Which laboratory value indicates to the nurse that a client's chronic infection is responding to therapy?
A. The hematocrit is 40%.
B. The eosinophil count is rising.
C. The serum sodium level is 138 mEq/L.
D. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is falling.
D
Erythrocytes weigh more than plasma and will settle out and form a sediment. When erythro-cytes have more proteins and other particles attached to them, they are more dense and will settle faster (greater than 20 mm/hour). More proteins and other reactive molecules are available during inflammation and infection. A falling sedimentation rate indicates resolution of the infection or inflammation.
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The nurse has reinforced teaching with a patient after diagnostic testing reveals tinnitus. Which of the following patient statements indicates that teaching has been effective?
a. "There is a toxic substance in my ear." b. "That is why I have so much discharge all of the time." c. "My ear pain should get better if I follow the doctor's orders." d. "The ringing sound I hear in my ear may be a symptom of another problem."
The nurse is assessing the client's abdomen and notes dullness when percussing over the left lower quadrant. Which of the following questions is most appropriate for the nurse to ask the client at this time?
1. "How much alcohol do you drink?" 2. "Do you have pain after eating?" 3. "When was your last bowel movement?" 4. "Have you ever had splenomegaly?"
A nurse is taking a history on a low-income Hispanic toddler. The parent tells the nurse that occasional diarrhea is treated with azogue, a mercury compound commonly used in the parent's native Mexico. What should the nurse recognize about this remedy?
a. It is harmless. b. It is dangerous. c. It has a scientific basis. d. It has importance in certain religious practices.
A.N. is in severe pain. What is the drug of choice for pain relief after burn injury, and how
should it be given? What will be an ideal response?