A 20-year-old female is being admitted for electrolyte disorders of unknown etiology. Which assessment finding is most important to report to the health care provider?
a. The patient uses laxatives daily.
b. The patient's knuckles are macerated.
c. The patient's serum potassium level is 2.9 mEq/L.
d. The patient has a history of large weight fluctuations.
c. The patient's serum potassium level is 2.9 mEq/L.
The low serum potassium level may cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, and potassium supplementation is needed rapidly.
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Which group leader activity should a nurse identify as being most effective in the final, or termination, phase of group development?
1. The group leader establishes the rules that will govern the group after discharge. 2. The group leader encourages members to rely on each other for problem solving. 3. The group leader presents and discusses the concept of group termination. 4. The group leader helps the members to process feelings of loss.
A client arrives in the emergency room complaining of severe pain in her left hip after falling out of the bed. What indication upon assessment does the nurse recognize as a dislocated left hip? Select all that apply
A) The left leg is shorter than the right. B) Limited range of motion of the left hip. C) The skin over the left hip is warm. D) The skin of the lower left leg is pale. E) The client is able to bend the knee but not move toes.
A patient tells the nurse that he had made some decisions about his care when he thought he was going to die, but now that he knows he isn't, he wants all possible medical treatment. Which of the following should the nurse do?
1. Contact the health care provider for the patient to discuss the patient's decision. 2. Document the patient's wishes in the medical record. 3. Tell the patient that he cannot change is mind or treatment plan. 4. Contact social services to discuss the change in plans.
While assessing a 76-year-old client with a hearing deficit due to presbycusis, the nurse should:
A) Use a higher volume of speech. B) Address the client's family members. C) Ask if the client can use sign language. D) Use lower pitched tones.