A patient arrives in the emergency department complaining of numbness in the extremities. The nurse notes that the patient's hands and feet are cool and pale
When conducting a health history, the nurse learns that the patient has a history of migraine headaches. The nurse recognizes this patient's symptoms as: a. ergotamine withdrawal.
b. ergotism.
c. severe migraine symptoms.
d. sumatriptan side effects.
B
Ergotism is a serious toxicity caused by acute or chronic overdose of ergotamine. The toxicity results in ischemia, causing the extremities to become cold, pale, and numb. Symptoms associated with ergotamine withdrawal include headache, nausea, vomiting, and restlessness. These are not symptoms of a severe migraine or side effects of sumatriptan.
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A family member asks the nurse to witness the signing of a Living Will at the bedside of a mentally competent, alert, adult patient. In signing as a witness, the nurse is stating:
a. the signature of this person was valid and not coerced b. the person was mentally competent to sign c. the person is terminally ill at the time d. a and b only
With the increased use of HIT in health care settings, nurses are asked to participate in the development of national, state, and local policy. How can nurses gain practical experience in policy shaping and development?
1. Internships 2. Continuing education programs 3. Online legal courses 4. Volunteer in a homeless shelter
A 33-year-old patient has a saline breast implant inserted in the outpatient surgery area. Which instruction will the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
a. Take aspirin every 4 hours to reduce inflammation. b. Check wound drains for excessive blood or a foul odor. c. Wear a loose-fitting bra to decrease irritation of the sutures. d. Resume normal activities 2 to 3 days after the mammoplasty.
A rape victim tells the emergency nurse, "I feel so dirty. Help me take a shower before I get examined." The nurse should: (select all that apply)
a. arrange for the victim to shower. b. explain that bathing destroys evidence. c. give the victim a basin of water and towels. d. offer the victim a shower after evidence is collected. e. explain that bathing facilities are not available in the emergency department.