In assessing a patient, the nurse understands that an early sign of hypoxemia is:
a. clubbing of nail beds
b. cyanosis
c. hypotension
d. restlessness
D
Central nervous system signs, such as restlessness, are early indications of low oxygen levels. Clubbing is a sign of chronic hypoxemia. Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxemia. Tachycardia and increased blood pressure, not hypotension, may be seen early in hypoxemia.
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The client receiving radiotherapy complains of increased fatigue. The nurse understands that the most significant reason for this symptom is related to which factor?
A) The cancer is advancing to other tissues. B) Cancer cells are dying at a high rate. C) Radiation suppresses red blood cell production. D) Fighting off infection can be exhausting.
The client has had angiography with the entrance site in the left femoral artery. Two hours after the procedure, the nurse is unable to palpate the left pedal pulse. What is the nurse's best action?
A. Elevate the left leg and apply a sandbag to the entrance site. B. Increase the flow rate of the intravenous fluids. C. Notify the physician. D. Document the finding.
A patient asks why the prescriber is changing his anxiety medication from lorazepam (Ativan) to sertraline (Zoloft). What is your best response?
a. "Sertraline is a stronger drug and will do a better job of controlling your anxiety." b. "Sertraline has milder side effects and a decreased risk for drug dependence." c. "Sertraline acts much faster to get the symptoms of your anxiety under control." d. "Sertraline can be taken only when needed to control symptoms of anxiety."
The type of diabetes therapy that seems to be most effective in decreasing and delaying the complications of diabetes is
a. psychotherapy. b. intensive therapy. c. combined therapy. d. conventional therapy.