A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient with severe malnutrition and notes a serum albumin level of 2.0 g/dL (normal: 3.5-5.0 g/dL). The patient has significant peripheral edema in both legs. The nurse understands that which physiological process explains the development of edema in this patient?
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A nurse is inserting a catheter into a female client. When t…
A nurse is inserting a catheter into a female client. When the nurse inserts the catheter, no urine is obtained. What should the nurse do next?
A nurse is preparing to provide oral care for an unconscious…
A nurse is preparing to provide oral care for an unconscious patient. Which nursing action is the priority to prevent complications during this procedure?
A nurse is teaching a patient how to perform Kegel exercises…
A nurse is teaching a patient how to perform Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving continuous intrave…
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving continuous intravenous magnesium sulfate infusion for a pregnancy related complication. During the hourly assessment, the nurse notes that the patient’s patellar deep tendon reflexes are absent. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease….
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease. The patient asks, “Why does my doctor check both my BUN and creatinine levels instead of just one?” What is the nurse’s best response?
A nurse is instructing a female patient on how to collect a…
A nurse is instructing a female patient on how to collect a clean catch midstream urine specimen for culture and sensitivity testing. Which statement by the patient indicates correct understanding of the procedure?
A patient is admitted with a serum sodium level of 128 mEq/L…
A patient is admitted with a serum sodium level of 128 mEq/L. The patient reports confusion and a severe headache. The nurse understands these symptoms occur because:
A nurse is assessing a 2-day-old newborn in the nursery. The…
A nurse is assessing a 2-day-old newborn in the nursery. The infant’s hands and feet appear blue, while the trunk and face are pink. The infant is active, feeding well, and vital signs are within normal limits (heart rate 140 bpm, respiratory rate 42 breaths/min, temperature 36.8°C). What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A nurse is caring for a patient with severe vomiting for 3 d…
A nurse is caring for a patient with severe vomiting for 3 days. Laboratory results show: pH 7.50, HCO₃⁻ 32 mEq/L, K⁺ 2.8 mEq/L. The patient reports muscle weakness and tingling around the mouth. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?