The nurse administers oxygen to a patient who has lost a moderate amount of blood following a motor vehicle accident. What is the primary reason for this intervention?
1. ease the work of breathing for the patient
2. compensate for the reduction in circulating oxygen
3. provide comfort during assessment
4. prevent shock from developing
Correct Answer: 2
As blood volume is lost, hemoglobin is lost. Oxygen is carried from the respiratory system to the cells by hemoglobin in the blood. Breathing might be easier, the patient might be more comfortable, and the risk of shock might be decreased through the oxygen administration, but these are additional benefits, and not the primary reason.
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A nurse is assessing a client with hypokalemia, and notes that the client's handgrip strength has diminished since the previous assessment 1 hour ago. Which action should the nurse take first?
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In providing support to a new mother who must return to full-time employment 6 weeks after a vaginal delivery, the nurse should:
a. Allow her to freely express her positive and negative feelings. b. Reassure her that she'll get used to leaving her baby. c. Discuss child care arrangements with her. d. Allow her to solve the problem on her own.
A nurse is caring for an immobile client with a large pressure ulcer on her left ankle. Which of the following statements by the nurse best reflects critical thinking regarding client care?
1. "I'm sure that friction and pressure have caused this problem." 2. "Please be sure that her ankles are well padded when you place her in bed." 3. "Do you have any suggestions on how we can minimize the pressure to her an-kles?" 4. "It was an ineffective turning schedule that allowed this to happen so now we will reposition every hour."