The long-term care nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of protein supplements for an older resident who has a low serum total protein level. Which assessment finding indicates that the patient's condition has improved?
a. Hematocrit 28%
b. Absence of skin tenting
c. Decreased peripheral edema
d. Blood pressure 110/72 mm Hg
ANS: C
Edema is caused by low oncotic pressure in individuals with low serum protein levels. The decrease in edema indicates an improvement in the patient's protein status. Good skin turgor is an indicator of fluid balance, not protein status. A low hematocrit could be caused by poor protein intake. Blood pressure does not provide a useful clinical tool for monitoring protein status.
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After an assessment, the nurse determines that a client of African American descent is experiencing disparities that are a part of behavioral health determinants. What assessment data did the nurse use to come to this conclusion?
1. Treated for asthma 2. Body mass index of 32 3. Unemployed for 9 months 4. Smokes 1 ppd of cigarettes 5. Mother diagnosed with heart disease
A prison nurse is conducting a routine physical assessment when the client states, "It doesn't matter if I am sick, no one cares anyway"
The nurse learns that the prisoner has had no visitors for over a year and has made no friends while in prison. The nurse would identify which nursing diagnosis at this time? a. Risk for Self-Injury b. Hopelessness c. Social Isolation d. Powerlessness
MC Many inmates in correctional facilities have communicable diseases. The most important consideration for the nurse who works in a correctional facility is to
A. Advocate for programs that decrease the spread of communicable disease. B. Ensure that inmate immunizations are current. C. Use universal precautions when handling blood and body fluids. D. Control the spread of communicable diseases through client education.