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. While caring for a client with an IV infusion who develops redness and warmth at the IV site, what is the most appropriate intervention?

A. Elevate the IV site and apply an ice pack
B. Administer an anti-inflammatory medication
C. Apply a cold compress to the IV site
D. Discontinue the IV and notify the provider

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention when a client develops redness and warmth at the IV site, indicating phlebitis, is to discontinue the IV and notify the provider. This is crucial to prevent further complications. Elevating the IV site and applying an ice pack (Choice A) may not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Administering an anti-inflammatory medication (Choice B) is not the primary intervention for phlebitis. Applying a cold compress (Choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the need to discontinue the IV when phlebitis occurs.

3. What is the proper technique for measuring a patient's blood pressure?

A. Place the cuff at heart level and listen for Korotkoff sounds
B. Ensure the patient is in a seated position and inflate the cuff to 180 mmHg
C. Use a manual sphygmomanometer and measure blood pressure on both arms
D. Monitor pulse rate and apply pressure to the brachial artery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for measuring blood pressure involves placing the cuff at heart level to ensure accurate readings. Listening for Korotkoff sounds helps determine the systolic and diastolic pressures. Choice B is incorrect as inflating the cuff to 180 mmHg is excessive and can lead to inaccurate readings. Choice C is incorrect as it is unnecessary to measure blood pressure on both arms unless there is a specific medical reason to do so. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring pulse rate and applying pressure to the brachial artery are not part of the standard blood pressure measurement technique.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to discharge a client who is immunocompromised. Which of the following vaccines should the professional plan to administer?

A. Varicella
B. Influenza
C. Hepatitis B
D. Pneumococcal polysaccharide

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Immunocompromised clients have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for these individuals to help prevent pneumococcal infections, which can be severe and life-threatening. Varicella, Influenza, and Hepatitis B vaccines are not specifically indicated for immunocompromised clients. Varicella contains a live virus that can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. Influenza is generally recommended for all individuals over 6 months of age but does not have the same priority as the pneumococcal vaccine for immunocompromised clients. Hepatitis B vaccine is crucial for preventing Hepatitis B infection but is not directly related to the increased infection risk faced by immunocompromised clients.

5. How should a healthcare provider assess a patient with potential diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

A. Monitor blood glucose and check for ketones in urine
B. Administer insulin and provide fluids
C. Administer potassium and check for electrolyte imbalance
D. Administer sodium bicarbonate and monitor urine output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct answer: To assess a patient with potential diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), healthcare providers should monitor blood glucose and check for ketones in the urine. Elevated blood glucose levels and the presence of ketones in urine are indicative of DKA. Choice B is incorrect because administering insulin and providing fluids are treatments for DKA rather than assessment measures. Choice C is incorrect as administering potassium and checking for electrolyte imbalance are interventions related to managing DKA complications, not initial assessment. Choice D is incorrect because administering sodium bicarbonate and monitoring urine output are not primary assessment actions for DKA.