The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a drug with a low therapeutic index. Which is the most important nursing intervention for this patient?
A. Monitor the patient's plasma drug level periodically.
B. Monitor the patient's serum albumin levels periodically.
C. Instruct the patient not to drive after taking the medication.
D. Instruct the patient not to take the drug after a high-fat meal.
Answer: A. Monitor the patient's plasma drug level periodically.
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A woman with postpartum depression resists treatment, saying: "Who cares if I'm depressed? It only affects me." What response by the nurse is best?
A. "Don't you think your family would like you to get treatment?" B. "Infants of depressed mothers have delayed development." C. "You may harm your baby if your depression is not treated." D. "We care that you are depressed and want you to feel better."
In counseling a client who is considering a heart transplant, the nurse would know the client has an accurate perception of this treatment option when the client says
a. "Less than half of those who survive a heart transplant live 10 years." b. "People under 75 years of age may have a heart transplant." c. "The survival rate for patients having a heart transplant is about 80%." d. "This is an experimental treatment, but I want to take the chance."
In assessing the client who had a radical nephrectomy for a renal cell carcinoma 6 hours ago, a nurse notes that the client's blood pressure has decreased from 134/90 to 100/56 and the urine output is 20 mL for this past hour
What is the nurse's best first action? A. Position the client so that the remaining kidney is not dependent. B. Measure the specific gravity of the urine. C. Document the findings as the only action. D. Notify the physician.
What is an excitatory process caused by pain stimuli that involves the spinal nerves and can persist when there is no longer stimulation?
A) Central sensitization B) Neuronal windup C) Peripheral sensitization D) Neuronal plasticity