how should a nurse manage a patient with diarrhea

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2024

1. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with diarrhea?

A. Provide oral fluids and monitor stool consistency
B. Administer antidiarrheal medications and monitor hydration
C. Monitor for electrolyte imbalances and provide antibiotics
D. Provide a low-fiber diet and monitor weight

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a patient with diarrhea, the priority is to manage dehydration by providing oral fluids and monitoring stool consistency. Option B suggesting administering antidiarrheal medications is not recommended as it may prolong the infection by preventing the body from expelling the infectious agent. Option C is incorrect because antibiotics are not routinely indicated for diarrhea unless there is a specific bacterial infection. Option D is not the most appropriate initial intervention for managing diarrhea since a low-fiber diet may not provide adequate nutrition for the patient or help resolve the underlying cause of diarrhea.

2. What are the risk factors for developing hypertension?

A. High sodium diet and lack of physical activity
B. Low potassium intake and excessive alcohol consumption
C. Frequent exercise and low cholesterol diet
D. Smoking and family history

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: High sodium diet and lack of physical activity. These are established risk factors for developing hypertension as they contribute to elevated blood pressure. Choice B, low potassium intake and excessive alcohol consumption, may also impact blood pressure but are not as strongly associated with hypertension as high sodium intake and lack of physical activity. Choice C, frequent exercise and a low cholesterol diet, are actually beneficial for reducing the risk of hypertension. Choice D, smoking and family history, are more closely linked to other health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, rather than being primary risk factors for hypertension.

3. A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client undergoing radiation therapy for cancer. Which of the following instructions should the nurse reinforce with the client?

A. Apply sunscreen before going outside
B. Avoid using perfumed lotions
C. Massage the area daily
D. Take vitamin supplements with food

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should reinforce with the client undergoing radiation therapy is to avoid using perfumed lotions. This is essential to reduce the risk of skin irritation, as perfumed lotions can exacerbate skin reactions during radiation therapy. Applying sunscreen before going outside is generally a good practice but not specifically related to radiation therapy. Massaging the area daily is contraindicated during radiation therapy as it can further irritate the skin. Taking vitamin supplements with food is important for overall health but is not a specific instruction related to radiation therapy.

4. A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching about car seat safety with the guardian of a newborn. Which of the following statements by the guardian indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I will position the car seat in the front seat
B. I will secure the car seat in the car by using the seatbelt
C. I will use a rear-facing car seat
D. I will install the car seat facing forward

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Using a rear-facing car seat is the safest position for a newborn. Newborns should always be placed in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle to provide optimal safety in case of a crash. Choice A is incorrect because placing the car seat in the front seat is not safe due to the presence of airbags. Choice B is incorrect as securing the car seat using the seatbelt is not specific to the correct positioning of the car seat. Choice D is incorrect because installing the car seat facing forward is not recommended for newborns as it does not provide the same level of protection as a rear-facing position.

5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about using a cane with a client who has left-leg weakness. What instruction should the nurse give?

A. Use the cane on the weaker side
B. Advance the cane and the strong leg together
C. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-leg weakness using a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This technique provides stability and support while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side to support the weaker leg. Choice B is incorrect as advancing the cane and the strong leg together may not provide adequate support and balance. Choice D is incorrect as the distance to advance the cane with each step can vary depending on the individual's needs and abilities.