While evaluating a client's electrocardiogram (ECG) before surgery, the preoperative nurse identifies large, wide Q waves. What is the nurse's best interpretation of this finding?
a. An acute myocardial infarction is occur-ring.
b. The client had a myocardial infarction in the past.
c. The ventricles are enlarged and failing.
d. The ECG is a common variation of normal sinus rhythm.
B
A wide and large Q wave develops as a result of myocardial infarction and necrotic ventricular cells that do not conduct electrical impulses. This change is usually permanent. When it appears alone, it indicates a past MI. The other interpretations are not correct.
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The nurse is caring for a patient who has a displaced midshaft fracture of the left femur and is in balanced suspension skeletal traction with 35 pounds of weights. The patient reports calf pain with right foot dorsiflexion
Which of the following actions would be most appropriate for the nurse to take? a. Notify the RN. b. Encourage dorsiflexion more frequently. c. Check the traction setup. d. Reduce 5 pounds of weight.
The nurse is providing postmortem care for a client whose family would like to view the body before it is transported to the morgue. Which of the following interventions are necessary for this preparation? Select all that apply
1. Provide a total bed bath. 2. Place absorbent pads beneath the body. 3. Remove dentures. 4. Dress the client in street clothes. 5. Place a pillow under the head. 6. Tape the eyelids closed.
The prescriber's order reads, "Lortab 7.5 mg q4h prn incisional pain." The nurse will correctly give the pain medication
1. Every 6 hours, unless the patient asks for it sooner. 2. Anytime the patient states he or she is in pain. 3. Only if the patient specifically requests a Lortab. 4. No sooner than 4 hours after the last dose, if the patient is experiencing pain
A client has been diagnosed with memory dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease. The nurse determines that damage to the client's brain includes deterioration of temporal lobe structures and the nerves of which of the following?
A) Basal ganglia B) Limbic system C) Frontal lobe D) Hippocampus