NCLEX-RN : Other Conditions
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Example Questions
Example Question #161 : Conditions And Treatments
A 25-year-old male client presents to the emergency department complaining of severe headache, nausea, vomiting and nuchal rigidity. Nurse recognizes this patient may be experiencing some form of meningitis.
Which test is the most appropriate to determine if this patient is experiencing the bacterial form of meningitis?
X-ray of the spine
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis to confirm elevated glucose levels
Blood culture positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis showing elevated protein levels
Computerized tomography scan of the head to assess for increased intracranial pressure
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis showing elevated protein levels
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis is the best test - elevated protein, decreased glucose levels, with high levels of PMN's (polymorphonuclear cells) are indicative of bacterial meningitis, which is a medical emergency. Blood culture is appropriate but will not yield quick results, computer tomography (CT) scan is also helpful but not priority.
Example Question #963 : Nclex
A patient is severely dehydrated and is being given IV normal saline at a rate of 160 cc per hour. Which of the following laboratory values would you expect to be abnormally elevated in this patient?
Mast cell count
Creatinine
Hemoglobin
White blood count
Glucose
Creatinine
In a dehydrated patient, the BUN and creatinine is often elevated. Creatinine is a marker of kidney function. Elevations in creatinine from baseline are considered kidney injury. Dehydration is decreased circulatory volume to the kidneys. This will result in an elevation of creatinine (and BUN) on laboratory testing. Rehydration therapy with IV fluids will often correct this abnormality.
Example Question #964 : Nclex
What is the medical term for the artificial mechanism by which fluid and toxic solutes are removed from circulation when the kidneys are unable to function?
Bronchoscopy
Dialysis
CPAP
BiPAP
Dialysis
Dialysis is an artificial mechanism used to filter the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so. The two major types are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Dialysis is usually considered in the treatment of chronic kidney disease and toxic overdoses. BiPAP and CPAP are used to help with respirations. Bronchoscopy is used to explore the lung space.
Example Question #1 : Other Condition Follow Up
Example Question #2 : Other Condition Follow Up
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