a patient is prescribed a diuretic for hypertension what is the most important assessment the nurse should perform
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment 2019 A with NGN

1. A patient is prescribed a diuretic for hypertension. What is the most important assessment the nurse should perform?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When a patient is prescribed a diuretic for hypertension, monitoring the patient's sodium levels is crucial. Diuretics can lead to alterations in sodium levels, potentially causing complications like hyponatremia. While monitoring other parameters like respiratory rate, blood pressure, and potassium levels may also be important, the primary concern with diuretic therapy is the risk of sodium imbalance, making the monitoring of sodium levels the most critical assessment.

2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has schizophrenia about thioridazine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Report any sign of infection to the provider immediately.' This instruction is essential for clients taking thioridazine or other antipsychotic medications. Thioridazine does not typically affect blood pressure or cause easy bruising. Muscle rigidity is more commonly associated with other antipsychotic medications. Reporting signs of infection promptly is crucial as antipsychotic medications can affect the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Early detection and treatment of infections help prevent complications and ensure proper medication management.

3. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a hip fracture. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Muscle spasms are a common finding in clients with hip fractures. The muscle spasms occur due to the body's natural response to the injury, causing involuntary contractions. Hip pallor (Choice A) is not typically associated with hip fractures. Leg abduction (Choice B) and leg lengthening (Choice D) are not typical findings in clients with hip fractures, as the fracture usually results in limited range of motion and shortening of the affected limb.

4. A patient is at risk for impaired skin integrity. What is the priority intervention for the nurse?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to turn and reposition the patient every 2 hours. This intervention is crucial in preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining skin integrity by relieving pressure on bony prominences. Applying a moisture barrier (Choice B) is important for moisture-associated skin damage but is not the priority in this case. Massaging the patient's skin (Choice C) can potentially cause friction and shear, increasing the risk of skin breakdown. Applying a heating pad (Choice D) can lead to burns or thermal injuries, exacerbating skin integrity issues.

5. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being cared for by a nurse. What is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen therapy helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, which is crucial for managing COPD. Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry, assisting with coughing and deep breathing exercises, and positioning the patient in high Fowler's position are all beneficial interventions, but administering oxygen is the priority for immediate oxygenation support in COPD.

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