The nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted with pneumonia. The nurse notes a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 32 mg/dL and creatinine of 0.8 mg/dL. What is the most probable explanation for this finding?
a. The patient has kidney damage.
b. The patient has septicemia.
c. The patient is dehydrated.
d. The patient is malnourished.
ANS: C
BUN elevates with dehydration because the loss of water makes the blood more concentrated. Creatinine levels are a very good indicator of kidney function.
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During auscultation of all four quadrants of a client's abdomen, the nurse hears 20 or more bowel sounds per minute. How should this finding be documented?
a. "bowel sounds absent" c. "bowel sounds hyperactive" b. "bowel sounds active" d. "bowel sounds hypoactive"
The nurse will be providing care for a patient who has been admitted to the postsurgical unit following a total knee replacement. Knowing that the patient is blind and has been for several years, the nurse should:
A) Recognize that the patient's surgical recovery will be slower than normal. B) Introduce herself clearly whenever she enters the patient's room. C) Arrange for assistance with the patient's feeding. D) Arrange for a friend or family member of the patient to assist with care.
What action by student nurses indicates readiness for successful study habits?
a. Combining their study area with the space that they use to pay bills b. Color coding their materials from each class c. Keeping all materials and papers in one bin d. Cleaning their study area at the end of each semester
The nurse is caring for a patient who had an incisional cholecystectomy. Which activities should the nurse prioritize highest? (Select all that apply.)
a. Coughing and deep breathing b. Performing leg exercises c. Ambulating early and frequently d. Choosing low-fat foods from the menu e. Managing pain f. Encouraging use of an incentive spirometer