Adherence to a therapeutic regimen. 2. A tissue's or organ's ability to yield
to pressure without disruption, commonly used to describe the distensibility
of an air- or fluid-filled organ.
compulsion
A ritualistic, repetitive, and involuntary defensive behavior.
concussion
A violent shock or jarring, such as from an explosion or a blow. Concussion of
the brain is characterized by loss of consciousness. Severe concussion may
also cause impairment of brain stem functions.
congenital hip dislocation
Improper formation and function of the hip socket, commonly involving
subluxation (where the femoral head is high in the acetabulum) or dislocation
(where the femoral head is above the acetabulum).
consolidation
Solidification of the lungs that occurs with pneumonia.
contracture
Abnormal flexion and fixation of a joint, possibly permanent, which is typically
caused by muscle wasting and atrophy or by loss of normal skin elasticity
such as from extensive scar tissue.controlled substance
Any substance that is strictly regulated or outlawed because of its potential
for abuse or addiction.
conversion disorder
A disorder in which the client attempts to resolve a psychological conflict
through the loss of a specific physical function -- for example, by paralysis,
blindness, or inability to swallow.
Corrigan's pulse
Short, forceful, bounding pulse typically associated with aortic insufficiency.
couvade
The experience of physical symptoms associated with pregnancy, such as
nausea, vomiting, and backache, by the husband of a pregnant woman; the
response often results from stress, anxiety, and empathy for the pregnant
woman.
crackles
Short, explosive or popping sounds usually heard during inspiration. They
may be coarse (loud and low in pitch) or fine (less intense and high in pitch)
and resemble the sounds heard when rolling hair between the fingers near
the ear.
Crohn's disease
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown cause, usually involving
the terminal ileum, with scarring and thickening of the bowel wall. Signs and
symptoms include frequent episodes of diarrhea, severe abdominal pain,
nausea, fever, chills, anorexia, and weight loss.
croup
An acute viral infection of the respiratory tract that causes acute upper
airway obstruction. Characterized by stridor, a barking cough, and
hoarseness, it primarily affects infants and young children ages 3 months to 3
years and follows an upper respiratory tract infection.
crowning
Appearance of the presenting part of the fetus at the perineum and seen
when the vulva are separated.
crystalloid fluid
Clear solutions (usually in reference to I.V. solutions) containing electrolytes
and water.
Cushing's syndrome
A metabolic disorder caused by chronic, excessive production of
adrenocortical hormones or by prolonged high-dose glucocorticoid therapy.
It’s characterized by such signs and symptoms as hypertension, diabetes
mellitus, dusky complexion with purple striae, muscle wasting, weakness, and
sudden development of fat around the face, neck, and trunk.
cyanosisBluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from an
excessive amount of deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood or a structural
defect in the hemoglobin molecule such as in methemoglobin.
cyanotic
Referring to the bluish or bluish black discoloration of the skin and mucous
membranes that results from excessive concentration of unoxygenated
hemoglobin in the blood.
cystic fibrosis
An inherited disorder of the exocrine glands that affects multiple organ
systems, causing such conditions as chronic pulmonary disease, pancreatic
deficiency, sweat gland dysfunction, malabsorption, and liver obstruction.
cystoscopy
Direct visualization of the urinary tract by inserting a cystoscope in the
urethra.
debridement
Removal of dead or damaged tissue or foreign material from a wound to
prevent the growth of microorganisms and further damage and to promote
healing.
deceleration
A drop in baseline fetal heart rate as indicated by the fetal monitor. Early
deceleration is a drop in fetal heart rate that coincides with uterine
contraction. Variable deceleration is a drop in fetal heart rate that doesn't
occur at a consistent point during contractions. Prolonged deceleration is a
drop in fetal heart rate that occurs for an extended period of time.
deep vein thrombosis
A condition involving the development of a blood clot in the deep veins of the
pelvis, groin, or legs that disrupts venous blood flow and leads to swelling
and edema.
dehiscence
The partial or complete separation of a wound's edges.
dehydrated
Having insufficient water in the body or tissues.
delusions
False ideas or beliefs accepted as real by the client.
delusions of grandeur
Distorted or false idea or belief that one has exceptional powers, wealth, skill,
influence, or destiny.
Denver Developmental Screening Test
An assessment tool used to evaluate the development of a child in four
categories: personal social, fine motor-adaptive, language, and gross motor
skills.dependent personality disorder
A disorder that begins in early adulthood and is characterized by an
excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging
behavior and fear of separation.
depolarization
Neutralization of electrical polarity; reversal of the resting potential in
excitable cell membranes when stimulated. An example is the reduction of
the ion differential of sodium and potassium across the nerve cells at the
neuromuscular junction.
diabetes insipidus
A metabolic disorder marked by extreme polyuria and polydipsia and
resulting from deficient secretion or production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
or inability of the renal tubules to respond to ADH. (Rarely, excessive water
intake causes signs and symptoms.) The condition may be acquired
(secondary to disease or drug therapy), inherited, idiopathic, or nephrogenic.
diabetes mellitus
A chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by
hyperglycemia and glycosuria resulting from inadequate production or
utilization of insulin.
diabetic ketoacidosis
An acute, life-threatening form of metabolic acidosis that may arise as a
complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Accumulation of ketone bodies
leads to urinary loss of water, potassium, ammonium, and sodium, resulting
in hypovolemia, electrolyte imbalances, an extremely high blood glucose
level and, commonly, coma. Signs and symptoms include flushed, hot, dry
skin; confusion; nausea; diaphoresis; restlessness; and fruity breath odor.
dislocated
Displacement of any body part, primarily a bone from its normal position in a
joint.
disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
A life-threatening disorder of excessive clot formation caused by
overstimulation of the body's clotting and anticlotting processes in response
to disease or injury. Such overstimulation is followed by a deficiency in
clotting factors with hypocoagulability and hemorrhaging.
diuretic
1. Tending to increase the formation and excretion of urine. 2. An agent that
promotes the formation and excretion of urine.
diverticulitis
Inflammation of one or more diverticula, or saclike herniations, in the
muscular layer of the colon.
diverticulosis
The presence of saclike herniations through the muscular layer of the colon
without accompanying inflammation. Most clients with this condition havefew signs or symptoms except for occasional rectal bleeding.
drip factor
An indication of the number of drops needed to obtain one milliliter of
solution delivered by a manufacturer's I.V. tubing based on the drop size.
dumping syndrome
A condition of nausea, weakness, profuse sweating, and dizziness occurring in
clients who have had a subtotal gastrectomy. Signs and symptoms arise soon
after eating when the contents of the stomach empty too rapidly into the
duodenum. Also called postgastrectomy syndrome. Eating small,
frequent, high-protein, high-calorie meals may help prevent discomfort and
ensure adequate nutrition.
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing, commonly resulting from obstructive or motor disorders
of the esophagus. Obstructive disorders, such as an esophageal tumor or
lower esophageal ring, interfere with the ability to swallow solids; motor
disturbances such as achalasia impair swallowing of solids and liquids.
dyspnea
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or labored breathing resulting from
certain heart conditions, anxiety, or strenuous exercise.
dystonic reaction
Severe tonic contractions of the muscles in the neck, mouth, and tongue;
dystonic reaction is a common adverse reaction to antipsychotic drugs.
dysuria
Painful or difficult urination, which is usually caused by a bacterial infection or
an obstruction in the urinary tract.
echolalia
Parrotlike and inappropriate repetition of another's words.
ectopic pregnancy
Implantation of the fertilized ovum outside the uterine cavity. Types of ectopic
pregnancy are abdominal pregnancy, interstitial pregnancy, and tubal
pregnancy.
effacement
Shortening of the vaginal portion of the cervix and thinning of its walls during
labor due to stretching and dilation caused by the fetus. Full effacement
obliterates the constrictive neck of the uterus. The extent of effacement is
expressed as a percentage of full effacement.
elbow restraints
Type of restrictive device attached to the client's body at the elbow to restrict
movement or access to another body part; may be applied after cleft palate
repair to reduce the risk of injury to the suture line.
electrocardiogram interpretation
Analysis of the waveforms seen on an electrocardiogramelectroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
The induction of a brief seizure and loss of consciousness by applying a lowvoltage alternating current to the brain through scalp electrodes. ECT is used
in the treatment of affective disorders (primarily acute depression), especially
in clients resistant to psychoactive drugs. On awakening, the client has no
memory of the shock.
electromyogram (EMG)
A record of the electrical activity of skeletal muscles, obtained by surface
electrodes or needle electrodes and devices that amplify, transmit, and
record the signals. The technique is helpful in diagnosing neuromuscular
disorders, pinpointing motor nerve lesions, and measuring electrical
potentials induced by voluntary muscle contraction.
electromyography
Diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of selected skeletal muscle
groups at rest and during voluntary contraction. It involves percutaneous
insertion of a needle electrode into a muscle with measurement of the
muscle's electrical discharge through an oscilloscope.
endocarditis
An abnormal condition of the endocardium and heart valves marked by
vegetations on the valves and endocardium. It may occur as a primary
disorder or arise in association with another disease.
endotracheal intubation
Passage of a wide-bore tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea. It
may be used to maintain a patent airway, administer anesthesia, aspirate
secretions, prevent aspiration of foreign material into the tracheobronchial
tree of an unconscious or paralyzed person, or administer positive pressure
ventilation that can’t be given effectively by a mask.
enteral
Referring to administration by mouth, rectum, or directly into the intestinal
system.
enteral feedings
Delivery of nutrients directly into the GI tract through a feeding tube.
enteric precautions
A category-specific type of infection precautions established by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention involving infections transmitted by
intestinal secretions. These have since been replaced with standard
precautions and transmission-based precautions.
enuresis
Involuntary passage or release of urine after the age when bladder control
would have been normally achieved.
epiglottis
The lidlike, cartilaginous structure that overhangs the larynx and prevents
food from entering the larynx and trachea during swallowing.epiglottitis
Inflammation of the epiglottis. Acute epiglottitis, a severe form of the
condition that primarily affects children, causes stridor, fever, sore throat,
croupy cough, and a reddened, swollen epiglottis.
epilepsy
A group of neurologic disorders marked by uncontrolled electrical discharge
from the cerebral cortex and typically manifested by seizures with clouding of
consciousness. Epilepsy is most commonly of unknown cause (idiopathic) but
is sometimes associated with head trauma, intracranial infection, brain
tumor, vascular disturbances, intoxication, or chemical imbalance.
episiotomy
Surgical incision into the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for
delivery. It’s performed to prevent traumatic tearing of the perineum, to
hasten or promote delivery, or to prevent stretching of perineal muscles and
connective tissue.
Erikson
Psychosocial development theorist who described eight developmental
stages across the life span, each of which is characterized by a conflict
between two opposing forces.
erythroblastosis fetalis
Hemolytic anemia of the neonate caused by placental transmission of
maternally formed antibodies against the incompatible antigens of fetal
blood. It results from maternal-fetal blood group incompatibility, specifically
involving the rhesus (Rh) factor and the ABO blood groups, and is
characterized by accelerated destruction of red blood cells and resulting
jaundice. In Rh factor incompatibility, the hemolytic reaction appears only
when the mother is Rh-negative and the infant is Rh-positive.
Isoimmunization rarely occurs with the first pregnancy, but the risk increases
with each succeeding pregnancy.
eschar
A thick scab or dry crust that appears after a thermal or chemical burn.
esophageal atresia
A congenital anomaly involving closure of the esophagus at some point, often
ending in a blind pouch.
evaporation
The change of a liquid to a vapor at a temperature below the boiling point of
the liquid. Evaporation occurs at the surface of the liquid, hastened by an
increase in temperature and a decrease in atmospheric pressure.
evisceration
1. Pushing out or removal of the viscera, especially through a surgical
incision. 2. In ophthalmology: excision of the contents of the eyeball (except
the sclera).
exacerbationAn increase in the seriousness of a disease or disorder or in its signs and
symptoms.
extrapyramidal
1. Describing the tissues and structures of the brain located outside the
pyramidal tract and not running through the medullary pyramid -- excluding
the motor neurons, motor cortex, and corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts.
2. Of or relating to the function of these tissues and structures.
extravasation
Escape, usually of blood, lymph, or I.V. solution, from a vessel into
surrounding tissues.
failure to thrive
Condition in which an infant's height and weight fall below the third percentile
on a standard growth chart; also called reactive attachment disorder.
fantasy play
Type of play involving imaginary playmates typically associated with
preschoolers.
febrile seizure
Typically, a tonic-clonic seizure of relatively short duration (usually less than 1
minute) occurring with an acute illness and fever.
fifth disease
A contagious, relatively benign disease caused by the Parvovirus B19; most
commonly occurs in children ages 2 to 12 and is characterized by a red rash
on the cheeks. Also called erythema infectiosum.
fontanel
A soft spot, such as the spaces covered by tough membranes remaining
between the bones of an infant's skull.
full-term
Pregnancy that has continued for a period of 38 to 42 weeks.
fundus
The base of an organ; the portion of a hollow organ farthest from its mouth,
such as the fundus of the uterus.
gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach and stomach lining.
gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines that accompanies
numerous GI disorders; characterized by anorexia, weakness, abdominal
pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
gastrostomy
Opening created into the stomach.
gestational diabetesThe development of diabetes during pregnancy, usually during the second
trimester.
gestational trophoblastic disease
Failure of an embryo to develop beyond a primitive state due to proliferation
and degeneration of the trophoblastic villi becoming filled with fluid and
appearing as grape-sized vesicles Also called a hydatidiform mole, molar
pregnancy.
glaucoma
A group of eye diseases characterized by abnormally elevated pressure
within the eye due to obstruction of the outflow of aqueous humor.
glomerular filtration rate
Rate at which the glomeruli in the kidneys filter blood (normally, 125
ml/minute).
glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys.
gout
A group of disorders associated with inborn errors of metabolism that affect
purine and pyrimidine use; results in increased production of uric acid or
interferes with its excretion. Manifested by hyperuricemia, recurrent acute
inflammatory arthritis, deposition of urate crystals in the joints of the
extremities, and uric acid urolithiasis.
Graham Steell's murmur
A pulmonary regurgitation murmur resulting from pulmonary hypertension;
usually loud with a blowing quality and variable in duration, it’s heard best
along the left sternal border over the third and fourth intercostal spaces.
granulation tissue
Tissue that develops during collagen production; capillaries form as budlike
structures from nearby vessels, penetrating the wound, growing into loops,
and providing a nutritional source for the newly generated tissue; the loops
give the tissue a "granular" appearance.
Graves' disease
A disorder of the thyroid gland characterized by pronounced thyrotoxicosis
usually associated with an enlarged thyroid gland, exophthalmos, or pretibial
myxedema.
gravida
A pregnant woman.
gynecomastia
Enlargement and development of the mammary glands in men, usually
temporary and benign.
hallucinations
Sensory perceptions that don't result from external stimuli and that occur
during wakefulness.health care power of attorney
A legal document in which an individual designates another person, called an
"attorney-in-fact," to act on the individual's behalf if the principal person
becomes disabled or incapacitated. The document becomes void when the
principal person dies or recovers.
heart failure
Inability of the heart to pump an adequate amount of blood to the tissues.
hemarthrosis
Bleeding into a joint cavity.
hematuria
The presence of blood in the urine.
hemicolectomy
Surgical removal of one-half of the colon.
hemiparesis
Paralysis on one side of the body or a part of it that indicates an injury to the
motor area of the brain.
hemiplegia
Paralysis of one side of the body.
hemogram
Written recording of the blood count differential.
hemolytic reaction
Type of blood transfusion reaction occurring when the donor's blood is
incompatible with the recipient's blood; the most serious type of transfusion
reaction.
hemophilia
A bleeding disorder characterized by a failure of the blood clotting
mechanism. It’s an inherited condition occurring almost exclusively in males.
hemoptysis
The coughing or spitting up of blood caused by hemorrhage in the lungs or
bronchi. Minor amounts of blood may appear in the sputum of individuals
with bronchitis or upper respiratory tract infections.
hepatic encephalopathy
A serious complication of liver failure affecting a client's neurologic status;
believed to result from the accumulation of toxins, such as ammonia, in the
blood.
hepatojugular reflux
Distention of the neck veins when manual pressure is applied over the right
upper quadrant of the abdomen; it suggests heart failure.
hepatomegaly
Enlargement of the liver.heterozygous
Having two different genes at corresponding loci on homologous
chromosomes.
hiatal hernia
Protrusion of part of the stomach through the esophageal opening in the
diaphragm.
homonymous hemianopia
Blindness or visual deficit in one-half of the field of vision of both eyes. Either
the right halves or the left halves of each eye are affected.
hopelessness
State of severe despair associated with feelings of inadequacy and isolation,
an inability to act on one's behalf, and a belief that the situation is highly
unlikely to improve.
hospice
A system of family-centered care using a multidisciplinary approach designed
to assist the chronically ill person to maintain a satisfactory lifestyle through
the terminal phases of dying.
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
A retrovirus identified as the primary cause of acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS).
hydatidiform mole
A usually benign neoplasm that occurs at the end of a degenerating
pregnancy and arises from enlarged chorionic villi and the proliferation of
trophoblastic tissue.
hydramnios
Presence of an excess volume of amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
hydrotherapy
Treatment involving the use of water, such as tub or shower baths and
whirlpools.
hyperemesis gravidarum
Severe and prolonged vomiting during pregnancy to such a degree that
weight loss and an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes occur.
hyperphosphatemia
Elevated serum level of phosphorus above 2.6 mEq/L or 4.5 mg/dl.
hypersomnolence
Excessive sleepiness.
hyperthermia
A severe elevation in body temperature.
hyperthyroidism
Disorder involving overproduction of thyroid hormone, leading to a metabolicimbalance.
hypertonic
1. A solution that has greater osmotic pressure compared to another solution;
a fluid in which cells shrink. 2. In reference to muscles or arteries, having a
greater than normal degree of tension.
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Primary disease of the cardiac muscle characterized by disproportionate,
asymmetrical thickening of the interventricular septum, particularly in the
anterior-superior region. Also called idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic
stenosis.
hyperventilate
To increase the rate or depth of one's inspirations or expirations, or both; may
occur with anxiety.
hypochondriasis
Preoccupation with the fear that one has a serious illness despite medical
reassurance to the contrary; fear interferes with psychosocial functioning.
hypoglycemia
Low serum glucose levels.
hypospadias
A congenital abnormality in males in which the urethral opening is on the
underside, rather than at the tip, of the penis; in females, the defect is
manifested by a urethral opening into the vagina.
hypotonic
1. A solution that has a decreased osmotic pressure compared to another
solution; a fluid in which cells swell. 2. In reference to muscles or arteries,
having a less than normal degree of tension.
hypoxia
A decreased level of oxygen in inspired air.
iatrogenic
Introduced inadvertently by a medical practitioner or resulting from a
diagnostic procedure or treatment.
impetigo
A contagious, inflammatory skin infection that usually occurs on the face.
Characterized by the appearance of small, itchy blisters that rupture and
form a crusty scab; usually caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal
bacteria or a combination of both types of organisms.
incentive spirometer
A device that requires the client to deep breathe, hold the breath for
approximately 3 seconds, and then exhale in an effort to expand the lungs.
incompatibility
Unsuitability for combination, often due to antagonistic action.induration
Area of hardened tissue.
infection
The invasion and multiplication of pathogenic organisms within the body.
informed consent
Permission obtained from a client to perform a specific test or procedure after
the client has been fully informed about the test or procedure.
intelligence quotient (IQ)
Measurement of a person's ability to comprehend relationships, think,
problem solve, and adjust to new situations; usually expressed as a score and
based on standardized intelligence tests.
intermittent claudication
Pain that occurs with activity or exercise but that is relieved with rest. This
pain results from the body's inability to supply arterial blood (blood rich in
nutrients) to the tissues that experience an increase in demand during
exercise or activity.
interpretation
The deep analysis of the meaning and significance of what a client is saying
and doing in an effort to gain insight into his behavior.
intertrigo
Dermatitis that occurs at moist, warm sites where skin surfaces rub together,
such as the armpits, the inner surfaces of the thighs, and between the
buttocks; caused by an overgrowth of normal flora.
intra-aortic balloon pump
A device consisting of a balloon attached to a catheter that is introduced into
the descending thoracic aorta through the femoral artery. Alternating inflation
(during diastole) and deflation (during systole) of the balloon alters resistance
to aortic blood flow and both decrease the heart's workload and increase the
supply of blood to the coronary arteries.
intracranial pressure
Pressure exerted by the brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood.
intradermal injection
Injection of any substance into the skin between the dermis and epidermis.
The technique is typically used to produce a local drug effect (such as in local
anesthesia for procedures such as suturing wounds) or during allergy testing.
Also called intracutaneous injection.
intraosseous infusion
Administration of fluid, blood, or drugs into the bone marrow cavity of a long
bone; typically used in children for emergency situations when I.V. access is
difficult or unavailable.
intussusception
Telescoping or invagination of a portion of the bowel into an adjacent portion;most commonly seen in infants.
iron deficiency anemia
Anemia characterized by an insufficient amount of iron in the serum,
decreased stores of iron in the bone marrow, and elevated serum ironbinding.
irritability
Excitability or excessive responsiveness to a stimulus.
isotonic
Of or relating to a solution that has the same osmotic pressure as another
solution; a solution in which cells neither swell nor shrink.
juvenile hypothyroidism
A condition involving a deficiency of thyroid hormone secretion in children.
Kawasaki disease
A febrile, multisystem disorder affecting the small to medium-size vessels,
primarily of the lymph nodes, most commonly in children before puberty;
usually follows exposure to an infection. Also called mucocutaneous lymph
node syndrome.
Kegel exercises
Exercises involving alternate contraction and relaxation performed to
strengthen the perineal muscles.
kernicterus
A neurologic syndrome resulting from deposition of unconjugated bilirubin in
the brain cells and characterized by severe neural symptoms.
Kernig's sign
Elicitation of resistance and hamstring muscle pain when the examiner
attempts to extend the knee while the hip and knee are both flexed 90
degrees.
Kussmaul's respirations
Abnormally deep, gasping type of respirations resulting from air hunger;
associated with severe diabetic acidosis and coma.
laminectomy
Surgical removal of the bony arches of one or more vertebrae; performed to
relieve spinal cord compression or to remove a displaced intervertebral disk.
lead poisoning
Poisoning caused by the ingestion or absorption of lead or one of its salts.
Signs and symptoms include loss of appetite and weight, anemia,
constipation, insomnia, headache, dizziness, irritability, a blue line at the
margin of the gums, and peripheral neuropathy.
lethargy
A feeling or condition of sluggishness, apathy, or inactivity.lipodystrophy
Any disturbance in fat metabolism.
living will
A witnessed document indicating a client's desire to be allowed to die a
natural death rather than be kept alive by heroic, life-sustaining measures.
The will applies to decisions that will be made after a terminally ill client is
incompetent and has no reasonable possibility of recovery.
lochia
The vaginal discharge present during the first several weeks after delivery.
lochia alba
A creamy white, brown, or colorless discharge consisting mainly of serum and
white blood cells; typically stops flowing at about 6 weeks postpartum.
lochia rubra
Present during the first 3 to 4 postpartal days; it’s bloody and may contain
mucus, tissue, debris, and small clots.
lochia serosa
A pink or brownish discharge persisting for 5 to 7 days postpartum.
Logan bar
Apparatus used to protect the surgical incision after cleft lip repair.
Logan bow
A wire U-shaped apparatus taped to both cheeks of an infant or toddler
following cleft lip repair to protect the surgical site.
lumbar puncture
Fluid withdrawal from the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region of the
spinal canal, usually between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae, for
diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Also called spinal tap.
lymphangiography
A diagnostic radiographic evaluation of lymphatic system filling after injection
of a contrast medium into a lymphatic vessel of each foot or hand.
lymphedema
Edema of an arm or leg caused by the buildup of interstitial fluid as a result of
lymphatic inflammation or obstruction or a lymph node disorder.
mammogram
A radiograph of the breast; used for diagnostic purposes.
mammography
Radiography of the mammary gland to identify benign and malignant
neoplastic processes.
mastectomy
The surgical resection of a breast; usually performed to remove a malignant
tumor.mastitis
Inflammation of the mammary gland; usually caused by streptococcal or
staphylococcal infection and infrequent breast-feeding.
meconium
A dark, greenish black material that occurs in the intestines of a fetus that
forms the first stools of a neonate. The fluid is thick and sticky and is
composed of intestinal gland secretions, some amniotic fluid, and intrauterine
debris.
megaloblastic anemia
A hematologic disorder that is characterized by the production and peripheral
proliferation of megaloblasts.
Ménière's disease
A labyrinthine dysfunction that produces severe vertigo, sensorineural
hearing loss, and tinnitus.
metabolic acidosis
A condition resulting from excessive accumulation of acid or depletion of
bicarbonate.
metabolic alkalosis
A clinical state marked by decreased amounts of acid or increased amounts
of base bicarbonate.
milieu
A therapeutic environment, typically used as part of inpatient psychiatric
therapy.
mitral stenosis
Obstruction of blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle due to
thickening and contracting of the mitral valve leaflets; consequently, left
atrial volume and pressure rise and the chamber dilates. Greater resistance
to blood flow causes pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy,
and right-sided heart failure.
muscular dystrophy
A group of degenerative genetic diseases characterized by weakness and the
progressive atrophy of skeletal muscles with no evidence of nervous system
involvement.
myalgia
Diffuse muscle pain or tenderness associated with many infectious diseases.
myasthenia gravis
An abnormal muscle weakness and fatigability, especially in the muscles of
the face and throat, resulting from a defect in the conduction of nerve
impulses at the myoneural junction.
mycoplasmal pneumonia
A contagious respiratory disease caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae,
characterized by a sore throat, dry cough, fever, malaise, and myalgia.myeloma
Osteolytic neoplasm consisting of a protrusion of cells typical of the bone
marrow.
myelomeningocele
The protrusion of a hernial sac containing a portion of the spinal cord, its
meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid through a congenital defect in the
vertebral column.
myxedema
A disorder that results from hypofunction of the thyroid. Signs and symptoms
include enlarged tongue, slowed speech, moon face, drowsiness, cold
intolerance, hair loss, and anemia.
myxedema coma
A rare, serious form of hypothyroidism that usually results from lack of
treatment or mistreatment, severe stress (from infection, exposure to cold, or
trauma), or the use of sedatives or anesthetics in a client being treated for
hypothyroidism.
nebulizer
A device that employs a baffle to produce a fine aerosol spray consisting of
particles less than 30 micrometers in diameter.
necrotizing enterocolitis
GI disorder commonly associated with premature infants and characterized
by diffuse or patchy intestinal necrosis and sometimes accompanied by
sepsis.
negative nitrogen balance
Increased rate of protein breakdown when compared to protein synthesis;
nitrogen excretion that exceeds nitrogen intake.
neglect
A form of abuse involving the failure to protect a person from injury or meet
the person's physical, emotional, or medical needs.
nephrectomy
The surgical removal of a kidney, usually done to remove a tumor, drain an
abscess, or treat hydronephrosis.
nephrotic syndrome
A clinical classification including all kidney diseases characterized by marked
proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema.
neurotransmitter
Any one of a group of substances that act on a target nerve cell to excite or
inhibit transmission of nerve impulses; substances include norepinephrine,
acetylcholine, and dopamine.
nystagmus
Involuntary, rapid movements of the eyeball that may be horizontal, rotatory,
vertical, or mixed.obsessive-compulsive disorder
A disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
that represent recurring efforts to control overwhelming anxiety, guilt, or
unacceptable impulses that persistently enter the consciousness.
oliguria
A diminished flow of urine in relation to fluid intake; usually less than 400 ml
in 24 hours. Also called hypouresis.
ophthalmia neonatorum
Eye infection occurring at birth or in the first month; most commonly caused
by gonorrhea or chlamydia.
opioids
Opium-derived or synthetically produced drugs that alter pain perception,
induce mental changes, promote deep sleep, depress respirations, constrict
pupils, and decrease GI motility.
orthostatic hypotension
Abnormally low blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up. Also
called postural hypotension.
osmolality
The concentration or osmotic pressure of a solution; expressed in osmoles of
solute per kilogram of solvent.
osmolarity
The osmotic pressure of a solution expressed in osmoles of solute per liter of
solution.
osteomalacia
Delayed or poor mineralization of bone; the adult equivalent of rickets. This
condition is associated with anorexia, fracture, pain, weakness, and weight
loss.
osteomyelitis
Inflammation of bone that results from a local or general infection of bone
and bone marrow. The bacterial infection is caused by trauma or surgery, by
direct extension from a nearby infection, or by introduction from the
bloodstream.
osteoporosis
A disorder in which bone mass is reduced and fractures occur after minimal
trauma. It occurs most commonly in postmenopausal women, sedentary or
immobilized individuals, and persons on long-term steroid or heparin therapy.
otorrhea
A discharge from the ear, which may be serous, sanguineous, or purulent if
the external or middle ear is infected.
ototoxicity
Harmful effect on the function of the eighth cranial nerve or hearing organs;
most commonly associated with prescribed drugs.Paget's disease
A common bone disease that usually affects middle-aged and elderly people.
It’s marked by inflammation of the bones, softening and thickening of the
bones, excessive bone destruction, and unorganized bone repair; the result is
bowing of the long bones. The cause is unknown.
palilalia
Repetition of words or phrases with increasing rapidity.
pancreatitis
Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas.
paralysis
An abnormal condition characterized by the loss or impairment of motor
function or the impairment of sensory function.
paralytic ileus
A decrease in or absence of bowel motility that may occur following
abdominal surgery or may be caused by numerous other conditions, most
commonly by peritonitis.
paranoid schizophrenia
Disorder involving disordered thinking with delusional thought content
characterized by preoccupation with delusions or auditory hallucinations, lack
of organized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, or flat or
inappropriate affect.
paraplegia
An abnormal condition characterized by the loss of sensation and motor
function in the lower limbs, which may result in either complete or incomplete
paralysis.
parenteral
Not in or through the digestive system, but rather by injection through some
other route, such as subcutaneously, I.V., I.M., or intradermally.
paresthesia
Abnormal or heightened touch sensations, such as burning, numbness,
prickling, and tingling, that commonly occur without external stimulus.
perceptions
Awareness of objects and the ability to differentiate between them.
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
A technique to open stenosed atherosclerotic arteries. A balloon catheter is
inserted through the skin and into the vessel to the site of narrowing; the
balloon is inflated, thus flattening the plaque against the arterial walls.
pericarditis
Inflammation of the pericardium; may be caused by trauma, neoplasm,
infection, uremia, myocardial infarction, or collagen disease.
perineum1. The pelvic floor and its associated structures; located between the
symphysis pubis and the coccyx and on the sides by the ischial tuberosities.
2. The body area between the thighs; bounded by the anus and scrotum in
males and by the anus and vulva in females.
peristaltic waves
Alternating involuntary contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle
fibers of a structure in a wavelike fashion to propel the contents forward;
commonly associated with the GI tract.
peritoneal dialysis
A procedure performed to remove toxins, drugs, or other wastes normally
excreted by the kidney; transfers these substances across the peritoneum by
intermittently introducing and removing a dialysate from the peritoneal
cavity.
peritonitis
An inflammation of the peritoneum; can be produced by bacteria or irritating
substances introduced into the abdominal cavity by a penetrating wound or
perforation of an organ.
pernicious anemia
A megaloblastic anemia characterized by decreased gastric production of
hydrochloric acid from the parietal cells of the stomach essential for vitamin
B12 absorption; results in vitamin B12 deficiency.
phagocytosis
The process by which cells engulf and digest solid substances, such as
microorganisms and cell debris.
phenylketonuria (PKU)
An inborn metabolic disorder caused by absence or deficiency of
phenylalanine hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of
phenylalanine to tyrosine; results in accumulation of phenylalanine and its
metabolites, causing mental retardation and other neurologic problems, light
pigmentation, eczema, and a distinctive mousy odor.
pheochromocytoma
A chromaffin-cell tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes an excessive
amount of the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine, which results
in severe hypertension, increased metabolism, and hyperglycemia.
phototherapy
The treatment of disease by the use of light, especially ultraviolet light or
other concentrated rays; used to treat acne, psoriasis, and
hyperbilirubinemia.
pituitary dwarfism
A condition characterized by a deficiency in secretion of the growth hormone
from the anterior pituitary gland.
placenta accretaAbnormal adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall.
placenta previa
Implantation of the placenta so that it adjoins or covers the internal os of the
uterine cervix. The most common symptom is painless hemorrhage in the last
trimester.
pneumonia
An acute infection of the lung parenchyma that commonly impairs gas
exchange.
pneumothorax
A collection of air in the pleural space; may result from an open chest wound
that permits the entrance of air or from the rupture of a vesicle on the
surface of the lung. Common types of pneumothorax are open, closed, and
tension.
polydipsia
Chronic, excessive thirst.
polymyositis
The simultaneous inflammation of a number of voluntary muscles.
polyneuritis
Degeneration of peripheral nerves primarily supplying the distal muscles of
the extremities. It results in muscle weakness, with sensory loss and atrophy,
and decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes.
polyphagia
Voracious or excessive eating before becoming satiated.
polyuria
The excessive excretion of urine from the kidneys.
postterm neonate
A neonate born after the onset of the 43rd week of pregnancy.
preeclampsia
An abnormal condition characterized by the development of hypertension
during pregnancy, accompanied by edema or proteinuria, usually after the
20th week of gestation.
pressure ulcer
Localized area of skin breakdown occurring secondary to prolonged pressure.
Necrotic tissue develops because the vascular supply to the area is
diminished.
preterm neonate
A neonate born before the beginning of the 38th week of pregnancy.
primigravid
A woman who is pregnant for the first time.Prinzmetal's angina
A variant of angina pectoris, a form of unstable angina, in which the attacks
occur during rest. Attacks are indicated by an ST-segment elevation on an
electrocardiogram.
productive cough
A mechanism by which the body clears the airway passages of secretions
that normal mucociliary action doesn't remove; usually sudden, forceful,
noisy expulsion of air from the lungs that contains sputum or blood (or both).
projection
False attribution of one's unacceptable feelings, impulses, or thoughts onto
another.
pruritus
Itching; an unpleasant sensation that leads to rubbing or scratching the skin
in an effort to obtain relief. Scratching the skin may lead to secondary
infection.
pseudoparkinsonism
The development of a Parkinson-like disorder (neuromuscular disorder
involving progressive muscle rigidity, akinesia, and involuntary tremors) due
to psychotropic drug therapy.
puerperal
1. Of or pertaining to the period from the end of childbirth until involution of
the uterus is complete (usually 3 to 6 weeks). 2. Of or pertaining to a woman
(puerpera) who has just given birth to an infant.
pulmonary edema
An abnormal condition in which extravascular fluid is accumulated in lung
tissues and alveoli.
pulse pressure
The numeric difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures, usually
30 to 40 mm Hg.
purulent
Containing or forming pus.
pyelonephritis
Inflammation of the kidney and its pelvis.
pyuria
The presence of pus in the urine, commonly a sign of urinary tract infection.
quickening
The first notable fetal movement in utero, usually occurring at 16 to 20
weeks' gestation.
radical mastectomy
Surgical removal of an entire breast, pectoral muscles, axillary lymph nodes,
and all fat, fascia, and adjacent tissues; usually used in the treatment ofbreast cancer.
reaction formation
Substitution of behavior, thoughts, or feelings that are completely opposed to
one's own unacceptable behavior, thoughts, or feelings.
rectal route
Use of the rectum to administer medication
reflection
A technique in which the listener interprets the feelings of the client and
repeats them back to the client; encourages the client to clarify his feelings.
repolarization
Part of the cardiac conduction cycle in which the cell returns to its resting
state, a more negatively charged state. Calcium ions move into the cell and
potassium ions move out, followed by the extrusion of sodium and calcium
ions from the cell and the restoration of potassium ions into the cell by the
sodium potassium pump.
respiratory acidosis
Caused by reduced alveolar ventilation; is marked by increased partial
pressure of arterial carbon dioxide, excess carbonic acid, and increased
plasma hydrogen-ion concentration. Hypoventilation inhibits the excretion of
carbon dioxide, which consequently produces excessive carbonic acid and
thus lowers blood pH.
respiratory alkalosis
Caused by both respiratory and nonrespiratory factors, this condition is
marked by decreased partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide, decreased
hydrogen-ion concentration, and increased blood pH. Extreme anxiety can
precipitate hyperventilation associated with respiratory alkalosis.
resuscitation
A method used to support a client's breathing and circulation until the body
can do so on its own or the client is mechanically supported. It involves
maintaining an open airway, providing artificial ventilation through rescue
breathing, and promoting artificial circulation through external cardiac
compression.
Reye's syndrome
Acute encephalopathy and fatty infiltration of the internal organs following
acute viral infections, such as influenza B, chickenpox (varicella), the
enteroviruses, and the Epstein-Barr virus; has also been associated in
children with administration of aspirin and other salicylates.
Rh incompatibility
In hematology: two blood groups that are antigenically different and,
therefore, aren't compatible because one group lacks the Rh factor.
rheumatic fever
An inflammatory disease sometimes occurring if group A beta-hemolyticstreptococcal infection is inadequately treated.
rheumatoid arthritis
A chronic, systemic collagen disease marked by inflammation, stiffness, and
pain in the joints and related structures that result in crippling deformities.
ritodrine therapy
A prescribed treatment that uses the beta-receptor agonist ritodrine to halt
preterm labor.
Romberg’s sign
A swaying (or falling) when a person stands with feet together and eyes
closed. It’s an indication that the person has lost a sense of position. Also
called rombergism.
rooting reflex
A response in neonates to the cheek being touched or stroked. The infant
turns the head toward the stimulated side and begins to suck. The reflex
usually disappears by 3 to 4 months of age.
Russell traction
An orthopedic device that combines suspension and traction to align and
immobilize the legs; used to treat diseases of the hip and knee and fractured
femurs as well as hip and knee contractures.
scabies
A contagious skin disease caused by the itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei.
schizotypal personality disorder
A disorder characterized by acute discomfort with and reduced capacity for
close relationships and by cognitive or perceptual distortions and
eccentricities of behavior, beginning in early adulthood.
scoliosis
An appreciable lateral curvature of the spine resulting from numerous causes,
including congenital malformations of the spine, muscle paralysis,
poliomyelitis, sciatica, and unequal leg length.
sensorineural hearing loss
Hearing loss caused by a defect or lesion of the inner ear or the acoustic
nerve resulting in a distortion of sound that makes discrimination difficult.
sensory perceptions
Awareness of one's surroundings through the use of vision, hearing, taste,
touch, and smell.
serosanguineous
Of a discharge containing both serum and blood.
shock
An abnormal physiologic state characterized by reduced cardiac output,
circulatory insufficiency, tachycardia, hypotension, restlessness, pallor, and
diminished urinary output. Shock may be caused by a variety of conditions,including trauma, infection, hemorrhage, poisoning, myocardial infarction,
and dehydration.
sickle cell anemia
A chronic and incurable hereditary disorder occurring in people homozygous
for hemoglobin S (Hb S). The presence of Hb S results in distortion and
fragility of erythrocytes.
sickle cell crisis
Episode of widespread cellular sickling in which the client's red blood cells
containing hemoglobin S are exposed to conditions in which oxygen supply to
the cells is decreased. This leads to cellular contraction and piling within the
cell, altering the shape of the red blood cells (sickling). These sickled cells
become rigid and clump together to form clusters, ultimately obstructing
capillary blood flow and causing tissue ischemia.
simple fracture
An uncomplicated, closed bone fracture in which the skin isn't broken.
skin turgor
Skin characteristic determined by pinching a small area of skin on the medial
arm or anterior chest and noting how quickly it returns to its position when
released.
somatoform pain
Development of the symptom of pain as a result of psychological stress.
spinal shock
Loss of autonomic reflex, motor, and sensory activity below the level of a
lesion. Signs of spinal shock include flaccid paralysis, loss of deep tendon and
perianal reflexes, and loss of motor and sensory function.
standard precautions
Infection control guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention requiring all health care personnel to use gloves, gowns, and
goggles to prevent contact with a client's blood or body fluids and to adhere
to strict safety measures when handling needles, scalpels, and other sharp
instruments.
status asthmaticus
A severe and prolonged asthma attack in which bronchospasm fails to
respond to oral medication, sometimes resulting in hypoxia, cyanosis, and
unconsciousness.
Stokes-Adams attack
Episode of confusion and light-headedness accompanying syncope with or
without seizures due to inadequate cerebral perfusion secondary to heart
block.
stoma
1. A minute pore, orifice, or surface opening. 2. An artificial, surgically
created opening of an internal organ on the body surface, such as for acolostomy or tracheostomy. 3. A new opening surgically created between two
structures, such as for a gastroenterostomy or pancreaticogastrostomy.
stomatitis
An inflammation of the mouth that may result from bacterial, viral, or fungal
infection; exposure to chemicals or drugs; vitamin deficiency; or a systemic
inflammatory disease.
stridor
A high-pitched respiratory sound, usually heard during inspiration, caused by
an obstruction of the trachea or larynx.
stroke
A condition of sudden onset in which a cerebral blood vessel is occluded by
an embolus or cerebrovascular hemorrhage. The resulting ischemia of brain
tissue that is normally perfused by the affected vessel may lead to
permanent neurologic damage.
subdural hematoma
A condition involving the collection of blood between the dura mater and the
brain.
sublingual
Under the tongue.
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
The sudden, unexpected, and inexplicable death of an infant who appears to
be healthy. It occurs during sleep, typically in infants between the ages of 3
weeks and 5 months. Also called crib death.
supratentorial
Located above the tentorium of the brain.
suspension
A liquid that contains solid particles that aren't dissolved; stirring or shaking
the liquid maintains the dispersal.
sympathomimetics
Group of drugs that mimic the effects of impulses conveyed by adrenergic
postganglionic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system.
synchronized cardioversion
Delivery of an electrical shock to the client in conjunction with the R wave on
his ECG, just as the heart muscle contracts. Delivery is timed to avoid the T
wave because an electrical discharge at this time may cause ventricular
fibrillation.
synergistic effect
Administration of two drugs producing the same qualitative effect together to
produce a greater response than either drug alone.
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
A chronic inflammatory multisystemic disorder of connective tissue,characterized principally by involvement of the skin, joints, kidneys, and
serosal membranes.
tachycardia
A condition characterized by a regular but accelerated action of the heart,
usually l00 to 150 beats per minute.
tactile fremitus
Vibration in the chest wall that can be felt when a hand is applied to the
thorax while the patient is speaking. It's most commonly due to consolidation
of a lung or a part of a lung but may also be caused by congestion,
inflammation, or infection.
tardive dyskinesia
A neurological syndrome marked by slow, rhythmical, automatic movements
that occur as an adverse effect of extended phenothiazine use.
tension pneumothorax
A condition in which air enters the pleural space through a tear in lung tissue
but can't exit through the same vent, thereby trapping air in the pleural
space with each inspiration and producing positive pleural pressure. This in
turn causes the ipsilateral lung to collapse.
tenting
An indication of decreased skin turgor, as exhibited by a fold of skin
remaining or holding in the pinched position after being released.
teratogenic
Causing harm to the developing fetus.
tetany
Hyperexcitability of nerves and muscles as a result of a lessened
concentration of extracellular ionized calcium; symptoms include convulsions,
muscle twitching and cramps, and sharp flexion of the wrist and ankle joints.
tetralogy of Fallot
A combination of congenital cardiac defects consisting of pulmonic stenosis,
interventricular septal defect, dextroposition of the aorta so that it overrides
the interventricular septum and receives venous as well as arterial blood, and
right ventricular hypertrophy.
thrombocytopenia
A reduction in the number of blood platelets; usually caused by destruction of
erythroid tissue in bone marrow. The condition may be a result of neoplastic
disease or an immune response to a drug.
thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of a vein, often involving clot formation. Common causes
include chemical irritation, blood hypercoagulability, immobilization,
infection, postoperative venous stasis, prolonged sitting or standing, trauma
to the vessel wall, or a long period of I.V. catheterization.
tonic-clonic seizureParoxysmal, uncontrolled discharge of central nervous system neurons
extending to the entire brain and characterized by stiffening (tonic phase)
and then rapid synchronous muscle jerking and hyperventilation (clonic
phase). Also called a major or grand mal seizure.
tonsillectomy
The surgical removal of the palatine tonsils.
total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
The administration of total caloric needs in a nutritionally adequate solution
of glucose, protein hydrolysates, minerals, and vitamins through a catheter
inserted into the superior vena cava.
tracheoesophageal fistula
Abnormal opening between the esophagus and trachea that may lead to
aspiration.
tracheostomy
The surgical creation of an opening through the neck into the trachea; used
to relieve upper airway obstruction and aid breathing.
traction
1. The action of pulling a part of the body along the long axis. 2. In
orthopedics: the act of exerting force through a system of weights and
pulleys to align, immobilize, or relieve pressure in a limb, bone, or group of
muscles.
transdermal
Method or route of topical drug administration; provides continuous drug
delivery through the skin to achieve a constant, steady blood concentration
level.
transsphenoidal adenohypophysectomy
Surgery involving the pituitary gland, most commonly performed to remove a
pituitary tumor. The physician enters from the inner aspect of the upper lip
through the sphenoid sinus.
transsphenoidal hypophysectomy
Microsurgery in which an incision is made at the junction of the gums and
upper lip. A surgical microscope is advanced and a special surgical
instrument is used to excise all or part of the pituitary gland.
Trendelenburg's position
Position in which the client's head is lower than the trunk; typically, the body
and legs are elevated on an incline.
Trousseau's sign
An assessment technique for evaluating neuromuscular irritability (tetany)
associated with hypocalcemia. When Trousseau's sign is positive, the client
develops a carpopedal spasm (adducted thumb, flexed wrist and
metacarpophalangeal joints, and extended interphalangeal joints) after a
blood pressure cuff is applied to the client's upper arm and inflated to apressure above systolic pressure for approximately 1 to 4 minutes.
tuberculosis
An acute or chronic infection from exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or
another strain of mycobacteria characterized by pulmonary infiltrates and
formation of granulomas with caseation, fibrosis, and cavitation.
type 1 diabetes
An endocrine disorder involving disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and
fat metabolism, usually occurring before age 30 and requiring the use of
exogenous insulin and dietary management. Also called insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus.
type 2 diabetes
An endocrine disorder involving disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and
fat metabolism; characterized by insulin resistance with varying degrees of
insulin secretory defects. May be treated with diet, exercise, and oral
antidiabetic agents. Exogenous insulin is sometimes necessary.
type 2 herpes simplex
A type of herpes simplex virus transmitted primarily through contact with
genital secretions and affecting the genital structures.
ulcerative colitis
A chronic, recurrent ulceration of the colon of unknown cause in which there
is abdominal cramping, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea containing blood, pus,
and mucus.
urinary incontinence
Inability to prevent urine discharge.
urinary tract infection (UTI)
A bacterial infection, most commonly caused by Escherichia coli or a species
of Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, or Enterobacter, affecting one or more
parts of the urinary tract.
urticaria
A vascular reaction caused by dilation and increased permeability of the
capillaries. Symptoms include the development of transient wheals with pale
centers and well-defined erythematous margins.
variability
Differing rhythmicity or changes in condition; often used to describe fetal
heart rate reflected on the fetal heart rate tracing as a slight irregularity or
jitteriness.
vaso-occlusive crisis
The most common type of sickle cell crisis resulting from blood vessel
obstruction by rigid, tangled sickle cells leading to tissue anoxia and possibly
necrosis. Also called a painful crisis or infarctive crisis.
vastus lateralis
The largest of the four muscles that make up the quadriceps femoris; locatedon the outside of the thigh, extending from the hip joint to the common
quadriceps tendon and inserted in the patella; extends the leg.
venography
A radiographic test using a contrast medium to identify thrombi or
obstruction in the veins of the lower extremities or the kidneys.
ventricular septal defect (VSD)
An abnormal opening in the septum separating the ventricles, usually
resulting from failure of the fetal interventricular foramen to close; results in
blood flow from the left ventricle to the right ventricle and recirculation of
blood through the pulmonary artery and lungs.
ventricular tachycardia
A life-threatening arrhythmia that occurs when the ventricles produce several
premature ventricular contractions in succession; usually due to a problem
with the heart's conduction system and increased myocardial contractility.
vertigo
A sensation of movement in which the client feels himself revolving in space
(subjective vertigo) or his surroundings revolving about him (objective
vertigo); may result from diseases of the inner ear or from disturbances of the
vestibular pathways in the central nervous system.
vesicle
1. Any small anatomic sac that contains liquid. 2. A small blister that
contains clear fluid.
wet-to-dry dressings
Type of wound covering (dressing) in which gauze moistened with normal
saline is applied wet to the wound and removed once the gauze becomes dry
and adheres to the wound bed; used for debridement.
Wilms' tumor
A rapidly growing malignant kidney tumor that occurs most commonly in
children younger than age 5, although it sometimes develops before birth.
Rare cases occur later in life. Also called adenomyosarcoma.
X-linked recessive disorders
Genetic disorders in which the abnormal gene exists on the X chromosome;
only males exhibit clinical signs of the disorder because they have no
offsetting X chromosome.
Z-track
An I.M. injection technique in which the client's skin is pulled in such a way
that the needle track is sealed off after the injection. The technique is done to
minimize subcutaneous irritation and discoloration.Comprehensive HESI Exit and Subject Exam Flashcards
Question Answer Hint
Blood functions:
transports nutrients, O2, hormones & enzymes
to tissues, carries CO2 and waste products
away from tissues, helps regulate temp, fluid
electrolytes & pH, protects body from bacteria
and foreign substances, coagulates to prevent
excess fluid loss
What is total blood volume? Volume of blood present in the circulatory
system (arteries, veins, capillaries)
Total blood volume is approximately.... 4-5 L in females 5-6 L in males
Normal pH range is... 7.35-7.45 (arterial blood)
Whole blood refers to... the formed elements and plasma (Blood as a
whole)
What kind of tissue is blood classified
as...
Connective tissue (Blood consists of cells and
cell fragments surrounded by a liquid
intercellular matrix)
Cellular elements comprise ____% of
the blood volume? 45%
Plasma comprises ___% of the blood
volume 55%
Approximately 95% of the volume of
the formed elements consists of..... red blood cells
Cell fragments are called.... platelets
Approximately 5% of the volume of
the formed elements consists of.... WBC and platelets
The formed elements account for
____% to ___% of the total blood
volume in females. (AKA Hematocrit)
38% to 48%
The formed elements account for
____% to ___% of the total blood
volume in males. (AKA Hematocrit)
44% to 54%
The % of total blood volume
composed of formed elements in the
blood sample is the...
Hematocrit
Red Blood Cells or RBC functions: transport O2 and CO2 throughout body
White Blood cells or WBC functions... body's defense against microorganisms and
foreign material.
Platelets are essential for... preventing blood loss (hemostasis)
In a healthy person, only _______
blood cells are found in blood
circulation.
mature In persons with disease states,
immature and abnormal cells may be present.
What is plasma? Is a viscous (sticky) pale yellow colloidal fluidaccounting for slightly more than half the total
blood volume.
What is plasma made of?
92% water and 8% dissolved or proteins such
as albumin, globulins and fibrinogen, salts,
nutrients, gases, waster products, hormones
and enzymes.
Plasma without the proteins that clot
blood is called.... serum
How does water enter plasma? from digestive tract, interstitial fluids and as a
by-product of metabolism.
How does water leave plasma? Kidneys, lungs, intestinal tract and skin
Where do the solutes come from in
the plasma?
liver, kidneys, intestines, endocrine glands and
immune tissues such as the spleen.
What are other terms for circulatory
system? vascular space or vascular system.
Blood or fluid within the vascular
system is referred to as.... intravascular
Blood or fluid outside the vascular
system is referred to as.... extravascular
What is the interstitial space? the space surrounding the cells outside the
vascular system.
The exchange of nutrients, gases,
hormones, waste products takes place
between blood and tissues occurs
where?
at the capillary level (the walls are one cell
thick) (microvasculature)
The process by which nutrients and
other substance cross the capillary
wall is called....
diffusion
How does the lymphatic system differ
from the circulatory system? It is not a closed loop system.
What does the lymphatic system do?
1.)picks up fluids and large complex substances
that have left the circulatory system and
entered the tissues 2.)returns them to the
vascular system (helps maintain normal blood
volume)
What do lymph nodes do? filter lymphatic vessels
What are two large lymph vessels? the thoracic duct on the left side of body the
right lymphatic duct on the right side
What do the thoracic duct and right
lymphatic duct do?
empty into veins in the upper chest and return
fluid to the vascular system.
What would happen to a person if
fluid remains in the interstital space?
would develop a balloon-like appearance.
Their blood volume is depleted (fluid lost from
their circulation)
Vascular system includes both: peripheral and cardiopulmonary systems
Peripheral system refers to... circulatory system but not thecardiopulmonary system
What are the major veins in the body?
superior vena cava (receives blood from head
and upper part of body) inferior vena cava
(blood from lower part of body) Both vessels
enter the Right atrium of the heart. (RA)
Cardiopulmonary system refers to.... heart and lungs as they function together.
Blood going into right atrium from
both vena cavae is.... deoxygenated
From the right atrium, blood is
pumped to the right ventricle through
which valve?
tricuspid
From the right ventricle (RV),
deoxygenated blood is pumped out
through which valve?
pulmonary blood goes to pulmonary arteries
to go to lungs
What happens in the aveolar capillary
newtwork in the lungs?
O2 and CO2 are exchanged. (CO2 is the waste
product of cellular metabolism)
Where does the oxygenated blood go
from the lungs?
through pulmonary veins to the left atrium
(LA)of the heart.
Where does blood go from left atrium
(LA)?
pumped into the left ventricle (LV) through the
mitral or biscuspid valve.
Where does blood go from left
ventricle (LV))? ejected through aortic valve to the aorta.
What is Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)? enzyme produced mainly in liver, bone,
intestine, kidney & placenta.
What does Alkaline Phosphatase
(ALP)test?
differentiates between liver and bone
disorders when other enzyme tests are done
(ALP isoenzymes 1 & 2, GGTP and/or 5'N)
ALP isoenzyme, ALP1 is of what
origin? liver
ALP isoenzyme, ALP2 is of what
origin? bone
What could a decreased ALP level
mean? alkaline phosphatase
hypothyroidism, malnutrition, scurvy,
hypophosphatasia, pernicious anemia,
placental insufficiency
What drugs may decrease alkaline
phosphatase (ALP)values? flouride, oxalate, propranolol (Inderal)
What could an increased ALP level
mean? alkaline phosphatase
obstructive biliary disease (juandice), cancer of
the liver, hepatocellular cirrhosis, hepatitis,
leukemia, cancer of the bone, breast or
prostate, Paget's disease (osteitis deformans)
healing fx, multiple myeloma, osteomalacia, GI
ulcerative dx, late pregnancy, hyperthyroidism,
hyperparathyroidsim, rheumatoid arthritis,
CHF
What drugs may increase alkaline ABX, cochicine, methyldopa(Aldomet),phosphatase (ALP)values?
allopurinol, phenothiazines, indomethacin
(Indocin) procainamide, some oral
contraceptives, tolbutamine, INH (isoniazid)
and IV albumin
Procedure for ALP test?
Collect 5-10ml of venous blood in red-top
tube. No food or fluid restrictions are required.
Withhold drugs that may elevate ALP for 8-24
hrs w/Dr's permission. List client's age & drugs
that may affect results on lab slip.
Nursing implications for ALP test:
Know factors that can elevate serum ALP levels
(drugs, IV albumin), age of client, late
pregnancy to 3 weeks postpartum, blood
drawn 2-4 hrs after fatty meal. record info on
lab slip. inform pt that other enzyme tests may
be ordered to verify dx, assess for s/s of liver
dx or bone dx.
Normal ALP levels for adult 20-90 U/L at 30 C, 24-97 U/L at 37 C, 2-4 U/dL,
4-13 U/dL elderly-slightly higher
What is amylase?
enzyme that is derived from the pancreas,
salivary gland and liver. increases in acute
pancreatitis.
Normal ALP levels for child: 0-12 yr = 40-300 U/L 13-18 yr = 30-165 U/L
What cause increase amylase levels?
acute pancreatitis (can be 2X normal at peak at
20-30 hrs and returns to normal in 2-4 days),
abdominal surgery involving gallbladder and
stomach
What are the two major types of
amylase isoenzymes and what do they
relate to?
P-type, occur more frequently in acute
pancreatitis. elevated S-type can be d/t ovarian
and bronchogenic tumors.
Why is the urine amylase helpful to
know?
determines the significance of a normal or
slightly elevated serum amylase, esp when pt
has sxs of pancreatitis. Urine amylase can
remain elevated up to 2 wks after acute
pancreatitis.
What are normal serum levels of
amylase?
adult - 60-160 Somogyi U/dL pregnancy:
slightly increased child: usually not done
elderly: could be slightly higher than adult
What are normal lvels of serum
amylase isoenzymes?
S (salivary) type 45-70% P (pancreatic) type 30-
55%
What is normal urine amylase level? adult: 4-37 U/L2h
What can a decreased level of amylase
indicate?
IV D/W, advanced chronic pancreatitis, acute
and subacute necrosis of the liver, chronic
alcoholism, toxic hepatitis, severe burns,
severe thyrotoxicosis
What drugs can decrease amylase glucose, citrates, flourides, oxalatesvalues?
What can an elevated level of amylase
indicate?
acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis (acute
onset), partial gastrectomy, peptic ulcer
perforation, obstruction of pancreatic duct,
acute cholecystitis, CA of pancreas, DKA, DM,
acute alcoholic intoxication, mumps, RF, BPH,
burns, pregnancy
What drugs may increase amylase
value?
narcotics, ethyl alcohol (large amts) ACTH,
guanethidine, thiazide diuretics, salicylates,
tetracycline
What is the ANA test?
is a screening test for diagnosing systemic
lupus erythematosis (SLE) and other collagen
diseases. Scleroderma, RA, cirrhosis, leukemia,
infectious mononucleosis and malignancy.
What is reference value for ANA test? Adult: negative
What is an elevated level of ANA? >1:20
What drugs may increase ANA value?
abx, HTN meds, methyldopa (Aldomet)
isoniazide (INH) diuretics, thiazides, phenytoin
(Dilantin) oral contraceptives, antiarrhythmics
Why are arterial blood gases (ABGs)
assessed?
to assess disturbances of acid-base balance
caused by a respiratory disorder or a metabolic
disorder or both.
a pH of less than 7.35 indicates.... acidosis
a pH greater than 7.45 indicates.... alkalosis
a decreased pH (<7.35) and an
elevated PaCO2 (>45) indicates... respiratory acidosis
An elevated pH (>7.45) and a
decreased PaCO2 (<35) indicates.... respiratory alkalosis
To determine whether an acid-base
imbalance has a metabolic cause, you
should look at...
bicarbonate (HCO3)
A decreased pH (<7.35) and a
decreased HCO3 (<24) indicates... metabolic acidosis
An elevated pH (>pH 7.45) and an
elevated HCO3 (>28> indicates.... metabolic alkalosis
Adult ABG reference values... pH 7.35-7.45 PaCO2 35-45 PaO2 75-100 HCO3
24-28 BE +2 to -2 (base excess)
Child ABG reference values... pH 7.36-7.44 PaCO2 35-45 PaO2 75-100 HCO3
24-28 BE +2 to -2 (base excess)
What can cause respiratory acidosis?
(pH <7.35, PaCO2 >45)
COPD, (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, severe
asthma)ARDS, Guillian-Barre syndrome,
anesthesis, pneumonia
What can cause metabolic acidosis?
(pH <7.35, HCO3 <24)
DKA, severe diarrhea, starvation/malnutrition,
kidney failure, burns, shock, acure myocardial
infarctionWhat drugs may cause a low pH? narcotics, barbiturates
What can cause respiratory alkalosis?
(pH >7.45, PaCO2 <35)
salicylate toxicity (early phase) anxiety,
hysteria, tetany, strenuous exercise,
(swimming, running) fever, hyperthyroidism,
delirium tremens, PE
What can cause metabolic alkalosis?
(pH >7.45, HCO3 >28)
severe vomiting, gastric suction, peptic ulcer,
potassium loss (hypokalemia) excess
administration of sodium bicarbonate, cystic
fibrosis, hepatic failure.
What drugs may cause an elevated
pH?
sodium bicarbonate, sodium oxalate,
potassium oxalate
What is bilirubin?
is formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin
by the reticuloendothelial sytem and is carried
in the plasma to the liver where it is
conjugated or unconjugated.
If the total bilirubin (serum bilirubin) is
within normal range, then what?
direct and indirect bilirubin levels do not need
to be analyzed. If total bilirubin elevated, look
at direct bilirubin.
If one value of bilirubin is reported,
what does it represent? the total bilirubin
Jaundice is frequently present when
serum bilirubin (total) is greater
than....
3 mg/dL Remember to check sclera of the eyes
and inner aspects of the arm for jaundice.
Increased direct or conjugated
bilirubin is usually the result of ...
obstructive jaundice, either extrahepatic (from
stones or tumor) or intrahepatic (damaged
liver cells)
Indirect or onconjugated bilirubin is
associated with... increased destruction of RBCs (hemolysis)
Adult Reference values for Bilirubin
(Total, Direct, Indirect) serum:
Total: 0.1-1.2 mg/dL Direct(conjugated): 0.0-
0.3 mg/dL Indirect (unconjugated):0.1-1.0
mg/dL
Newborn Reference values for
Bilirubin (Total) serum: Total: 1-12 mg/dL
Child Reference values for Bilirubin
(Total) serum: Total: 0.2-0.8 mg/dL
What can cause a decreased direct
bilirubin level? iron deficiency anemia
What drugs may decrease bilirubin
value? barbituates, ASA (in large amts), PCN, caffeine
What can cause an increased direct
bilirubin level?
obstructive jaundice caused by stones or
neoplasms, hepatits, cirrhosis of the liver,
infectious mononucleosis, liver CA, Wilson's
disease
What can cause an increased indirect
bilirubin level?
erythroblastosis fatalis, sickle cell anemia,
transfusion reaction, hemolytic anemias,pernicious anemia, malaria, septicemia, CHF,
decompensated cirrhosis
What drugs may increase bilirubin
value:
ABX, sulfonamides, diuretics, INH, valium,
narcotics, barbiturates, Dalmane, Indocin,
Aldomet, Pronestyl, steroids, oral
contraceptives, orinase, vitamins A, C and K
How do you figure out the indirect
bilirubin?
subtract the direct bilirubin from the total
bilirubin.
What should a nurse remember when
drawing a bilirubin sample?
Avoid hemolysis. Pt to be NPO except for
water. List drugs pt is taking protect sample
from sun and light. Blood should be sent asap
to lab. Tell pt to NOT eat carrots or foods high
in fat the night before test.
What should a nurse remember when
drawing ABGs?
Collect blood in heparinized needle and
syringe place syringe with arterial blood in an
ice bag and deliver to lab asap. indicate on lab
slip if pt is receiving O2 and what rate. apply
pressure for 2-5 min. blood not to be drawn
from same arm as IV No food or fluid
restriction.
What should a nurse remember when
drawing an amylase test?
restrict food for 1-2 hours before the blood
sample is drawn. if pt ate or received a narcotic
2 hrs before test, may be invalid.
What are 2 methods to test bleeding
times? Ivy and Duke method
Why are bleeding time tests done?
to determine whether bleeding time is normal
or prolonged. frequently done when pt has a
hx of bleeding (easy bruising) familial bleeding
or peroperative screening.
Describe Ivy method:
cleanse below the antecubital space w/alcohol
and allow to dry. inflate BP cuff to 40mm Hg
and leave inflated during test.puncure skin 2.5
mm deep. start timing on stopwatch. blot
blood q 30 sec until bleeding stops. the time
required for bleeding to stop is recorded.
When should Ivy test method not be
done? more popular than Duke
method
when pt is taking anticoagulants or ASA. Pt
should stop these meds 3-7 days prior to test
w/ Drs permission. ASA therapy will prolong
bleeding time.
Describe Duke method: earlobe is used. no food or fluid restriction.
What can disorders can increase
bleeding times (prolonged time)?
thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count
<50,000), platelet function abnormality,
vascular abnormalities, severe liver dx,
disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
aplastic anemia, factor deficiencies (V, VII, XI)Christmas disease, hemophilia, leukemia
What drugs may increase bleeding
time?
salicylates, (ASA, others) warfarin (Coumadin)
dextran, streptokinase (fibrinolytic agent)
What are adult reference values for
Ivy method? 3-7 minutes
What are adult reference values for
Duke method? 1-3 minutes
What is urea? Urea is an end product of protein metabolism.
If both BUN and Creatinine levels are
elevated, nurse should suspect what? kidney disease
What should nurse do w/Dr's
permission if pt's BUN is 26-35? Encourage fluids.
serum calcium (Ca) normal range for
Adults adult: 4.5-5.5 mEq/L, 9-11 mg.dL
serum calcium (Ca) normal range:
newborn, infant, child
newborn: 3.7-7.0 mEq/L, 7.4-14.0 mg/dL
Infant: 5.0-6.0 mEq/L, 10-12 mg/dL Child: 4.5-
5.8 mEq/L, 9-11.5 mg/dL
what is total serum calcium? ionized and nonionized calcium level together.
How does pH affect calcium
ionization?
acidosis-more Ca ionized alkalosis-most of Ca is
bound to protein and cannot be ionized.
What does a calcium deficit cause? tetany symptoms, unless acidosis is present
What can a calcium excess cause? cardiac dysrhythmias
What can a 24-urine specimen for
calciuria determine? parathyroid disorders
In hyperparathyroidism,
hyperthyroidism and osteolytic
disorders, the urinary calcium
excretion is usually...
increased. it is decreased in
hypoparathyroidism.
What can cause a decreased level of
serum calcium?
malabsorption of Ca from GI tract, lack of Ca &
Vit D intake, hypoparathyroidism, CRF caused
by PH retention, laxative abuse, extensive
infections, burns, pancreatitis, alcoholism,
diarrhea, pregnancy
What drugs can decrease Ca value?
cortisone preparations, ABX (gentamicin,
methicillin), Mg products (antacids), excess
laxatives, heparin ,insulin, mithramycin,
acetazolamide (Diamox)
What can cause elevated level of
serum calcium?
hyperPTH, malignant neoplasm of bone, lung,
breast, bladder or kidney, hypervitaminosis Vit
D, multiple myeloma, prolonged
immobilization, multiple fx, renal calculi,
exercise, milk-alkali syndrome
What drugs can increase Ca value? thiazide diuretics, alkaline antacids, calcium
salts, estrogen preparation, vit D
What are sx of decreased level of Ca? tetany: muscular twitching and tremors,spasms of the larynx, parathesis, facial spasms
and spasmodic contractions
What is Chvostek's sign?
a spasm of the facial muscles following a tap
on one side of the face over the facial nerve. +
in hypocalcemia
What is Trousseau's sign?
muscular spasm resulting from pressure
applied to nerves and vessels of the upper arm
such as inflating a BP cuff) + in hypocalcemia
Why should nurse look for sx of tetany
when pt receives massive transfusions
of citrated blood?
citrates prevent calcium ionization. serum
calcium level may not be affected.
What can occur if pt receives ca
supplements and a digitalis
preparation?
digitalis toxicity (sx: N/V, anorexia, bradycardia)
What should nurse do when giving IV
fluids with 10% Ca gluconate?
GIVE SLOWLY. Ca should be administered in
D5/W and not in saline solution. Na promotes
Ca loss.
Why should Ca not be added to
solutions containing bicarbonate? rapid precipitation will occur.
What are sx of hypercalcemia? lethargy, HA, weakness, muscle flaccidity, heart
block, anorexia, N/V
What should nurse teach pt who is
hypercalcemic?
avoid high ca foods, be ambulatory when
possible, and increase oral fluid intake.
What should nurse promote if pt is
bedridden?
active and passive exercises. this will prevent
ca loss from bone.
What happens when pt is
hypercalcemic and is taking a thiazide
diuretic?
thiazide diuretic inhibit ca excretion and
promote hypercalcemia.
What is normal Chloride serum level
for adult? 95-105 mEq/L
What is normal serum Chloride level
for newborn, infant and child?
newborn: 94-113 mEq/L infant: 95-110 mEq/L
child: 98-105 mEq/L
Where is chloride found, extracellular
or intracellular? It is found in the extracellular fluid.
What roles does chloride play?
maintain body water balance, osmaolality of
body fluids (with sodium), and acid-base
balance.
What causes decreased levels of
chloride?
vomiting, gastric suction, diarrhea, low serum
K+ or Na (or both), Low Na diet, continuous IV
D5/W, adrenal gland insufficiency, heat
exhaustion, acute infections, burns, excess
diaphoresis, metabolic alkalosis, chronic resp
acidosis, CHF
What drugs may decrease chloride
value? thiazide and loop diuretics, bicarbonatesWhat causes increased levels of
chloride?
dehydration, high serum Na level, adrenal
gland hyperfunction, multiple myeloma, head
injury, eclampsia, cardiac decompensation,
excessive IV saline (0.9% NaCl) kidney
dysfunction
What drugs may increase chloride
level?
ammonium chloride, cortisone preparations,
ion exchange resins, acetazolamide (Diamox),
prolonged use of triamterene (Dyrenium)
What should nurse look for in
hypochloremia?
hyperexcitability of the nervous system and
muscles, tetany, slow and shallow breathing,
hypotension
What should nurse tell Dr can happen
with continuous IV D5/W? a chloride deficit can occur.
What should nurse encourage the pt
who is Cl deficient to do?
drink fluids containing sodium and chloride
(ex. broth, tomato juice) NO PLAIN WATER)
What other labs should nurse look at
if pt's Cl is decreased?
serum K+ and Na levels. Cl is frequently lost
with Na and K+.
What are sx of overhydration when pt
is receiving several L of normal saline
for Na and Cl replacement?
Na holds water. Sx of overhydration: constant,
irritating cough, dyspnea, neck&hand vein
engorgement, chest rales.
What are sx of hyperchloremia? Sx similar to acidosis; weakness, lethargy and
deep, rapid vigorous breathing
What should nurse instruct pt to do if
hyperchloremic?
tell pt to avoid drinking or eating salting foods
and to use a salt substitute. (avoid Ca chloride
and K+ chloride substitutes)
If pt is hyperchloremic, what IV fluid
would be a concern? NS. Nurse should check for sx of overhydration.
If pt is hyperchloremic, what could be
monitored to determine fluid
retention?
daily weight and intake and output
What is desirable serum Cholesterol
level for adult? < 200 mg/dL
What serum cholesterol level for adult
is a risk? 200-240 mg/dL moderate risk >240 mg/dL
What may happen to cholesterol
levels during pregnancy?
may go to high risk levels (>240 mg/dL) but
returns to prepregnancy values 1 month after
delivery.
What are infant serum level of
cholesterol? 90-130 mg/dL
What are child (age 2-19 yr)serum
level of cholesterol? normal and risky
levels
desirable level: 130-170 mg/dL moderate risk:
171-184 mg/dL high risk: > 184 mg/dL
Why should nurse look for sx of tetany
when pt receives massive transfusions
of citrated blood?
citrates prevent calcium ionization. serum
calcium level may not be affected.What can occur if pt receives ca
supplements and a digitalis
preparation?
digitalis toxicity (sx: N/V, anorexia, bradycardia)
What should nurse do when giving IV
fluids with 10% Ca gluconate?
GIVE SLOWLY. Ca should be administered in
D5/W and not in saline solution. Na promotes
Ca loss.
Why should Ca not be added to
solutions containing bicarbonate? rapid precipitation will occur.
What are sx of hypercalcemia? lethargy, HA, weakness, muscle flaccidity, heart
block, anorexia, N/V
What should nurse teach pt who is
hypercalcemic?
avoid high ca foods, be ambulatory when
possible, and increase oral fluid intake.
What should nurse promote if pt is
bedridden?
active and passive exercises. this will prevent
ca loss from bone.
What happens when pt is
hypercalcemic and is taking a thiazide
diuretic?
thiazide diuretic inhibit ca excretion and
promote hypercalcemia.
What is normal Chloride serum level
for adult? 95-105 mEq/L
What is normal serum Chloride level
for newborn, infant and child?
newborn: 94-113 mEq/L infant: 95-110 mEq/L
child: 98-105 mEq/L
Where is chloride found, extracellular
or intracellular? It is found in the extracellular fluid.
What roles does chloride play?
maintain body water balance, osmaolality of
body fluids (with sodium), and acid-base
balance.
What causes decreased levels of
chloride?
vomiting, gastric suction, diarrhea, low serum
K+ or Na (or both), Low Na diet, continuous IV
D5/W, adrenal gland insufficiency, heat
exhaustion, acute infections, burns, excess
diaphoresis, metabolic alkalosis, chronic resp
acidosis, CHF
What drugs may decrease chloride
value? thiazide and loop diuretics, bicarbonates
What causes increased levels of
chloride?
dehydration, high serum Na level, adrenal
gland hyperfunction, multiple myeloma, head
injury, eclampsia, cardiac decompensation,
excessive IV saline (0.9% NaCl) kidney
dysfunction
What drugs may increase chloride
level?
ammonium chloride, cortisone preparations,
ion exchange resins, acetazolamide (Diamox)
prolonged use of triamterene (Dyrenium)
What s&s should nurse look for in
hypochloremia?
hyperexcitabillity of the nervous system and
muscles, tetany slow and shallow breathing,
hypotensionsWhy should nurse inform Dr when pt
is receiving IV D5/W continuously? a chloride deficit could occur.
what should nurse encourage to do
with hypochloremia?
drink fluids containing sodium and chloride
(broth, tomato juice) NO PLAIN WATER!
Why should nurse check serum
potassium and sodium levels in pt that
is hypochloremic?
chloride is frequently lost with sodium and
potassiu.
What should nurse look for when pt is
receiving several L of NS for sodium
and chloride replacement?
Sx of overhydration. Sodium holds water. Sx
include: constant irritating cough, dyspnea,
neck and hand vein engorgement, chest rales.
What are s&s of hyperchloremia? similar to acidosis, (weakness, lethargy and
deep, rapid, vigorous breathing)
What should nurse instruct pt do
when hyperchloremic?
avoid drinking or eating salty foods and to use
a salt substitute (avoid calcium chloride and
potassium chloride substitutes)
Why should nurse notify dr when pt
receiving NS IV fluids and has an
elevated serum chloride?
NS increases chloride level more. check for
overhydration.
What should nurse do when pt
hyperchloremic?
Monitor daily weights and intake and output to
determine whether fluid retention is present.
What is desirable level for cholesterol
in adults? <200 mg/dL
What are risky levels for cholesterol in
adults?
moderate risk: 200-240 mg/dL high risk: >240
mg/dL
What can happen to cholesterol levels
in pregnancy?
can be a high risk levels but returns to
prepregnancy values 1 month after delivery.
What are desirable cholesterol levels
in infant? 90-130 mg/dL
What are cholesterol levels in child (2-
19yr)?
desirable: 130-170 mg/dL moderate risk: 171-
184 mg/dL High risk: >184 mg/dL
What is cholesterol and where is it
produced?
blood lipid synthesized in liver. used by body to
form bile salts for fat digestion and for
formation of hormones by the adrenal glands,
ovaries and testes.
What hormones decrease the
concentration of cholesterol? thyroid and estrogen
What causes decreased level of serum
cholesterol? hyperthyroidism, starvation, malabsorption
What drugs may decrease cholesterol
level?
thyroxine, estrogens, ASA, ABX (tetracycline,
neomycin) nicotinic acid, heparin, colchicine
what causes increased level of serum
cholesterol?
hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis,
hypothyroidism, AMI, uncontrolled DM, biliary
cirrhosis, pancreatectomy, pregnancy (3rd
sem) heavy stress periods, nephrotic
syndrome, high cholesterol diet.What drugs may increase cholesterol
level?
oral contraceptives, vit A & D, phenothiazines,
epinephrine, sulfonamides, phenytoin
(Dilantin)
What should nurse instruct pt with
hyperchlesterolemia?
decrease the intake of foods rich in cholesterol
(i.e. bacon, eggs, fatty meats, seafood,
chocolate and coconut) encourage weight loss.
What is the Coombs' indirect (serum)
antibody screen test?
detects free circulating antibodies in the
serum. checks for antibodies in recipients's
and donor's serum prior to transfusions to
avoid a reaction. does not identify specific
antibodies. is part of cross-match blood test.
When is the Coombs' indirect
antibody screen test positive?
(+1 TO +4) When incompatible cross-matched
blood, specific antibody (previous transfusion)
anti-Rh antibodies, acquired hemolytic anemia.
What drugs may increase Coombs'
indirect?
ABX (cephalosporins (Keflin) PCN, tetracycline,
streptomycin, amnopyrine (Pyradone) Dilantin,
Thorazine, sulfonamides, antiarrhythmics,
quinidine, pronestyl) L-dopa, Aldomet, INH,
rifampin
What result do we want with the
Coombs' indirect antibody screen
test?
Negative in both adult and children
What is the Coombs' direct
antiglobulin test?
detects antibodies other than the ABO group
which will attach to RBCs. The RBCs are tested
and if sensitized will agglutinate.
When is the Coombs' direct
antiblobulin test positive?
(+1 to +4) when antibodies are present on
RBCs. erythroblastosis fetalis, hemolytic
anemia, transfusion hemolytic reactions,
leukemias, SLE
What drugs may increase the Coombs'
direct test?
ABX (cephalosporins (Keflin) PCN, tetracycline,
streptomycin, amnopyrine (Pyradone) Dilantin,
Thorazine, sulfonamides, antiarrhythmics,
quinidine, pronestyl) L-dopa, Aldomet, INH,
rifampin
What are sx of blood transfusion
reactions? chills, fever (slight temp elevation) rash
What is CRP? (C-Reactive Protein)
CRP appears in blood 6-10 Hrs after an acute
inflammatory process or tissue destruction
(necrosis), or both, peaks within 48-72 Hrs. is a
non-specific test.
What are reference values for CRP
serum in adults and children? (CReactive Protein)
Not usually present in both. >1:2 titer =
positive
When is CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
elevated?
during bacterial infections but not viral
infections. RA, rheumatic fever, acutemyocaridal infarction (AMI) pyelonephritis,
SLE, inflammatory bowel disease, CA with
metastasis, late pregnancy, Burkitt's lymphoma
What drugs may increase CRP value?
(C-Reactive Protein) oral contraceptives
If CRP positive, (C-Reactive Protein),
what should nurse look for in pt?
s&s of an acute inflammatory process (pain,
swelling in joints, heat, redness, increased
body temp)
What is creatinine?
a by-product of muscle catabolism, is derived
from the breakdown of muscle creatine and
creatine phosphate. amt of creatinine
produced is proportional to muscle mass.
kidneys excrete creatinine. When 50% or >
nephrons destroyed, serum Cr level increases.
evaluates glomerular function.
What are normal reference values for
adult serum and urine creatinine?
serum: 0.5-1.5 mg/dL Females may have
slightly lower values d/t less muscle mass.
urine: 1-2 g/24 hr
What are normal reference values for
newborn, infant, 2-6 yo, older child
and elderly?
newborn: 0.8-1.4 mg/dL infant: 0.7-1.7 mg/dL
2-6yo: 0.3-0.6 mg/dL older child: 0.4-1.2
mg/dL elderly: may have decreased values d/t
decreased muscle mass and decreased
creatinine production.
Question Answer Hint
Albumin normal levels 3.5 - 5.0 mg/dl
Albumin Increased serum values?
Decreased: cystic fibrosis, chronic
glomerulonephritis, alcoholic cirrhosis,
Hodkin's disease, malnutrition, nephrotic
syndrome, multiple myeloma, inflammatory
bowel disease, leukemia, collagen-vascular
diseases
Aldosterone Increased in which
pathologies
Increased: hyperaldosterism (primary or
secondary).
Aldosterone Decreased in which
pathologies
Decreased: adrenal insufficiency,
panhypopituitarism.
Amylase Increased in which
pathologies
Increased: acute pancreatitis, pancreatic duct
obstruction, alcohol ingestion, mumps,
parotitidis, renal disease, cholecystitis, peptic
ulcers, intestinal obstruction, mesenteric
thrombosis, postop abdominal surgery
Amylase Decreased in which
pathologies
Decreased: Liver damage, pancreatic
destruction (pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis)
Bilirubin Normal Serum values Total: 0.2 - 1.2 mg/dl
Bilirubin Increased in which
pathologies
Increased total: hepatic damage (hepatitis,
toxins, cirrhosis), biliary obstruction,hemolysis, fasting. Increased direct
(conjugated): biliary obstruction / cholestasis,
drug induced cholestasis.
BUN Normal Serum values 7-20 mg/dl
BUN Increased in which pathologies
Increased: renal failure, pre-renal azotemia,
shock, volume depletion, postrenal
(obstruction), GI bleeding, stress, drugs
(aminoglycosides, vanco etc).
BUN decreased serum values Decreased: starvation, liver failure, pregnancy,
infancy, nephrotic syndrome, overhydration.
Calcium serum values 8.8 - 10.3 mg/dl
Calcium Increased serum values
Increased: primary hyperthyroidism,
parathyroid hormone secreting tumors,
vitamin D excess, metastatic bone tumors,
chronic renal failure, milk-alkali syndrome,
osteoporosis, thiazide drugs, pagets disease,
multiple myeloma, sarcoidosis.
Calcium Decreased serum values
Decreased: hypoparathyroidism, insufficient
vitamin D, hypomagnesemia, renal tubular
acidosis, hypoalbuminemia, chronic renal
failure (phosphate retention), acute
pancreatitis
CO2 ABG value 35-45 mm HG
CO2 Increased ABG value
Increased: respiratory acidosis, compensation
for metabolic acidosis, severe vomiting,
primary aldosteronism, volume contraction,
emphysema
CO2 Decreased ABG value
Decreased: Respiratory alkalosis, starvation,
DKA, lactic acidosis, alcoholic ketoacidosis,
severe diarrhea, renal failure, drugs (salicylates
etc), dehydration.
Chloride Normal Serum values 95-107 meq/l
Chloride Increased serum values
Increased: diarrhea, renal tubular acidosis,
mineralocorticoid deficiency,
hyperalimentation, medications
(acetazolamide, ammonium chloride).
Chloride Decreased serum values Decreased: mineralocorticoid excess, vomiting,
diabetes mellitus with ketoacidosis
Creatinine Normal Serum values 0.5 - 1.4 mg/dl
Creatinine Increased serum values
Increased: renal failure including prerenal,
drug-induced (aminoglycosides, vancomycin,
others), acromegaly.
Creatinine Decreased serum values Decreased: loss of muscle mass, pregnancy.
Magnesium Normal Serum values 1.6 - 2.6 mg/dl
Magnesium Increased serum values Increased: renal failure, hypothyroidism,severe dehydration, lithium intoxication,
antacids, Addison's disease.
Magnesium Decreased Serum values
Decreased: hyperthyroidism, aldosteronism,
diuretics, malabsorption, hyperalimentation,
nasogastric suctioning, chronic dialysis, renal
tubular acidosis, drugs (aminoglycosides,
cisplatin, ampho B)
Phosphorus Normal Serum values 2.5 - 4.5 mg/dl
Phosphorus Increased serum values
Increased: hypoparathyroidism, excess vitamin
D, secondary hyperparathyroidism, renal
failure, bone disease, addisons disease.
Phosphorus Decreased Serum values
Decreased: hyperparathyroidism, alcoholism,
diabetes, hyperalimentation, acidosis,
hypomagnesemia, diuretics, vitamin D
deficiency, phosphate-binding antacids.
Question Answer Hint
Birth weight doubled by _____, tripled
by _____. 6 months; 12 months
Birth length increased by 50% at
_____.
12 months
Posterior fontanel closes by _____. 8 weeks (2 months)
A child can socially smiles at _____. 2 months
A child should be able to turn head to
locate sounds at _____. 3 months
Moro reflex disappears around _____. 4 months
A child should be able to achieve
steady head control at _____ of age. 4 months
A child can turn completely over at
_____ of age. 5 to 6 months
A child can play peek-a-boo after
_____ of age. 6 months
A child should be able to transfers
objects hand to hand at _____. 7 months
A child develops stranger anxiety at
_____.
7 to 9 months
A child should be able to sit
unsupported at _____. 8 months
The infant crawls at _____. 10 months
Fine pincer grasp appears at _____. 10 to 12 months
A child should be able to waves byebye at _____. 10 months
A child should be able to walks with
assistance at _____. 10 to 12 months
The infant says a few words in
addition to "mama" or "dada" at
12 months_____.
From birth to one year, the baby
explores environment by _____ and
_____ means.
motor; oral
From birth to one year is what stage
of Erikson's theory? Trust vs Mistrust (Developing a sense of trust)
What are some age-appropriate toys
for hospitalized infants?
mobiles rattles squeaking toys picture books
balls colored blocks activity boxes
Birth weight quadruples by _____. 30 months
Achieves 50% of adult height by ___. 2 years
Anterior fontanel closes by _____. 12 - 18 months
A child should be able to throw a ball
overhand at _____. 18 months
The nurse tells a mother that her child
should be able to kicks a ball at _____. 24 months
A child should be able to feeds self
with spoon and cup at _____. 2 years
Day time toilet training can usually be
started around _____. 2 years of age
A child should be able to speak two to
three word sentences at _____. 2 years (24 months)
A child should be able to speak three
to four word sentences at _____ of
age.
3 years
A child should be able to states
his/her own first and last name by
_____.
2.5 to 3 years
Is temper tantrums common among
toddlers (1 to 3 years)? Yes
What is the import developmental
task of a toddler according to Erikson's
theory?
Developing a sense of autonomy.
What are some age-appropriate toys
for the hospitalized toddler?
board and mallet push/pull toys toy telephone
stuffed animals storybooks with pictures
What can the nurse do to promote the
developemental task of a toddler?
Toddlers benefit from being taken to the
hospital playroom, as mobility is very
important to their development.
What are the average weight and
height gain for preschool children (3
to 5 years old)?
Each year gain about 5 lbs and grows 2.5 to 3
inches.
A child can use sissors at _____ of age. 4 years
A child should be able to ties
shoelaces at _____ of age. 5 years
Visual acuity approaches 20/20 at
_____.
Preschool age (3 to 5 years)A preschool child thinking is _____
and _____. egocentric; concrete
A child should be able to use
sentences of 5 to 8 words at _____ of
age.
3 to 5 years Preschool
At this stage of developement, a child
learns sexual identity (curiosity and
masturbation common).
3 to 5 years Preschool
At this stage of development,
imaginary playmates and fears are
common.
Preschool (3 to 5 years)
At child at this development stage
begins to stands erect with more
slender posture.
Preschool (3 to 5 years)
At this stage of development, a child
learns to run, jump, skip, and hop. Preschool (3 to 5 years)
A child at this developmental stage
learns colors and shapes. Preschool (3 to 5 years)
Imaginary playmates and fears are
common at this stage of development: Preschool (3 to 5 years)
Aggressiveness at _____ is replaced by
more _____ at 5 years. 4 years; independence
Preschool child's major developmental
taks according to Erikson theory is: Developing a sense of initiative
At this stage of development, the child
appears to be bowlegged and
potbellied.
TODDLER (1 TO 3 YEARS)
At this stage of development, all
primary teeth (20) are present. TODDLER (1 TO 3 YEARS)
Nursing implications of hospitalized
preschoolers (3-6 years) needs to
emphasize understanding of the
child's _____.
egocentricity; (Explain that he/she did not
cause the illness and that painful procedures
are not a punishment for misdeeds.)
_____ or medical play to allow the
child to act out their experiences is
helpful for _____.
Therapeutic play; Preschoolers
At this stage of development, fear of
mutilation from procedures is
common.
Preschool (3 to 5 years)
Toys and play for the hospitalized
preschooler include:
coloring books puzzles cutting and pasting
dolls building blocks clay toys that allow the
preschooler to work out hospitalization
experiences.
The _____ needs preparation for
procedures. He or she needs to
preschooler (3 to 6 years)understand what is and what is not
going to be "fixed." Simple
explanations and basic pictures are
helpful. Let child handle equipment or
models of the equipment.
_____ are learning to name body
parts and are concerned about their
bodies.
Toddlers (1-3 years)
During hospitalization, enforced
separation from parents is the
greatest threat to the _____
psychological and emotional integrity.
toddler's (1 to 3 years)
Security objects or favorite toys from
home should be provided for _____. toddlers (1 to 3 years)
Normal gain in weight and height for
school-age child (6 to 12 years) are:
Each year gain 4 to 6 pounds and about 2
inches in height.
Loss of primary teeth and eruption of
most permanent school-age child (6 to 12 years)
At this stage of development fine and
gross motor skills mature. school-age child (6 to 12 years)
During this developmental stage, girls
may experience menarche. school-age (6 to 12 years)
At this stage of development, a child
should be able to dresses selfcompletely.
school-age child (6 to 12 years)
At this stage of development,
egocentric thinking is replaced by
social awareness of others.
school-age child (6 to 12 years)
At this stage of development, a child
learns to tell time and understands
past, present, and future.
school-age child (6 to 12 years)
At this stage of development, a child
learns cause and effect relationships. school-age child (6 to 12 years)
Socialization with peers becomes
important at this stage of
development:
school-age child (6 to 12 years)
A child's molars should erupt at
_____.
6 years
According to Erikson's theory,
developing a sense of industry occurs
at this stage:
school-age child (6 to 12 years)
A child should be able to write script
at _____. 8 years
The hospitalized _____ may need
more support from parents than they
school-age childwish to admit.
Maintaining contact with peers and
school activities is important during
hospitalization for a _____.
school-age child
For school-age child, _____ and _____
are important, and should be
respected during hospitalization.
privacy; modesty e.g., close curtains during
procedures, allow privacy during baths, etc.
Participation in care and planning with
staff fosters a sense of _____ and
_____ for a school-age child (6-12
years).
involvement; accomplishment
Toys for the hospitalized school-age (6
to 12 years) child include:
board games card games hobbies (such as
stamp collecting, puzzles, and video games)
School-age children are in Erikson's
stage of _____, meaning they like to
do and accomplish things. _____ are
also becoming important for this age
child.
industry; Peers
Girls' growth spurt during adolescent
begins _____ than boys (may begin as
early as ___ for girls).
earlier; 10
Boys catch up to girls' growth at age
_____ and continue to grow. 14
Girls finish growth around _____, boys
around _____. 15; 17
Adult-like thinking begins around age
_____. They can _____ and use _____
thinking.
15; problem solve; abstract
Secondary sex characteristics begins
at this developmental stage: ADOLESCENCE (12 to 19 YEARS)
At this stage of development, family
connflict commonly occurs. ADOLESCENCE (12 10 19 YEARS)
Hospilalization of adolescents disrupts
_____ and _____ activities; they need
to maintain contact with both.
school; peer
Illness, treatments, or procedures
which alter the body image can be
viewed as devastating by the _____.
adolescent
For this develpmental stage, teaching
about procedures should include time
without parents present.
adolescent (12 to 18 years)
For this developmental group, some
assessment questions should be asked
without parents' presence.
adolescent
When teaching adolescent needs, the here and now i.e., how will this affect mefocus should be on _____. today?
Infants' concept of bodily injury: Infants: After 6 months, their cognitive
development allows them to remember pain.
Toddlers' concept of bodily injury Toddlers: Fear intrusive procedures.
Preschoolers' concept of bodily injury Preschoolers: Fear body mutilation.
School ages' concept of bodily injury: School age: Fear loss of control of their body.
Adolescents' concept of bodily injury: Adolescent: Major concern is change in body
image.
MMR VACCINE Generally
administered at _____ months of age
and repeated at _____ years or by
_____ years.
12 to 15; 4 to 6; 11 to 12
In times of measles epidemic, it is
possible to give measles protection at
_____ and repeat the MMR at _____.
6 months; 15 months
Measles vaccine is contraindicated for
persons with history of anaphylactic
reaction to _____ or _____, those
with known altered _____ and _____
women.
neomycin; eggs; immunodeficiency; pregnant
MMR vaccine may be given to those
with HIV and breastfeeding women. T
or F
True
MMR vaccines are administer _____
at separate sites. subcutaneously
A child may have a light transient ___
2 weeks after administration of MMR
vaccine.
rash
DTaP Vaccine administration begins at
age ____, administer three doses at
_____ intervals.
2 months; 2 months
DTaP Vaccine: Booster doses given at
_____ to _____; and at _____. 15; 18 months; 4 to 6 years.
DTaP Vaccine: administer _____
(separate site from other vaccine). intramuscularly
DTaP Vaccine is not given to children
past the ______ birthday; they receive
_____ which contains full strength
protection against tetanus and lesser
strength diphtheria protection.
7th; Td
When pertussis vaccine is
contraindicated, give _____, until 7th
birthday.
DT (full strength diphtheria and tetanus
without pertussis vaccine)
Contraindications to pertussis vaccine
include: 1. _____ within 7 days of
Encephalopathy; seizures; Neurologic;
Systemicprevious dose of DTP. 2. History of
_____. 3. _____ symptoms after
receiving the vaccine. 4. _____ allergic
reactions to the vaccine.
Parents should be instructed to begin
_____ administration after the
immunization (normal dosage is _____
mg/kg).
acetaminophen (Tylenol); 10 to 15
IPV is recommended for all person
under the age of _____. 18
IPV is administer at _____ of age and
again at _____ of age. Boosters are
given at _____ , and _____.
2 months; 4 months; 6 to 15 months; 4 to 6
years
Administer IPV _____ or _____ at
separate site. subcutaneously; IM
IPV is contraindicated for those with
history of anaphylactic reaction to
_____ or _____.
neomycin; streptomycin
PRP-OPMs can be given as early as
____ of age. 2 months
DaTP/Hib combinations should not be
used as primary immunizations at
ages ___, ___, or ___.
2; 4; 6 months
Children at high risk who were not
immunized with Hib previously should
be immunized after age _____.
5
Hib is administer ______. intramuscularly
_____ offers protection against
bacteria that causes serious illness
(epiglottitis, bacterial meningitis,
septic arthritis) in small children or
those with chronic illnesses such as
sickle cell anemia.
Hib
_____ offers protection against
hepatitis B. Typically, given to all
_____ prior to hospital discharge.
Vaccinate all children _____ to _____
years of age.
Hepatitis B vaccine; newborns; 0; 18
Hepatitis B vaccine is contraindicated
for persons with anaphylactic reaction
to _____.
common baker's yeast
Hepatitis B vaccine is administer
trough _____ site at _____ , _____,
and _____ of age.
IM; 0 to 2 months; 1 to 4 months; 6 to 18
months
_____ offers protection against VARICELLA vaccinechickenpox. It is also a school entry
requirement in 33 states. And it is safe
for children with asymptomatic HIV
infection.
VARICELLA vaccine is administer at
_____ of age (must beat least _____). 12 to 18 months; 12 months
Give _____ and _____ vaccines on
same day or >30 days apart (separate
site).
MMR; varicella
Irritability, fever (<102 F), redness and
soreness at injection site for 2 to 3
days are normal side effects of _____
and _____ administration.
DPT; IPV
Following immunization, call health
care provider if _____, _____, or
_____.
seizures; high fever; high-pitched crying occur
Following immunization, a _____ on
the thigh injection site and _____ the
legs with each diaper change will
decrease soreness.
warm washcloth; "bicycling"
Following immunization,
acetaminophen (Tylenol) is
administered orally every _____ hours
(_____ mg/Kg).
4 to 6; 10 to 15
The common cold is not a
contraindication for immunization. T
or F
True
A highly contagious, viral disease that
can lead to neurologic problems or
death.
RUBEOLA (Measles)
RUBEOLA (Measles) is transmitted by
_____.
Direct contact with droplets from infected
person.
RUBEOLA (Measles) is contagious
mainly during the _____ which is
characterized by _____ and _____
symptoms.
prodromal period; fever; upper respiratory
Classic symptoms of RUBEOLA
(Measles) include:
Photophobia Koplik's spots on the buccal
mucosa. Confluent rash that begins on the face
and spreads downward.
Viral disease characterized by skin
lesions. VARICELLA ZOSTER (Chicken Pox)
Chicken Pox lesions begin on the
_____ and spread to the _____ and
_____.
trunk; face; proximal extremities
Chicken Pox progresses through macular; papular; vesicular; pustular_____, _____, _____, and _____
stages.
Chicken Pox transmitted by ____,
_____, or _____.
direct contact; droplet spread; freshly
contaminated objects
Chicken Pox communicability end
when _____. scabs have formed
Common viral disease which has
teratogenic effects on fetus durina the
first trimester of pregnancy.
RUBELLA (German Measles)
RUBELLA (German Measles) is
transmitted by _____ and _____. droplet; direct contact with infected person
RUBELLA (German Measles) is
charcterized by _____ starts on _____
and rapidly spreads to _____.
discrete red maculopapular rash; face; entire
body
RUBELLA (German Measles) rash
disappears within _____. 3 days
An acute, infectious respiratory
disease usually occurring in infancy. Pertussis (Whooping cough)
Pertussis is caused by a _____. gram-negative bacillus
PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) begins
with _____. upper respiratory symptoms
_____ is a paroxysmal state of the
disease is characterized by prolonged
coughing and crowing or whooping
upon inspiration.
PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough)
PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) lasts
from _____. 4 to 6 weeks
PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) is
transmitted by _____, _____, or
_____.
direct contact; droplet spread; freshly
contaminated objects
PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) is
treated with _____. erythromycin
PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough)
complications include _____, _____,
and _____.
pneumonia; hemorrhage; seizures
Question Answer Hint
Which action should the nurse
implement when administering a
prescription drug that should be given
on an empty stomach?
Give one hour before or two hours after a
meal. Average transit time from stomach to
duodenum is 2 hours.
The nurse is caring for a client who is
unable to void. The plan of care
establishes an objective for the client
to ingest 1000ml of fluid between
7am and 3pm. Which client response
Drinks 240ml of fluid five times during the
shift.should the nurse document that
indicates a sucessful outcome?
A client with metastatic cancer is
preparing to make decisions about
end of life issues. When the nurse
explains a durable power of attorney
for health care, which description is
accurate?
It will identify someone that can make
decisions for your health care if you are in a
coma or vegetative state.
The nurse is caring for a client who is
the daughter of a local politician.
When the nurse approaches a man
who is reading the names on the hall
doors, he identifies himself as a
reporter for the local newspaper and
requests information about the
client's status. Which standard of
nursing practice should the nurse use
to respond?
Confidentiality
A client with acute hemorrhagic
anemia is to receive four units of
packed RBC's (red blood cells) as
rapidly as possible. Which
intervention is most important for the
nurse to implement?
Ensure the accuracy of the blood type match.
A male client who had abdominal
surgery has a nasogastric tube to
suction, oxygen per nasal cannula, and
complains of dry mouth. Which action
should the nurse implement?
Apply a water soluble lubricant to the lips, oral
mucosa, and nares. Petroleum based products
are flammable.
A client with chronic renal failure
selects a scramble egg for his
breakfast. Which action should the
nurse take?
Commend the client for selecting a high
biologic value protein.
The nurse is administering meds
through a NG tube which is connected
to suction. After ensuring correct tube
placement, what action should the
nurse take next?
Flush the tube with water. NGT should be
flushed before, after, and in between each
med adminstered.
The nurse notices that the mother of a
9 year old Vietnamese child always
looks at the floor when she talks to
the nurse. What action should the
nurse take?
Continue asking the mother questions about
the child.
When assessing a client with wrist
restraints, the nurse observes that the
Loosen the right wrist restraint.fingers on the right hand are blue.
What action should the nurse
implement first?
A client who is 5'5 tall and weighs
200lbs is scheduled for surgery the
next day. What question is most
important for the nurse to include
during the preoperative assessment?
What vitamin and mineral supplements do you
take? Vitamins affect meds.
An african american grandmother tells
the nurse that 4 year old grandson is
suffering with miseries. Based on this
statement, which focused assessment
should the nurse conduct?
Inquire about the source and type of pain.
Different cultural have different words.
In developing a plan of care for a
client with dementia, the nurse should
remember that confusion in the
elderly
often follows relocation to new surroundings.
The nurse is instructing a client with
high chholesterol about diet and life
style modification. What comment
from the client indicates that the
teaching has been effective?
I will limit my intake of beef to 4 ounces per
week. saturated fat from animal > cholesterol
The nurse is interviewing a female
client whose spouse is present. During
the nterview, the spouse answers
most of the questions for the client.
Which action is best for the nurse to
implement?
Ask the spouse to step out for a few minutes.
A young mother of three complains of
increased anxiety during her annual
physical exam. What information
should the nurse obtain first?
Nutritional history
A nurse takes a female client to the
examination room and asks her to
remove her clothes and put on an
examination gown with the front
open. The woman states "I have
special undergarments that I do not
remove for religious reasons." How
should the nurse respond?
Tell me about your undergarments so we can
discuss how you can have your examination
comfortably.
The nurse determines that a client's
body weight is 105% above teh
standardized height-weight scale.
Which related factor should the nurse
include in the nursing diagnosis,
Inadequate lifestyle changes in diet and
exercise."Imbalanced nutrition: more than
body requirements?
A postoperative client will need to
perform daily dressing changes after
discharge. Which outcome statement
best demonstrates the client's
readiness to manage his wound care
after discharge? The client
Demonstrates the wound care procedure
correctly
An elderly male client who is
unresponsive following a cerebral
vascular accident (CVA) is receiving
bolus enteral feedings though a
gastrostomy tube. What is the best
client position for administration of
the bolus tube feedings?
Fowlers' (Semi-sitting)
The nurse plans a teaching session
with a client but postponses the
planned session based on which
nursing diagnosis?
Activity intolerance related to postoperative
pain.
The nurse is preparing to adminster IV
fluid to a client with a strict fluid
restriction. IV tubing with which
feature is most important for the
nurse to select?
Buterol attachment
An elderly resident of a long-term care
facility is no longer able to perform
self care and is becoming
progressively weaker. The resident
previously requested that no
resusciative efforts be performed, and
the family requests hospice care.
WHat action should the nurse
implement first?
Notify the healthcare provider of the family's
request.
Prior to transferring a client to a chair
using a mechanical lift, what is teh
most important client characteristic
the nurse should assess?
Tolerance of exertion.
Which snack food is best for the nurse
to provide a client with myasthenia
gravis who is at risk for altered
nutritional status?
Chocolate pudding
The nurse observes that a male client
has removed the covering from an ice
pack applied to his knee. Which action
should the nurse take first?
Observe the appearance of the skin under the
ice pack.While instructing a male client's wife
in the performance of passive range of
motion exercises to his contracted
shoulder, the nurse observes that she
is holding his arm above and below
the elbow. What nursing action should
the nurse implement?
Acknowledge that she is supporting the arm
correctly.
When evaluating a client's plan of
care, the nurse determines that a
desired outcome was not achieved.
Which action will the nurse
implement first?
Note which actions were not implemented.
The nurse assigns a UAP to obtain vital
signs from a very anxious client. What
instructions should the nurse give the
UAP?
Report the vital signs to the nurse.
During a visit to the outpatient clinic,
the nurse assess a client with severe
osteoarthritis using a goniometer.
Which finding should the nurse expect
to measure?
Degree of flexion and extension of the client's
knee joint.
The nurse is assessing an older client
and determines that the client's left
upper eyelid droops, covering more of
the iris than the right eyelid. Which
description should the nurse use to
document this finding?
Ptosis of the left eyelid.
A female client asks the nurse to find
someone who can translate into her
native language her concerns about a
treatment. Which action should the
nurse take?
Request and document the name of the
certified translator.
The nurse is teaching a client proper
use of an inhaler. When should the
client administer the inhaler-delivered
medication to demonstrated correct
use of the inhaler?
During the inhalation.
The nurse observes an unlicensed
personnel (UAP) taking a client's blood
pressure with a cuff that is too small,
but the blood pressure reading
obtained is within the client's usage
range. What action is most important
for the nurse to implement?
Reassess the client's blood pressure using a
larger cuff.
A client is brought into the emergency Stop the code immediately.department following a sudden
cardiac arrest. A full code is started.
FIve minutes later the family arrives
with a durable power of attorney
signed by the client requesting that no
extraordinary measures be taken,
including intubation, to save the
client's life. What action should the
nurse take?
The nurse dons gown, mask with
eyeshield, and gloves before entering
a client's room that has airborne
precautions. Upon leaving the client's
room, in which sequence should the
nurse remove the personal protective
equipment?
Remove gloves, gown, mask, wash hands
When documenting assessment data,
which statement should the nurse
record in the narrative nursing notes?
S1 murmur auscultated in supine position:
Objective data
An obese male client discusses with
the nurse his plans to begin a longterm weight loss regimen. In addition
to dietary changes, he plans to begin
an intendive aerobic exercise program
3 to 4 times a week and to take stress
managment classes. After praising the
client for his decision, which
instruction is most important for the
nurse to provide?
Be sure to have a complter physical exam
before beginning your planned exercise
program.
A male client being discharged with a
prescription for the bronchodilator
theophylline tells the nurse that he
understands he is to take three doses
of the medication each day. Since, at
the time of discharge, timed-release
capsules are not available, which
dosing schedule should the nurse
advise the client to follow?
8am, 4pm, 1200 midnight. q 8hrs
The nurse is preparing to administer a
high volume saline enema to a client.
Which information is most important
for the nurse to obtain prior to
administering the enema?
History of inflammatory bowel disorder
scrymptoms: diarhhea, hematuria, perforation
Question Answer Hint
ABG Values: pH PaCO2 PaO2 pH: 7.35-7.45 high--alkalosis PaCO2: 35-45high-- acidosis Pa02: 75-100
Ca+ level 9-11
Creatinine: K+: Na+: Creatinine: 0.2-1.0 K+: 3.5-5 Na+: 135-145
Mg: Phos: Mg: 1.5-2.5 Phos: 2.8-4.5
Hgb: Hct: Hgb: 12-18 Hct: 38-55
Platelets WBC'S RBC's (erthrocytes) 150-400 4-11(,000,000) 4-6
PERRLA Cranial Nerve? Smile Cranial
Nerve? Gag reflex Cranial Nerve?
Shoulder Shrug Cranial Nerve?
PERRLA: II (Optic) Smile: VII (Facial) Gag: X
(Vagus) XII (Hypoglossal) Shoulder Shrug: XI
(Accessory)
Normal Values: CCP: MAP: ICP: CCP: 70-100 MAP: 50 ICP: 0-15
What heals slowest? Cartilage, ligaments
Upper UTI sx: CVA tenderness
ITP (immune thrombocytopenia
purpura) tx:
Splenectomy (reduced destruction of platelets
by macrophages)
Urine Specific Gravity: 1.003-1.030
MI Lab Values: elevated Troponin 0.02 normal CK-MB 0-9 normal
Band Neutrophils normal 0-8%
increased in: acute infection-- shift to the left
Cranial Nerves:
O olfactory O optic O oculomotor T trochlear T
trigeminal A abducens F facial A auditory G
glossopharyngeal V vagus A accessory H
hypoglossal
Question Answer Hint
prompt zinc suspension insulin
(Semilente) Rapid-Acting
human insulin lispro (Humalog) Rapid-Acting
insulin aspart (Novolog) Rapid-Acting
regular insulin (human) Short acting
isophane insulin (NPH) (Iletin) Intermediate acting
insulin zinc suspension (Humulin L) Intermediate acting
protamine zinc (PZI) Long-Acting
extended zinc suspension (Ultralente) Long-Acting
insulin glargine (Lantus) Long-Acting
prompt zinc suspension insulin
(Semilente) Onset Peak 0.5 to 1 hour 2 to 3 hours
human insulin lispro (Humalog) Onset
Peak 0.5 to 1 hour 2 to 4 hours
insulin aspart (Novolog) Onset Peak 5 to 15 minutes 0.75 to 1.5 hour Give within 15
min of a meal.
Nursing implications for Lispro (2) Lispro may be given intravenously. Give within
15 min of a meal.
isophane insulin (NPH) (Iletin) Onset
Peak 1 to 2 hours 6 to 12 hours
insulin zinc suspension (Humulin L)
Onset Peak 1 to 2 hours 6 to 12 hoursprotamine zinc (PZI) Onset Peak 4 to 8 hours 14 to 20 hours Not to be given IV.
extended zinc suspension (Ultralente)
Onset Peak 1.1 hours 5 hours
insulin glargine (Lantus) Onset Peak 1.1 hours 5 hours
regular insulin (human) Onset Peak 30 to 60 minutes 2 to 3 hours Regular insulin
may be given IV.
Question Answer Hint
What are the 5 steps of the nursing
process?
assessment analysis planning implementation
evaluation
Define assessment? gather objective and subjective data verify
data
Define analysis?
interpret data collect additional data when
necessary identify and communicate nursing
diagnoses determine health team's ability to
meet client's needs
Define planning?
determine and prioritize goals of care. Include
client, significant others, and health team in
setting goals develop and modify plan for
delivery of client's care
Define implementation?
organize and manage the client's care perform
or assist in performance of client's care
counsel and teach client, significant others,
and health team provide care specifically
directed toward achieving goals
Define evaluation?
compare actual outcomes with expected
outcomes evaluate compliance with the
established regimen or plan record and
describe client's response to plan modify plan
as indicated, and set priorities
What are the 2 components of the
nursing diagnosis? response etiology
The RESPONSE component of a
nursing diagnosis is?
includes potential or actual health response
describes measurable outcomes that can be
derived cites potential for changes based on
nursingn actions example: alteration in
comfort, pain
The ETIOLOGY component of a nursing
diagnosis is?
includes potential or actual health response
addresses independent, inter- dependent, and
dependent nursing functions example: related
to fractured left ankle
Name 13 NANDA-Approved Nursing
Diagnoses?
activity/rest circulation elimination emotional
reactions food/fluid hygiene neurologic pain
relationship alterations safety sexuality
teaching/learning ventilation
Name the Activity/Rest NANDA- Activity Intolerance Activity Intolerance,Approved Nursing Diagnoses? (7)
Potential Disuse Syndrome, Potential for
Diversional Activity Deficit Fatigue Physical
Mobility, Impaired Sleep Pattern Disturbance
Name the Circulation NANDAApproved Nursing Diagnoses? (3)
Decreased Cardiac Output Tissue Perfusion,
Altered (Specify type: renal, cerebral,
cardiopulmonary, GI, peripheral) high risk for
peripheral neurovascular dysfunction
Name the Elimination NANDAApproved Nursing Diagnoses? (12)
Constipation Constipation, Colonic
Constipation, Perceived Diarrhea Incontinence,
Bowel Incontinence, Functional Incontinence,
Reflex Incontinence, Stress Incontinence, Total
Incontinence, Urge Urinary Elimination,
Altered Urinary Retention
Name the Emotional Reactions
NANDA-Approved Nursing Diagnoses?
(22)
Adjustment, Impaired Anxiety Body Image
Disturbance Individual Coping, Ineffective
Defensive Coping Denial, Ineffective Decisional
Conflict (Specify) Fear Grieving, Anticipatory
Grieving, Dysfunctional Hopelessness PostTrauma Response Powerlessness Personal
Identity Disturbance Rape-Trauma Response
Rape-Trauma Syndrome Rape-Trauma
Syndrome: Compound Reaction Rape-Trauma
Syndrome: Silent Reaction Relocation Stress
Syndrome Self-Esteem, Chronic Low SelfEsteem, Situational Low Spiritual Distress
Name the Food/Fluid NANDAApproved Nursing Diagnoses? (12)
Breastfeeding, Ineffective Interrupted
Breastfeeding Fluid Volume, Excess Fluid
Volume Deficit, Potential Nutrition Less than
Body Requirements, Altered Nutrition More
than Body Requirements, Altered Nutrition,
Potential for more than Body Requirements,
Altered Oral Mucous Membrane, Altered
Swallowing, Impaired Ineffective Infant
Feeding Pattern
Name the Hygiene NANDA-Approved
Nursing Diagnoses? (2)
Health-Seeking Behaviors (Specify) Self-Care
Deficit: ---Bathing/Hygiene ---Toileting
---Feeding ---Dressing/Grooming
Name the Neurologic NANDAApproved Nursing Diagnoses? (5)
Communications, Impaired Verbal Dysreflexia
Unilateral Neglect Sensory/Perceptual
Alterations (Specify type: visual, auditory,
kinesthetic, gustatory, tactile, olfactory)
Thought Process, Altered
Name the Pain Nanda-Approved
Nursing Diagnoses? (2) Pain Pain, Chronic
Name the Relationship Alterations Family Coping: Compromised, IneffectiveNANDA-Approved Nursing Diagnoses?
(13)
Family Coping: Disabling, Ineffective Family
Process, Altered Parental Role Conflict
Parenting, Altered Role Performance, Altered
Self-Esteem, Chronic Low Self-Esteem,
Situational Low Self-Esteem Disturbance Social
Interaction, Impaired Social Isolation Caregiver
Role Strain High Risk for Caregiver Role
Name the Safety NANDA-Approved
Nursing Diagnoses? (17)
Body Temperature, Potential Altered Health
Maintenance, Altered Home Maintenance
Management, Impaired Hyperthermia
Hypothermia Infection, Potential for Injury,
Potential for Poisoning, Potential for
Suffocation, Potential for Trauma, Potential for
Skin Integrity, Impaired Skin Integrity, Potential
Impaired Thermoregulation, Ineffective Tissue
Integrity, Impaired Violence, Potential for: Selfdirected or directed at others High Risk for
Self-Mutilation
Name the Sexuality NANDA-Approved
Nursing Diagnoses? (2) Sexual Dysfunction Sexual Patterns, Altered
Name the Teaching/Learning NANDAApproved Nursing Diagnoses? (5)
Growth and development, altered Knowledge
deficit (specify) Noncompliance (specify)
Ineffective management of therapeutic
regimen (individuals) Therapeutic regimen:
(community, families): ineffective management
Name the Ventilation NANDAApproved Nursing Diagnoses? (6)
Airway clearance, ineffective Aspiration,
potential for Breathing pattern, ineffective Gas
exchange Dysfunctional ventilatory weaning
response Inability to sustain spontaneous
ventilation
Name Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in
order. (6)
Physiologic Safety Love and Belonging Esteem
and Recognition Self-Actualization Aesthetic
What is the definition of Maslow's
Physiologic?
Biologic needs for food, shelter, water, sleep,
oxygen, sexual expression
What is the definition of Maslow's
Safety?
Avoiding harm; attaining security, order, and
physical safety
What is the definition of Maslow's
Love and Belonging?
Giving and receiving affection; companionship;
and identification with a group
What is the definition of Maslow's
Esteem and Recognition?
Self-esteem and respect of others; success in
work; prestige
What is the definition of Maslow's
Self-Actualization? Fulfillment of unique potential
What is the definition of Maslow's
Aesthetic? Search for beauty and spiritual goals
The priority biologic need is? breathing i.e. open airwayEnsuring that the client's environment
is 1____ is a priority, e.g., teaching an
older client to remove throw rugs
which pose a safety hazard when
ambulating would have a greater
priority than teaching how to use a
walker - FIRST priority is 2____, then
3____ skills.
1 SAFE 2 safety 3 coping
Which action has a higher
priority...assisting the client in
becoming a part of a support
group...or assisting him/her in
developing self-esteem?
sense of belonging comes first, and such a
sense might help in developing self-esteem
What provides the laws that control
the practice of nursing in each state? Nurse Practice Acts
A tort is an act involving injury or
damage to another (except 1_____ of
contract) resulting in 2_____ liability
(i.e. the victim can sue) instead of
3_____ liability (see crime).
1 breech 2 civil 3 criminal
Two unintentional torts are? negligence malpractice
Negligence is a form of ______ tort
whereby performing an act that a
reasonable and prudent person would
not do. Measure of negligence is
"_____" (i.e. would a reasonable and
prudent nurse act in the same manner
under the same circumstance?)
unintentional reasonableness
Malpractice is a form of ______ tort
whereby there is negligence of
professional _____, e.g., professional
misconduct, or unreasonable lack of
skill in carrying out professional
duties.
unintentional misconduct
What four elements are necessary to
prove negligence/malpractice and if
any element is missing, it cannot be
proved?
duty breach of duty injury/damages causation
What is DUTY? (one of the four
elements that proves
negligence/malpractice and cannot be
missing)
The obligation to use due care (what a
reasonable, prudent nurse would do) Failure to
care for and/or to protect others against
unreasonable risk.
DUTY (one of four elements of
negligence/malpractice) must
_______ foreseeable risks. Example: If
ANTICIPATEa floor has water on it, the nurse is
responsible for anticipating the risk to
the client of falling.
What is BREACH OF DUTY? (one of the
four elements that proves
negligence/malpractice and cannot be
missing)
Failure to perform according to the established
standard of conduct in providing nursing care.
What is INJURY/DAMAGES? (one of
the four elements that proves
negligence/malpractice and cannot be
missing)
Failure to meet standard of care, which causes
actual injury or damage to the client, either
physical or mental.
What is CAUSATION? (one of the four
elements that proves
negligence/malpractice and cannot be
missing)
A connection exists between conduct and the
resulting injury referred to as "proximate
cause" or "remoteness of damage"
Hospital policies provide a guide for
nursing 1_____. They are NOT 2____,
but courts generally rule against
nurses who have violated the
employer's policies. Hospitals can be
liable for poorly formulated or poorly
implemented policies.
1 actions 2 laws
What alerts administration to possible
liability claims and the need for
investigation; they do NOT _____
against legal action being taken for
negligence or malpractice.
Incident report protect
Burning a client with a hot water
bottle or heating pad is an example
of?
negligence/malpractice
Two forms of intentional tort are? assault battery
What is the term used for mental or
physical threat, e.g., forcing (without
touching) a client to take a medication
or treatment?
assault
What is the term used when touching,
with or without the intent to do harm,
e.g., hitting or striking a client. If a
mentally competent adult is forced to
have a treatment and has refused, this
occurs?
battery
Leaving sponges or instruments in a
client in surgery is an example of? negligence/malpractice
What is the term for encroachment or
trespassing on another's body and/or
invasion of privacypersonality?
Confinement without authorization? false imprisonment
Exposure or discussion of the client's
case. After death, the client has a right
to be unobserved, excluded from
unwarranted operations, and
protected from unauthorized touching
of the body?
exposure of a person
Performing incompetent assessments
is an example of? negligence/malpractice
Divulgence of privileged information
or communication, e.g., from charts,
conversations, or observations?
defamation
Failing to heed warning signs of shock
or impending MI is an example of? negligence/malpractice
Willful and purposeful
misrepresentation that could cause, or
has caused, loss or harm to a person
or property?
fraud
Ignoring signs and symptoms of
bleeding is an example of? negligence/malpractice
Presenting false credentials for the
purpose of entering nursing school,
obtaining a license, or obtaining
employment is termed?
fraud
A legal term meaning the accused is
not criminally responsible for the
unlawful act committed due to mental
illness?
insanity
Forgetting to give a medication or
giving the wrong medication is an
example of?
negligence/malpractice
An act contrary to a criminal statute.
Wrongs punishable by the state,
committed against the state, with
intent usually present.
crime
Legal hearing that is held to determine
a person's capability to make
responsible decisions about self,
dependent, or property?
competency hearing
Persons declared incompetent have
the legal status of a minor, i.e., they
cannot? (5)
vote make contracts or wills drive a car sue or
be sued hold a professional license
If a person is incompetent, a _____ is
appointed. Declaring a person
guardian stateincompetent can be initiated by the
____ or family.
An admission whereby any adult may
apply for another. However, medical
or judicial approval is required to
detain anyone beyond 24 hours.
emergency admmission
Emergency admissions allow persons
held against their will to file a ____
_____ to try and get the court to hear
their case and release them.
habeas corpus
With emergency admissions, the court
determines the ____ and alleged
unlawful restraint of a person.
sanity
Question Answer Hint
1 km = _ m 1,000
1 m = _ cm 100
1 cm = _ mm 10
1 L = _ ml 1000
1 ml = _ cm3 1
1 kg = _ g 1000
1 g =_ mg 1,000
1 mile = _ yds 1760 yds
1 mile =_ ft 5280 ft
1 yd = _ ft 3 ft
1 ft =_ in 12 in
1 gallon = _ qts 4 qts
1 gallon = _ oz 128 oz
1 qt = _ pints 2 pints
1 pint = _ cups 2 cups
1 cup =_ oz 8 oz
1 oz = _ cm3 30
1 kg =_g 1000
1 g = _ mg 1000
1 ton =_ Ibs 2,000
1 Ib=_ oz 16 oz
1 Kg = __ lbs. 2.2 lbs.
1 oz = __ g 30 g
15 g = __ dr 4 dr
1 g = __ gr 15 gr
1 gr = __ mg 60 mg
1 qt = __ pints 2 pints
1 pint = __ fluid oz 16 fluid oz
1 fluid oz = __ fluid drams 8 fluid drams
1 fluid dram = __ (m) minims 60 m (minims)1 minim = __ drops (gt) 1 drop
1 oz = __ grains 480 gr
1 oz = __ drams 8 drams
1 dram = __ grains 60 grains
1 t = __ drops 60 drops
1 T = __ t 3 t
1 oz = __ T 2 T
1 L = __qt; __oz 1 qt; 32 oz
1 in = __ cm 2.54 cm
1 oz = __ml; __dr; __T; __t 30 ml; 8 dr; 2 T; 6 t
Question Answer Hint
List the major CNS danger signals that
occur in the neonate.
Lethargy, high-pitched cry, jitteriness, seizure,
and bulging fontanelles.
A baby is deleivered blue, and with
heart rate <100. The nurse dries the
infant, suctions the oropharynx and
gently stimulates the infant while
blowing O2 over the face. The infant
still does not respond. What is the
next nursing action?
Begin oxygenation by bag and mask at 30 to 50
breaths per minute. If heart rate is <60, start
cardiac massage at 120 events per minute. (30
breaths and 90 compressions). Assist health
care provider in setting up for intubation
procedure.
What does the Silverman-Anderson
index measure? Respiratory difficulty.
What ar two complications of O2
toxicity?
Retroplacental fibroplaisas and
bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Necrotizing enterocolitis results from
___________ and is manifested
by_______. Ischemia/hypoxia results
in _____-__.
Ischemic hypoxia, abdominal distetion, sespis,
and a lack of absorption from intestines; injury
to the inestinal mucosa.
Inraventricular hemorrhage is more
common __________and results in
symptoms of ___________.
premature neonates and VLBW babies;
increased intracranial pressure
Wht conditions make oxygenation of
the newborn more difficult?
Respiratory distress syndrome: alveolar
prematurity and lack of surfactant; anemia;
polycythemia.
In order to prevent problems with
oxygenating the newborn, what
parameters can the nurse observe?
Po2 50 to 90; SvO2 60 to 80mmHg
What are the cardinal symptoms of
sepsis in a newborn?
Lethargy, tempetature instability, difficulty
feeding, subtle color changes, subtle
behavioral changes, and hyperbilirubinemia.
A premature baby is born and
develops hypothermia. State the
major nursing interventions t treat
hypothermia.
Place under radiant warmer or in incubator
with temperature skin probe over liver. Warm
all items touching newborn. Place plastic wrap
over neonate.
Nurses often weigh diapers in order to Daiper is weighed in grams before beingdetermine exact urine output in the
high-risk neonate. Explain this
procedure.
applied to infant. Diaper is weighed after infant
has wet it. Each gram of added weight is
calculated and recorded as 1 ml of urine.
What factors does a nurse look for in
determining a newborn's ability to
take in nourishment by nipple and
mouth?
infant has good suck, has coordinated suckswallow, takes less than 20 minutes to feed,
gains 20 to 30g/day.
What complications are associated
with total parenteral nutrition?
Hyperglycemia, electrolyte imbalance,
dehydration, and infection.
In order to prevent rickets in the
preterm in the preterm newborn,
what supplements are given?
Calcium and Vitamin D.
List four nursing interventions to
enhance family and parent
adjustment to a high-risk newborn.
Initiate early visittaion at ICU. Provide daily
information to family. Encourage partcipation
in support group for parents. Encourage all
attempts at care giving (enhances bonding).
List the factors for Hyperbilirubinemia. Rh incompatibility, ABO incompatibility,
prematurity, sepsis, perinatal asphyxia
List the symptoms of
hyperbilirubinemia in the neonate.
Bilirubine levles rising 5mg/day, jaundice, dark
urine, anemai, High reticulocyte (RBC) count,
and dark stools.
Question Answer Hint
The nurse is providing instructions to a
68 year old client who is at high risk
for development of coronary heart
disease (CHD). Which intervention
should the nurse include?
Increase intake of soluble fiber to 10 to 25
grams per day.
An Adult client is admitted to the
hospital burn unit with second and
third degree burns over 40% of the
body surface area. In assessing the
potential for skin regeneration, what
should the nurse remember about
thrid degree burns?
Regenerative function of the skin is absent
because the dermal layer has bbeen
destroyed.
Which description of symptoms is
charcteristic of a client diagnosed with
trigeminal neuralgia (Tic dououreux)?
Sudden, stabbing, severe pain over the lip and
chin.
Prior to a cardiac catherization, which
activity should the nurse have the
client practice?
Valsalva's manuever and coughing.
A client is placed on respirator
following a cerebral hemmorhage, and
vecuronium bromide (Norcuron) .
04mg/kg q 12h IV is prescribed. Which
nursing diagnosis is the priority?
Impaired communication related to paralysis of
skeletal muscles.Which client should the nurse
recognize as most likely to experience
sleep apnea?
Obese older male client with a short, thick
neck.
A client receiving cholestyramine
(Questran) for hyperlipidemia should
be evaluated for what vitamin
deficency?
Vit K (Thse drugs reduce the absorption of the
fat soluble vitamins ADEK.
The nurse identifies bright red
drainage, about 6 cm in diameter, on
the dresssing of a client who is one
day post abdominal surgery. Which
action should the nurse take next?
Mark the drainage on the dressing and take
vital signs.
A client is admitted to the hospital
with a diagnosis of severe acute
diverticulitis. Which assessment
finding should the nurse expect this
client ot exhibit?
Lower left quadrant pain an da low-grade
fever. (sigmoid most common site)
The nurse is assessing the lab results
for a client who is admitted with renal
failure and osteodystrophy. Which
findings are consistent with this
client's clinical picture?
Serum Potassium of 5.5 mEq and total calcium
of 6mg/dl. Renal failure (hyperKalemia and
Hypocalcemia)
The nurse is assessing a client lab
values following administration of
chemotherapy. Which lab values leads
the nurse to suspect that the client is
experiencing tumor lysis syndrome?
Serum calcium 5.0mg/dl. TLS results in
hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, and
hyperuricemia.
A client who is HIV positive ask the
nurse, "How will I know when I have
Aids"? Which response is best for the
nurse to provide?
Aids is diagnosed when a specifc oppurtunistic
infection is found in an other wise healthy
individual.
A splint is prescribed for nightitme use
by a client with rhuematoid arthritis.
Which statement by the nurse
provides the most accurate
explanation for use of the splints.
Prevention of deformities.
Then nurse is planning care for a client
who has a right hemispheric stroke.
Which nursing diagnosis should the
nurse include in the plan of care?
Risk for injury related to denial of deficits and
impulsiveness. Right brain damage= difficulty
in judgement and spatial perception.
Left=speech issues and language deficits
Then nurse knows that lab values
sometimes vary for the older client.
Which data should the nurse expect to
find when reveiwing lab values of an
80 year old male?
Increased protein in the urine, slightly
increased serum glucose levels.The nurse is planning care to prevent
complication for a client with multiple
myeloma. Which intervention is most
important for the nurse to include?
Maintain a Fluid fo 3 to 4 l per day. Malignant
plasma cells that infiltrate bone casue
demineralization>>>promote excretion of
calcium
The nurse is assessing a client with
bacterial meningitis. Which
assessment finding indicates the client
may have developed septic emboli?
Cyanosis of fingertips Emboli lodge in small
arterioles of extermities
A client who is sexually active with
several partners requests an IUD as a
contraceptive method. Which
information should the nurse provide?
Using an IUD offers no protection against
sexually transmitted diseases (STD), which
increae the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
In preparing a discharge plan for a 22
year old male client diagnosed with
Buerger's disease (thromboangitis
oblitrans), which referral is most
important?
Smoking cessation program.
An 81 year old male client has
emphysema. He lives at home with his
cat and manages self care with no
difficulty. When making a home visit,
the nurse notices that his tongue is
somewhat cracked and his eyeballs
are sunken into his head. What
nursing intervention is indicated?
Help the client to determine ways to increase
his fluid intake.
Based on the analysis of the client's
atrial fibrillation, the nurse should
prepare for which treament protocol.
Anticoagulant therapy. THe nurse should
prepare for anticoag therapy which is
prescribed before rhythmn control.
A client with cirrhosis develops
increasing pedal edema and ascites.
What dietary modification is most
important for the nurse to teach this
client?
Restrict salt and fluid intake.
Which reaction should the nurse
identify in a client who is responding
to stimulatiion of the sympathetic
nervous system?
Increased Heart rate
Thenurse is preparing a teaching plan
for a client who is newly diagnosed
with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which
signs and symptoms should the nurse
describe when teaching the client
about hypoglycemia?
Sweating, trembling, tachycardia Hyper: Poly
uria, dipsia, phagia, fruity breath tachypnea
A client who is receiving
chemotherapy asks the nurse, "Why is
Chemotherapy affects the cells of the body
that grow rapidly, both normal and malignant.so much of my hair falling out each
day"? WHich response by the nurse
best explains the reason for alopecia?
Which finding should the nurse
identify as most significant for a client
diagnosed with polycystic disease?
3+ bacteria in urine
A female client receiving IV
vasopressin (Pitressin) for esophageal
varice rupture reports to the nurse
that she feels substernal tightness and
pressure across her chest. Which PRN
protocol should the nurse initiate?
Start an IV nitro infusion
The nurse is assessing a client with
Chronic Renal Failre. Which finding is
most important for the nurse to
respond to first?
Potassium 6.0 mEQ>
A male client receives a local
anesthetic during surgery. During the
post-operative assessment, the nurse
notices the client is slurring his
speech. Which action should the
nurse take?
Evaluate his blood pressure, pulse, and
respiratory status.
Which assessment finding by the
nurse during a client's clinical breast
exam requires follow-up?
A newly retracted nipple.
A client is being admitted to the
medical unit from teh emergency dept
after having a chest tube inserted.
What equipment should be brought to
his client's room?
Rubber tipped clamp (assesses air leaks)
Which information should thenurse
give a client with chronic renal failure
(CRF)?
Avoid salt subsitutes
A client who is one week
postoperative after an aortic valve
replacemnt suddenly develops severe
pain in the left leg. On assessment,
the nurse determines that the client's
leg is pale and cool, and no pulses are
palpable in the left leg. After notifying
the healthcare provider, which action
should the nurse take?
Keep client in bed in the supine position (anticoagulan therapy & rest)
After the fourth dose of gentamicin
sulfate (Garamycin) IV, the nurse plans
to draw blood samples to determine
5 m,inutes before and 30 minutes after the
next dose.peak and trough levels. When are the
best times to draw these samples?
When teaching diaphragmatic
breathing to a client with chronic
obstructive pulmonary (COPD), which
information should the nurse provide?
Place a small book or magazine on the
abdomen and make it rise while inhaling
deeply
A client taking a thiazide diuretic for
the past six months has a serum
potassium level of 3. The nurse
anticipates which change in
prescription for the client?
A potassiium supplement will be prescribed.
A 20 year old female client calls the
nurse to report alump she found in
her breast. Which response is the best
for the nurse to provide?
Most lumps are benign, but it is always best to
come in for an examination.
Which intervention should the nurse
implement for a female client
diagnosed with pelvic relaxation
disorder?
Encourage the client to perform Kegel
exercises 10 times daily.
During a health fair, a 72 year odl male
client tells the nurse that he is
experiencing shortness of breath.
Auscultation reveals crackles and
wheezing in both lungs. Suspecting
that the client might have chronic
bronchitis, which classic symptom
should the nurse expect this clien to
have?"
productive cough with grayish-white sputum.
A client has taken steroids for 12 years
to help manage chronic obstructive
pulmonary (COPD). When making a
home visit, which nursing function is
of greatest importnace to this client?
Assess the client's
C Temperature over skin color and turgor
steroids and infection
A client has undergone insertion of a
permanent pacemaker. When
developing a discharge teaching plan,
the nurse writes a goal of, "The client
will verbalize symptoms of pacemaker
failure. "Which symptom are the most
important to teach the client?
Feelings of dizziness
In assessing a client diagnosed with
primary hyperaldosteronism, the
nurse expects the lab test results to
indicate a decreased serum level of
Potassiumwhich substance?
The healthcare provider prescribes
aluminum and magnesium hydroxde
(maalox, 1 tablet PO PRN, for a client
with chronic renal failure who is
complaining of indigestion. What
intrevention should the nurse
implement?
Question the healthcare provider prescription.
(it can casue hypermagnesium)
An elderly client is admitted with a
diagnosis of bacterial pnuemonia. The
nurse's assessment of the client is
most likely to reveal which sign and
symptom?
Confusion and tachcardia
A 67 year old woman who lives alone
is admitted after tripping on a rug in
her home and fractures her hip. WHic
predisposing factor probably led to
the fracture in the proximal end of her
femur?
Osteoporosis
Question Answer Hint
Abrubt Sudden
Abstain Voluntarily refrain from something
Access A means to obtain entry or a means of
approach
Accountable Responsible
Adhere to hold fast or stick together
Adverse Undesired, possibly harmful
Affect Appearance of observable emotions
Annual Once a year
Apply To place, put on, or spread something
Audible Able to hear
Bilateral Present on two sides
Cease To some to an end or bring to an end
Compensatory To offset or make up for something
Complication An undesired problem that is the result of
some other event
Comply Do as desired
Concave Rounded inward
Concise Brief, to the point
Consistency Degree of viscosity, how thick or thin a fluid is
Constrict To draw together or become smaller
Contigent Dependant
Contour Shape or outline of a shape
Contract To draw together or reduce in size
Contraindiction A reason why something is not advisable orwhy it shouldnt be done
Defecate Expel a bowel movement
Deficit A deficiency or lack of something
Depress Press downward
Depth Downward measurement from the surface
Deteriorating Worsening
Device Tool or piece of equipment
Diameter The distance across the center or an object
Dilate To enlarge or expand
Dilute To make a liquid less concentrated
Discrete Distinct, separate
Distended Endlarged or expanded from pressure
Elevate To lift up or place in a higher position
Endogenous Produce within the body
Exacerbate To make worse or more severe
Excess More than what is needed or usual
Exogenous Produced outside the body
Expand To increase in size or amount
Question Answer Hint
When does birth weight double? 6 months
When does birth weight triple? 12 months
When does the posterior fontanel
close? By 8 weeks
When does a baby give its 1st social
smile? 2 months
When does a baby turn its head
toward sounds? 3 months
When does the Moro reflex
disappear? 4 months
When does a child achieve steady
head control? 4 months
When does a baby turn completely
over? 5-6 months
When does a baby transfer objects
hand to hand? 7 months
When does a baby play peek a boo for
1st time? After 6 months
When does stranger anxiety develop? 7-9 months
When does a child sit unsupported? 8 months
When does a child crawl? 10 months
When does a child’s fine pincer grasp
appear? 10-12 months
When does a child wave bye bye? 10 months
When does a child walk with 10-12 monthsassistance?
When does a child say a few words in
addition to mama or dada? 12 months
When does birth weight quadruple? 30 months
When do you achieve 50% of adult
height? 2 years
What is the appearance of a toddler? Bowlegged and potbellied
What are the teeth of a toddler (1-3
year old) like? All 20 primary teeth are present
When does the anterior fontanel
close? 12-18 months
When does a child throw a ball
overhand for 1st time? 18 months
When can a child kick a ball? 2 yrs
When does a child feed self with cup
and spoon? 2 yrs
When can daytime toilet training
begin? 2 yrs
When can kids form 2-3 word
sentences? 2 yrs
When can kids form 3-4 word
sentences? \\ 3 yrs
When can child state full name? 2.5-3 years
When are temper tantrums common? Toddler (1-3)
What is Erickson’s Theory of the
toddler (1-3)? Developing a sense of autonomy
What type of toys should you give to
babies under 1 year old?
Mobiles, rattles, squeaking toys, picture books,
balls, colored blocks, activity boxes
What happens to a baby under 1
whose parents are not able to stay
with him?
May be inconsolable due to separation anxiety
What is Erickson’s Theory of infants
under 1? Developing a sense of trust
What are the toys appropriate for the
toddler (1-3)?
Board and mallet, push/pull toys, toy phone,
stuffed animals, storybooks with pictures, use
of the hospital playroom bc of mobility (which
is important to their development).
How much weight does a preschool
child (3-5) gain each year/ inches
grown each year?
5 lbs and 2-3 inches/year
When do kids learn to run, skip, jump? Preschool
How old are you when you start riding
tricycle? 3 years old
At what age is standing erect began? Preschool
When do you establish handedness? PreschoolAt what age do you use scissors? 4 years old
What age ties shoelaces? 5 years old
At what stage do you learn colors and
shapes? Preschool
What is the visual acuity of a
preschooler? 20/20
What is the thinking of a preschooler
like? Egocentric and concrete
When does a child learn sexual
identity/curiosity/masturbation? Preschool
When are imaginary friends and fears
common? Preschool
Aggressiveness at ___years old is
replaced by independence at ___years
old.
4, 5
What should you make sure a
preschooler knows about their illness?
They did not cause it, painful procedures are
not punishment
When is fear of mutilation from
procedures common? How can you
help restore body integrity?
Preschool, put on a Bandaid
What are appropriate toys for a
preschooler?
Coloring books, puzzles, cutting/pasting, dolls,
clay, toys that let you work out hospital
experiences
What is Erickson’s Theory of
Preschoolers? Developing a sense of initiative
School age (6-12 year olds) have what
weight/height gain per year? 4-6 lbs and 2 inches per year
What is Erickson’s Theory of schoolagers? Developing a sense of industry
When are primary teeth lost and
permanent teeth established? school age
At what age are you able to write
script? 8 years
Egocentric thinking in the school age
child is replaced by _________. Social awareness of others
When are cause and effect
relationships learned? School age
When does socialization with peers
become important? School age
When do molars erupt? School age (6 year molars)
Whose growth spurt develops 1st? As
early as what age? Girls-10 years old. Boys at 14.
Adult-like thinking begins at what age? 15
When does growth end? Girl-15, boys-17
What is Erickson’s theory for Developing sense of identityadolescents (12 to 19)?
After 6 months what is the baby’s
concept of bodily injury? They can remember the pain
What is the toddler’s concept of
bodily injury? Fear of intrusive procedures
What is the preschooler’s concept of
bodily injury? Fear of body mutilation
What is the school age childs concept
of bodily injury? Fear of loss of control over their body
What is the adolescent’s concept of
bodily injury? Change in body image
When can you start using the numeric
pain scale? 9 and up
How can a non verbal child be
assessed for pain?
Using the FLACC pain assessment tool, that
looks at the face, leg movement, activity, cry,
and consolability
What are the best nondrug measures
to reduce pain in infants? Pacifiers, holding, rocking
What are the best nondrug measures
to reduce pain in toddlers and
preschoolers?
Distraction
What are the best nondrug measures
to reduce pain in school age and
adolescents?
Guided imagery
At what age can you teach a child how
to use PCA? 5 years old
When is MMR vaccine given? 12-15 months and then 1 other time between
4 and 12 years old
During a measles epidemic when can
you give the MMR? 6 months and then again at 15 months
What are contraindications for MMR? Allergy to neomycin or eggs
How do you administer the MMR
vaccine? SQ at 2 difft sites
After the MMR vaccine what is a
normal finding? Light rash 2 weeks later
When do you give the DTaP vaccine?
At 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. THEN
get boosters at 15-18 months and again at 4-6
years.
How do you give DTaP vaccine? IM apart from other vaccines
When do you have to stop giving DTaP
vaccine? At age 7, bc then you switch to Td vaccine
After the injection of DTaP what
should the nurse tell the parents to
do?
Give acetaminophen (Tylenol)
When do you give the IPV vaccine? At 2 months and 4 months, THEN boosters at6-18months and again at 4-6 years old
How do you administer IPV? SQ or IM at separate site from other vaccines
What is the contraindication for IPV
vaccine? Allergy to neomycin or streptomycin
How and when do you administer Hib
vaccine? IM at 2, 4, and 6 months
When and how do you administer the
HepB vaccine? IM at 0-2 months, 1-4 months, 6-18 months
When and how do you give the
varicella vaccine?
12-18 months –should be given with the MMR
vaccine OR over 30 days apart
What are normal side effects from
DPT and IPV vaccinations?
Irritability, fever under 102, redness and
soreness at injection site for 2-3 days
What can decrease soreness after
thigh injections?
Warm washcloth on injection sites, bicycling
the legs with each diaper change
How do you treat fever in a child with
a communicable disease? NON-ASPIRIN PRODUCT
What can you use for itching in
communicable diseases? Diphenhydramine (benadryl)
What is Rubeola (Measles)? How is it
transmitted? When is it contagious?
What are classic symptoms?
Highly contagious, viral disease that can cause
neurologic problems or death, transmitted by
droplets; contagious mainly during prodromal
period when they have fever and upper
respiratory symptoms; symptoms include
photophobia, Koplik’s spots in the mouth, rash
starting on face and spreading downward.
When is chicken pox no longer
contagious? Once scabs have formed on all lesions
What is German Measles?
A viral disease that can kill babies in 1st
trimester; spread by droplets and contact, a
red maculopapular rash spreads from face to
rest of body and fades in 3 days
What is pertussis?
Whooping cough; caused by bacteria
prolonged coughing for 4-6 weeks; treated
with erythromycin; complications are
pneumonia, hemorrhage, and seizures
How do you measure past nutrition in
a child? Height and head circumference
How do you measure current nutrition
in a child? Weight, skinfold thickness, arm circumference
How do you measure the body fat
content of a child? Skinfold thickness
What does vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
deficiency look like? How do you treat
it?
Redness and itchiness of eyes, magenta
tongue, delayed wound healing Give these kids
green leafy veggies, liver, cow milk, cheddar
cheeseWhat does vitamin A deficiency
(retinol) look like? How do you treat
these kids?
Rough dry skin, cornea problems, retarded
growth Give them orange foods (sweet
potatoes, peaches, apricots)
What are signs of dehydration in an
infant/child?
Poor turgor, depressed fontanels, no tears, dry
mucous membranes, weight loss, decreasued
urine output
What are lab signs of metabolic
acidosis (caused by dehydration)?
pH under 7.3, low sodium and potassium, high
Hct and BUN
When should you add potassium to IV
fluids?
ONLY when the child has adequeate urine
output
What is the expected urine output for
both infants and children per hour? 1-2 mL/kg/hr
How many children die from child
abuse each year? 3 to 5 thousand
How should burns in children be
assessed?
Using the Lund-Browder Chart, which takes
into account the changing proportions fo the
child's body
How can the nurse BEST evaluate
adequacy of fluid replacement in
children?
Monitor urine output
What interventions should be done
FIRST when caring for a child who has
ingested poison?
Assess repiratory, cardiac, and neuro status
What are the cardinal signs of
respiratory distress in children, and
other signs of resp. distress in kids?
Cardinal signs: restless, inc respirations, inc
pulse, sweating Other signs: flaring nostrils,
retractions, grunting, bad breath sounds,
accessory muscle use, head bobbing, low PO2,
high PCO2, cyanosis, pallor
Which usually occurs 1st: cardiac
failure or respiratoy failure in
children?
Respiratory failure
What is epiglottitis caused by? What is
the classic position these kids are in?
What do you NEVER do in these
patients?
HIB Upright sitting position with chin out and
tongue protruding ("tripod position") NEVER
examine the throat of this child!!
What causes bronchiolitis? What lung
sounds do you hear? What are their
respirations like?
RSV Wheezing and rales Respirations are
shallow and fast
What is given to kids under 2 yrs old
born either premature or with
lung/heart disease to give passive
immunity to RSV?
Synagis
What is a risk of untreated otitis
media? What do you see on
assessment? What can you do to ear
Conductive hearing loss Pulling at ears, fever,
pain, enlarged lymph nodes, discharge from
ear IF drum is ruptured, V/D Apply warmfor comfort? compress on ear
How can you reduce body
temperature in children to avoid
seizure risk?
Tepid bath or Tylenol
Tonsillitis can be either bacterial or
viral. If related to strep why is
treatment so important?
bc the child can develop acute
glomerulonephritis or rheumatic heart disease
Prior to tonsillectomy what lab values
must be drawn?
PT and PTT, assess for history of bleeding of
family hx of bleeding disorders
What are signs of postoperative
tonsillectomy bleeding? when is
highest risk for hemorrhage? These
kids should NEVER be given what?
Clearing throat, vomiting fresh blood, frequent
swallowing 1st 24 hours and 5-10 days post
surgery NO STRAWS!
What is the drug of choice for an
acute asthma attack?
Epinephrine bc it is a rapid acting
bronchodilator
What are the normal PO2 and PCO2
values for kids in an arterial blood gas
draw?
PO2: 83-100 PCO2: 35-45
What nutritional support should be
given to a child with CF?
pancreatic enzyme replacement, fat soluble
vitamins, low carb, high protein, moderate fat
diet
What type of genetic disease is CF? autosomal recessive
How do you care for a child in a mist
tent?
Monitor temperature. Keep clothing dry. Keep
tent edges tucked in, assess respiratory status.
An increased respiratory rate in kids
puts them at risk for _____________. dehydration and acid/base imbalance
What is a patent ductus arteriosus?
Hole between the aorta and pulmonary artery,
which normally closes within 72 hours
postbirth. If it stays open blood from the aorta
returns to the pulmonary artery, resulting in
increased blood flow to the lungs and
pulmonary hypertension.
Describe acyanotic defects. Examples
They can be 1 of three things: 1. L to R shunts
2. Increased pulmonary blood flow 3.
Obstructive defects VSD, ASD, PDA, AS, and
coarctation of the aorta
Describe cyanotic heart defects.
Examples
They can be either: 1. R to L shunts 2.
Decreased pulmonary blood flow 3. Mixed
blood flow The 3 T's: Tetralogy of Fallot, TA,
TGV
What is a ventricular septal defect?
Acyanotic Blood from the L ventricle is shunted
to the R ventricle through a hole and
recirculated to the lungs, resulting in increased
pulmonary blood flow
What is an atrial septal defect? Oxygenated blood from the L atrium is shuntedinto the R atrium and lungs through a hole ,
resulting in increased pulmonary blood flow.
What is a coarctation of the aorta?
It is a narrowing of the aorta which causes HTN
in the upper extremities and decreased/absent
pulses in the lower extremities.
What is aortic stenosis?
A narrowing at or around the aortic valve;
Oxygenation to the systemic circulation is poor
bc cardiac output is low.
What is a common finding in children
with cyanotic heart defects (3 T's)? polycythemia
What is truncus arteriosus?
When the pulmonary artery and aorta do not
separate. The blood from the 2 ventricles mix
and causes cyanosis
What is transposition of the great
vessels?
Incompatible with life, a medical emergency
where babies recieve prostaglandin E to keep
ductus open.
Is CHF associated more with cyanotic
or acyantoic defects? acyanotic
MANAGING DIGOXIN: 1. Before giving
digoxin what must the nurse do? 2.
What are therapeutic levels? What is
an early sign of digoxin toxicity? What
electrolyte imbalance increases
digoxin toxicity?
1. Take child's apical pulse. If bradycardic do
not administer. 2. 0.8-2.0ng/mL 3. Throwing or
spitting up 4. Hypokalemia
Rheumatic fever is an _______disease.
It is the most common cause of
________ in children. It is associated
with an infection of ________.
Rheumatic fever is a collagen disease
that injures _________.
Inflammatory Acquired heart disease Bhemolytic strep bacteria Heart, blood vessels,
joints, subQ tissue
What assessment findings are
associated with rheumatic fever? Lab
values?
Chest pain, SOB, tachycardia ALL the time, joint
pain, chorea (involuntary movements), rash,
subQ nodules over bony prominences, fever
Increased Erythrocyte sedimentation rate,
increased ASO titer (anistreptolysin O).
What medications are used to treat
rheumatic fever? Penicillin, eryhtromycin, and aspirin
In ____________ (a type of congenital
heart defect) the child often
experiences "tet spells" (_________),
which are relieved by which position?
Tetralogy of Fallot hypoxic episodes squatting
or knee chest position
What is the nurse's goal in caring for
kids with Down Syndrome?
help the child reach its OPTIMAL level of
functioning
What is cerebral palsy? Its major risk
factor?
An injury to the motor centers of the brain
causes neuromuscular problems of spaasticityor dyskinesia (involuntary movements) Low
birth weight
What is "scissoring" a characteristic
of?
Cerebral Palsy; it occurs when legs are
extended and crossed over each other with
feet plantar flexed.
If a mother of a Cerebral Palsy child
says she is having "difficulty with
diapering," what is the mom
describing?
Spasticity
What should the nurse do while
feeding a cerebral palsy child?
Prevent aspiiration by sitting the child upright
and supporting the lower jaw
What is the most common allergy of
kids with spina bifida? Latex
What are 2 nursing priorities for the
infant with myelomeningocele?
1. Prevent infection of the sac 2. Monitor for
hydrocephalus (measure head circumference,
assess fontanel, and neuro functioning).
What is hydrocephalus and
assessment findings?
Accumulation of CSF within the brain and is
often associated with spina bifida or meningitis
Symptoms: Increased ICP (low pulse, high BP),
change in LOC, vomiting, seizures, bulging
fontanels, widening suture lines, sunset eyes
What is the surgery like for kids with
hydrocephalus?
A shunt is inserted into the brain ventricle and
tubing is then tunneled through skin to the
peritoneum where excess CSF is drained out
Seizures are more common in what
age group? Under 2 yrs old
Describe tonic clonic seizures (grand
mal).
You get an aura. Then you lose consciousness
and the body becomes stiff (tonic). Then you
stop breathing and become cyonotic before
you go into spasms (clonic) and relax. Pupils
will be dilated and nonreactive to light,
incontinent, and then you lay there sleepy and
disoriented
Describe absence seizures (petit mal).
Usually occur between 4 anbd 12 years old.
You lose consciousness for 5-10 seconds and
appear to be daydreaming because posture is
kept and you get minor face and hand
movements. These kids may be doing poorly in
school.
What is the most common cause of
increased seizure activity? Medication noncompliance
What do you see in older children
with bacterial meningitis (normally
caused by HIB)?
ICP, fever, chills, neck stiffness, opisthotonos,
photophobia, positive Kernig's Sign (inable to
extend leg when knee is bent toward chest),
positive Brudzinski's sign (neck flexion causesflexion movements of lower extremities)
What do you see in infants with
bacterial meningitis?
BULGING FONTANELS, poor feeding, vomiting,
irritable, seizures
With meningitis it is important to
monitor hydration status and IV
therapy. Why?
Bc with meningtitis there may be inappropriate
secretions of ADH, causing fluid retention
(cerebral edema) and dilutional hyponatremia
What antibiotics are usually
prescribed for bacterial meningitis? Ampicillin, penicillin, chloramphenicol
How do kids usually get Reye's
syndrome? ASA + chicken pox/influenza
What is the most common presenting
symptom of brain tumors? Headache upon awakening
How is a child usually positioned after
brain tumor surgery? flat on his or her side
What is the mechanism for
inheritance of Duchenne muscular
dystrophy?
it is an x-linked recessive trait affecting mostly
males
What is "Gower's sign?"
An indicator of muscular dystrophy; difficulty
moving to standing position-child has to walk
up legs using hands to stand up.
What is the first sign of renal failure? Decreased urine output
What are the symptoms of acute
glomerulonephritis? Dietary
interventions?
blood in urine, recent strep infection, HTN,
mild edema around eyes, positive ASO titer
low sodium diet
what are the symptoms of nephrosis?
dietary interventions?
severa edema, massive proteinuria, frothy
urine, anorexia, negative ASO titer high protein
AND low salt
Decribe safe monitoring of prednisone
administration and withdrawal?
Give prednisone every other day, signs of
ededma/mood changes/GI distress should be
reported; the drug should always be tapered.
How can you prevent Urinary Tract
Infections in kids?
avoid bubble baths, pee a lot, drink lots of
fluids (especially acidic ones), wipe from frant
to back
what is the vesicoureteral reflex? When urine backflows from the bladder up
into the ureters. Recurrent UTIs are common.
What do you see in a kid with Wilms
Tumor?
Mass at midline on abdomen, fever, pallor,
lethargy, high BP (bc of excess renin secretion)
What is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing
for a nurse to do w/ a child who has
Wilms Tumor?
Prevent injury to the capsulated tumor by
making sure noone palpates the abdomen.
What is hypospadias? Why is surgical
correction usually done before
preschool?
When the urethra opens on the ventral side of
the penis behind the glans To schieve sexual
identity, toilet training, and remove the fear of
castration anxiety
When is closure of cleft lip normally When the baby weighs 10 pounds and has Hgbperformed? After surgery how is child
positioned?
of 10g/dL. on side or upright in car seat (NOT
PRONE)
When is closure of cleft palate usually
performed? After surgery how is the
child positioned?
1 year of age to minimize speech impairment
on side or abdomen
How can you protect the surgical site
on a child with cleft lip/palate?
Apply elbow restraints, minimize crying,
maintain Logan Bow to lip if applied
What is an esophageal atresia with
tracheoesophageal fistula?
When the upper esophagus ends in a blind
pouch with the lower esophagus connected to
the trachea. It is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY!!
In tracheoesophageal fistula what do
you see on assessment?
The 3 c's (coughing, choking, cyanosis), exxcess
salivation, resp. distress, aspiration pneumonia
What nursing actions are initiated for
a child suspected of having
esophageal atresia with
tracheoesophageal fistula?
NPO immediately and suction secretions
What are the feeding techniques for a
child with cleft lip/palate?
Feed upright with lamb's nipple or prosthesis.
Use frequent bubbling.
What assessment findings do you see
in kids with pyloric stenosis?
Projectile vomiting, constant hunger, weight
loss, dehydration, palpable olive shaped mass
in RUQ, visible walves of peristalsis
What lab values are seen in kids with
pyloric stenosis?
Low sodium, low potassium, metabolic
alkalosis (low chloride, increased ph, increased
CO2)
What is postoperative nursing care for
a child with pyloric stenosis?
IV hydration, small frequent feedings of oral
glucose or electrolyte solutions, gradually
increasing to full strength formula. Position ON
RIGHT SIDE in semi fowlers after feedings
What assessment findings do you see
in a child with intussusception (when
1 part of intestine telescopes into
another part of intestine)?
Intermittent abdominal pain, screaming when
legs are pulled toward abdomen, "currant jelly
stools" (blood +mucus), sausage shaped mass
in RUQ with empty RLQ (Dance sign)
Why is a barium enema used to treat
intussusception?
It reduces intestinal telescoping via hydrostatic
pressure instead of surgery
What is Hirschsprung's Disease?
Lack of persitalsis in area of colon where
ganglion cells are missing. Fecal matter
accumulates above this area.
What do you see when assessing a
Hirschsprung's Disease child? How do
you take their temperature?
Failure to pass meconium in 1st 24 hours,
distended abdomen, ribbon like stools Take
axillary temperature.
What are signs of anorectal
malformation?
Failure to pass meconium in 24 hours,
meconium appearing from a fistula or in the
urine, an unusual anal dimple
What are the Hgb norms for: 1.
Newborn 2. Infant 3. Child Newborn 14-24 Infant 10-15 Child 11-16What are assessment findings in kids
who have iron deficiency anemia?
Pale, fatigue, milk intake over 32oz/day, pica,
low Hgb, Low serum iron values
What is the genetic transmission
pattern of hemophelia?
x-linked recessive transmitted by the mother
and expressed by male offspring. These
children are missing factors 8 or 9.
What are assessment findings in a
child with hemophelia? Never give
these kids______.
Prolonged bleeding(after circumcision or in
general); loss of motion in joints, prolonged
PTT Aspirin
Describe autosomal recessive
transmission and give examples.
Both parent must be heterozygous carriers of
the trait. Each child has a 1 in 4 chance of
having the disease. ex.) sickle cell, CF, PKU
Describe X-linked recessive
transmission. Give an example.
The trait is carried on the X chromosome, so it
usually affects male offspring. With each
pregnancy of a woman who is a carrier there is
a 25% chance of having a child with the
disease. If male there is a 50% chance of
getting disease. If female there is a 50% chance
of being a carrier. ex.) hemophelia
What is the sequence of events in a
vasooclusive crisis of sickle cell
anemia?
RBCs clump together and block small blood
vessels. Cells cannot get through the
capillaries, causing pain and ischemia. Lowered
O2 affects the HgbS and causes sickling.
Why is hydration a priority in treating
sickle cell disease?
Hydration promotes hemodilution and
circulation of RBCs through the blood vessels
What should families and clients do to
prevent sickle cell episodes?
Keep hydrated, avoid high altitudes, avoid
strenuous exercises, avoid unknown sources of
infection
Do you give supplemental iron to kids
with sickle cell anemia?
No, bc it is not caused by iron deficiency. You
DO give them folic acid, however, to stimulate
RBC synthesis.
Nursing interventions and medical
treatment for a child with leukemia
are based on which 3 physiological
problems?
Anemia (decreased RBCs), Infection
(neutropenia), and bleeding thrombocytopenia
(decreased platelets)
What should you have nearby when
administering l-asparaginase to a
leukemic patient?
Epinephrine and oxygen in case of anaphylaxis
An infant with ________is often
described as a "good, quiet baby" by
the parents.
Hypothyroidism
What do you see in children with
hypothyroidism?
sleepy, poor feeders, flat expression,
constipations, hypoactive
What are the outcomes of untreated
congenital hypothyroidism? Mental retardation, growth failure
What is phenylketonuria? What is the An autosomal recessive disorder where theresult of PKU?
body cannot metabolize the aa phenylalanine
The buildup of phe leads to CNS damage
(mental retardation) and decreased melanin
On assessment of a child with PKU
what do you see?
Newborn screening using Guthrie test is
positive when serum phenylalanine is 4mg/dL
or higher. Vomiting, failure to gain weight,
hyperactive, musty urine odor
What are foods high in phenylalanine
(which should be avoided if you have
PKU)?
high protein foods including meat, dairy, eggs,
aspartame. This low protein diet should be
done until brain growth is complete (6-8 years
old).
What 2 formulas are prescribed for
kids with PKU? Lofenelac and PKU-1
What are the 3 classic signs of
diabetes?
Polydipsia, polyuria (including
bedwetting-"enuresis"), polyphagia
Diabetes is diagnosed if the fasting
blood sugar is greater
than_____mg/dl.
120+
What do you do if a diabetic child is in
ketoacidosis?
Provide care for unconscious child, administer
REGULAR insulin IV in Normal Saline, monitor
blood gases, maintain strict I&O
What are the signs and symptoms of
hypOglycemia?
tremors, sweating, headache, hunger, nausea,
lethargy, confusion, slurred speech, anxiety,
tingling around mouth, nightmares
What are the signs and symptoms of
hypERglycemia?
polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, blurry vision,
weight loss, weakness, syncope
What is the relationship between
hypOglycemia and exercise?
During exercise insulin uptake is increased and
the risk for hypOglycemia occurs.
What is a complete fracture? When bone fragments completely separate
What is an incomplete fracture? When bone fragments remain attached
Wha is a comminuted fracture?
When bone fragments of the bone shaft break
free and lie in surrounding tissue. Rare in
children.
What type of fractures have serious
consequences in terms of growth of
the affected limb?
Fractures involving the epiphyseal (growth)
plate
What re the 5 "P's" that may indicate
ischemia in the fractured limb?
pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia (pins
and needles), paralysis
What is a skin traction?
Force is applied to the skin. This should NEVER
be removed unless specifically prescribed by
the MD
What is Buck's Skin Traction? For the lower extremities; keeps legs extended
with no hip flexion.
What is Dunlop Skin/Skeletal Traction? When there are 2 lines of pull on the arm
What is Russell Skin Traction? 2 lines of pull on lower extremity (1perpendicular, 1 longitudinal)
What is Bryant's Skin Traction?
Both lower extremities are flexed 90 degrees
at hips (rarely used bc extreme elevation of
legs causes decreased peripheral circulation)
What is a skeletal Traction? When a pin or wire applies pull directly to the
distal bone fragment
What is a 90 degree skeletal traction?
90 degree flexion of the hip and knee. The
lower leg is in a boot cast. This can also be
used on upper extremities.
What is a hip spica? How do you help
with toileting a child with a hip spica?
A special type of cast used to immobilize the
hip joints and/or the thigh Use Bradford frame
under the child. NEVER USE abduction bar to
turn a child.
What is compartment syndrome?
Assessment findings?
Damage to nerves and vasculature of an
extremity due to compression. You see
coldness, severe pain, inability to move
extremity, poor capillary refill
What are the signs and symptoms of
congenital hip dysplasia in infants?
Unequal skin fold of buttocks, positive Ortalani
Sign (clicking with abduction), limited
abduction of affected hip, unequal leg lengths
What are signs of hip dysplasia in
older children?
Limp on affected side, positive Trendelenburg
Sign (when standing on one leg the pelvis
drops on the side opposite to the stance leg. )
How does the nurse conduct scoliosis
screening?
Ask child to bend forward from hips with arms
hanging free. Examine child for curvature of
the spine, rib hump, and hip asymmetry
What instructions should the child
with scoliosis receive about the
Milwaukee brace?
Wear it 23 hours each day. Wear t-shirt under
brace. Check skin for irritation. Perform back
and abdominal exercises. Modify clothing.
Maintain normal activities as able. A brace
does not correct the curve of a child with
scoliosis. It only stops or slows the progression.
What is the potential outcome for
untreated scoliosis? respiratory difficulty
What is postoperative nursing care of
a child with scoliosis?
Frequent neuro assessments, log roll for 5
days, keep npo, monitor NG tube/bowel
sounds
Describe log rolling.
Used postoperatively for scoliosis patients.
Requires 2+ people. Client is moved on a draw
sheet to the side of the bed away from which
they are to be turned (rolled toward the L if
they are to face the R). Client is the turned in a
simultaneous motion, maintaining the spine in
a straight position. Pillows arranged for
support and comfortWhat nursing care is indicated for a
child with juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis?
Prescribed exercise to maintain mobility,
splinting of affected joints, teach medication
management and side effects
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