The nurse is caring for a patient with third-degree burns and notes a reduction in the serum potassium level. The nurse recognizes that this finding is consistent with which event?
1. the resolution of burn shock
2. the onset of burn shock
3. the onset of renal failure
4. the onset of liver failure
Correct Answer: 1
Potassium levels are initially elevated at the onset of burn shock but decrease after burn shock resolves as fluid shifts back to intracellular and intravascular compartments. Reduced potassium levels are not indicators of the onset of renal or liver failure.
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A nurse interviews a patient recently started on levothyroxine. The patient also takes iron supplements for anemia. Which instruction should be given to the patient?
a. The medications can be taken together without risk of interaction. b. A dangerous interaction could occur; these drugs should not be used concurrently. c. The patient should take the medications at least 2 hours apart. d. High levels of thyroid replacement may occur, so iron should be taken with food.
Which one of the following statements about family health nursing is most accurate?
A) The family does not play a critical role in the health of its members. B) The community health nurse is in a unique position to influence and promote family health. C) Health habits are not developed in the context of family. D) Genetic influences always take place within the family environment.
A patient with asthma who is 32 weeks pregnant is concerned that the health care provider has reduced the doses of asthma maintenance medications. What should the nurse respond to this patient's concern?
A) Asthma medication is teratogenic and should not be taken. B) Asthma improves during pregnancy so higher doses are not needed. C) Asthma medication may reduce labor contractions and should be reduced. D) Asthma medication is ineffective during pregnancy and should be stopped.
A patient has come into the free clinic for HIV testing. The test comes back positive, and the patient is told she has HIV
While assessing the patient, the nurse is aware that many patients with HIV utilize various alternative or complementary therapies. How does the nurse address complementary or alternative therapy? A) "Complementary therapies such as acupuncture or herbal therapy are dangerous to patients with HIV, and we discourage you from exploring these types of therapy." B) "Researchers have not looked at the benefits of alternative therapy for patients with HIV, so we suggest that you stay away from these therapies until there is solid research data available." C) "We see many patients with HIV who are using some type of alternative therapy, and there are benefits and risks. Are there any types of alternative or complementary therapies that you follow, or are there any herbs that you take?" D) "You surely do not take herbs or practice some type of alternative medicine such as acupuncture, massage therapy, hypnosis or diet therapy, do you?"