The nurse is caring for a 63-year-old with a possible pituitary tumor who is scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast. Which information about the patient is most important to discuss with the health care provider before the test?
a. History of renal insufficiency
b. Complains of chronic headache
c. Recent bilateral visual field loss
d. Blood glucose level of 134 mg/dL
ANS: A
Because contrast media may cause acute kidney injury in patients with poor renal function, the health care provider will need to prescribe therapies such as IV fluids to prevent this complication. The other findings are consistent with the patient's diagnosis of a pituitary tumor.
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A nurse is taking a health history on a new patient who has been experiencing unexplained paresthesia. What question should guide the nurse's assessment of the patient's altered sensations?
A) How does the strength in the affected extremity compare to the strength in the unaffected extremity? B) Does the color in the affected extremity match the color in the unaffected extremity? C) How does the feeling in the affected extremity compare with the feeling in the unaffected extremity? D) Does the patient have a family history of paresthesia or other forms of altered sensation?
An appropriate implementation for a patient with severe psoriasis who has a nursing diagnosis of "Disturbed body image related to skin lesions" would be:
1. touching the patient often. 2. reassuring the patient of a quick remission. 3. reminding the patient to bathe often. 4. prompt administration of PRN medications.
Which of the below are pulmonary complications from pancreatitis?
a. pleural effusions e. atelectasis b. pneumonia f. acute respiratory distress syndrome c. vasodilation g. hypovolemia d. pulmonary emboli
The client scheduled to have a radionuclide brain scan is worried about contaminating her family members with radioactive materials. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "The material completely clears within 6 to 12 hours, so it will be safe for you family to visit afterward." B. "Collect your urine in a special radioactive-proof container to avoid contamina-tion." C. "Liver enzymes break down the radioactive isotope, so you do not have to worry about contamination." D. "The reactive isotope poses no hazards to your family members as it passes through your body."