Adult Health Med Surg NCLEX Test Bank
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Question 1 of 5.
When comparing the hematocrit levels of a postoperative client, the nurse notes that the hematocrit decreased from 36% to 34% on the third day even though the RBC count and hemoglobin value remained within 10 mg/dL and 11.9 g/dL, respectively. The nurse should:
A. Check the dressing and drains for frank bleeding.
B. Call the physician.
C. Continue to monitor vital signs.
D. Start oxygen at 2 L/minute per nasal cannula.
Explanation: A slight decrease in hematocrit (36% to 34%) on postoperative day 3, with stable RBC count and hemoglobin, is likely due to hemodilution from fluid administration rather than active bleeding. The nurse should continue to monitor vital signs and hematologic parameters. Checking for bleeding is unnecessary without signs of hemorrhage, calling the physician is premature, and oxygen is not indicated.
Question 2 of 5.
The nurse is assessing a client who has had a myocardial infarction (MI). The nurse notes the cardiac rhythm shown on the electrocardiogram strip below. The nurse identifies this rhythm as which of the following?
A. Atrial fibrillation.
B. Ventricular tachycardia.
C. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).
D. Third-degree heart block.
Explanation: Without the ECG strip, the rhythm cannot be identified. This question is incomplete in the provided document.
Question 3 of 5.
After the administration of t-PA, the assessment priority is to:
A. Monitor the client for chest pain.
B. Monitor for fever.
C. Monitor the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) every 4 hours.
D. Monitor breath sounds.
Explanation: Monitoring for chest pain post-t-PA assesses for reperfusion success or reocclusion, a priority to ensure effective thrombolysis and myocardial perfusion.
Question 4 of 5.
A client has a throbbing headache when nitroglycerin is taken for angina. The nurse should instruct the client that:
A. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) can be taken for this common side effect.
B. Nitroglycerin should be avoided if the client is experiencing this serious side effect.
C. Taking the nitroglycerin with a few glasses of water will reduce the problem.
D. The client should lie in a supine position to alleviate the headache.
Explanation: Headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to vasodilation. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can safely relieve it without discontinuing the medication.
Question 5 of 5.
A client has returned from the cardiac catheterization laboratory after a balloon valvuloplasty for mitral stenosis. Which of the following requires immediate nursing action?
A. A low, grade 1 intensity mitral regurgitation murmur.
B. SpO2 is 94% on 2 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula.
C. The client has become more somnolent.
D. Urine output has decreased from 60 mL/hour to 40 mL over the last hour.
Explanation: Increased somnolence may indicate neurological complications (e.g., stroke) post-valvuloplasty, requiring immediate action. Other findings are less urgent.
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