The nurse is caring for a patient who has terminal lung cancer and is unconscious. Which assessment would indicate to the nurse that the patient's death is imminent?
A) Mottling of the lower limbs
B) Slow steady pulse
C) Shallow breathing
D) Increased swallowing
Ans: A
Feedback: The time of death is generally preceded by a period of gradual diminishment of bodily functions in which increasing intervals between respirations, weakened and irregular pulse, and skin color changes or mottling may be observed. The patient will not be able to swallow secretions, so suctioning, frequent and gentle mouth care, and, possibly, the administration of a transdermal anticholinergic drug. Therefore options B, C, and D are incorrect.
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Upon evaluation of the patient's laboratory data, the nurse notes an increase in the patient's B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and is aware that this increased laboratory value generally indicates a diagnosis of:
A) Valvular disease B) Heart failure C) Pulmonary edema D) Cardiogenic shock
A 75-year-old woman comes into the clinic with
complaints of muscle twitching, nausea, and headache. She tells the nurse that she has been taking sodium bicarbonate five or six times a day for the past 3 weeks. The nurse will assess for which potential problem that may occur with overuse of sodium bicarbonate? a. Constipation b. Metabolic acidosis c. Metabolic alkalosis d. Excessive gastric mucus
A nurse asks a preoperative patient what medications he is currently taking. Which of the following is an accurate guideline for patient teaching regarding these medications?
A) Aspirin is generally stopped 1 month before surgery. B) Cardiac drugs must be stopped for 1 week before surgery. C) Certain respiratory drugs may be taken the day of surgery per physician's order. D) If the patient is diabetic and takes insulin, the dose may be increased before surgery.
What is the function of Sharpey fibers?
a. To anchor the outer layer of the periosteum to the inner layer b. To contain blood vessels and nerves on the outer layer of the periosteum c. To help attach tendons and ligaments to the periosteum d. To attach muscles to the periosteum