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. A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A. Administer oxygen at 2L/min via nasal cannula
B. Encourage pursed-lip breathing
C. Position the client in high Fowler's position
D. Encourage deep breathing and coughing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with COPD is to encourage pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing helps improve oxygenation by preventing airway collapse, slowing down the breathing rate, and promoting better gas exchange. Administering oxygen at 2L/min via nasal cannula is not the first-line intervention as it can cause oxygen toxicity in COPD patients. Positioning the client in high Fowler's position may improve ventilation but does not specifically address the breathing technique required for COPD. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing is generally not recommended for clients with COPD as it can lead to air trapping and increased work of breathing.

3. A client is concerned about extreme fatigue after an acute myocardial infarction. What is the best strategy the nurse can suggest to promote independence in self-care?

A. Encourage the client to rest and let the healthcare team take over self-care tasks
B. Instruct the client to gradually resume self-care tasks, with rest periods
C. Assign assistive personnel to complete self-care tasks for the client
D. Ask the client's family to assist with self-care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best strategy to promote independence in self-care for a client concerned about extreme fatigue after an acute myocardial infarction is to instruct the client to gradually resume self-care tasks, with rest periods. This approach allows the client to regain independence without overexerting. Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the client to rest completely and letting the healthcare team take over self-care tasks may hinder independence. Choice C is incorrect as assigning assistive personnel to complete self-care tasks does not promote the client's independence. Choice D is not the best option as the primary focus should be on empowering the client to perform self-care tasks independently.

4. What are the early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?

A. Sweating and trembling
B. Confusion and irritability
C. Dizziness and increased heart rate
D. Nausea and vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Sweating and trembling.' These are classic early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient. Sweating occurs due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to low blood sugar levels, while trembling is a result of the body's attempt to increase muscle activity to raise blood sugar levels. Confusion and irritability (Choice B) are more advanced signs of hypoglycemia that occur if the condition is not treated promptly. Dizziness and increased heart rate (Choice C) can also occur but are not as specific and early as sweating and trembling. Nausea and vomiting (Choice D) are more commonly associated with other conditions or severe hypoglycemia, rather than being early signs.

5. A nurse is teaching a client how to administer enoxaparin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Inject the medication into the muscle of the thigh
B. Massage the injection site after administration
C. Pinch the skin before injecting
D. Administer the medication at the same time each day

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for administering enoxaparin is to pinch the skin before injecting. Pinching the skin helps create a proper fold for subcutaneous injections like enoxaparin, ensuring proper delivery of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue. Choice A is incorrect because enoxaparin should be administered subcutaneously, not into the muscle. Injecting it into the muscle can lead to complications. Choice B is incorrect because massaging the injection site after administration can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising due to the anticoagulant properties of enoxaparin. Choice D is incorrect as it is a general instruction and does not specifically relate to the administration of enoxaparin.