Nursing Elites

1. When evaluating the lab work of a client in hepatic coma, which of the following lab tests is most important?

• A. blood urea nitrogen
• B. serum calcium
• C. serum ammonia
• D. serum creatinine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is in hepatic coma due to liver failure, the liver cannot metabolize amino acids completely, leading to elevated ammonia levels. Increased ammonia can cause brain-tissue irritation, worsening the coma. Therefore, monitoring serum ammonia levels is crucial in assessing the severity of hepatic coma. Choices A, B, and D are less relevant in the context of hepatic coma. Blood urea nitrogen primarily assesses kidney function, serum calcium levels are not directly related to hepatic coma, and serum creatinine is more indicative of kidney function rather than liver function in this scenario.

2. A client has been placed in isolation because he is diagnosed with a contagious illness. The nurse should be aware that:

• A. Linens from the client's bed should be double-bagged.
• B. Meals should be served on washable dishes.
• C. Extensive isolation rarely causes psychological problems.
• D. Paper trays and plastic utensils do not prevent disease transmission.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isolation techniques are used to prevent or limit the spread of infection. Special handling of articles and linens soiled by any body fluid is essential. Linens should be placed in impervious bags before being removed from the client's bedside to prevent exposure of personnel and contamination of the environment. Double-bagging is required if the outside of the bag becomes contaminated. This practice ensures that potentially infectious materials are properly contained and disposed of. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the focus in this scenario is on proper handling and disposal of soiled linens to prevent the spread of infection, not on serving meals, psychological effects of isolation, or the use of paper trays and plastic utensils.

3. Which of these types of fluid output is not typically measured?

• A. chest tube drainage
• B. emesis
• C. evaporative water from the respiratory tract
• D. urine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'urine.' Urine output is routinely measured to assess renal function and fluid balance. Choices A, B, and C are types of fluid output that are typically measured in a clinical setting. Chest tube drainage is monitored to evaluate drainage from the chest cavity, emesis refers to vomitus which can indicate gastrointestinal issues, and evaporative water from the respiratory tract is considered insensible loss and is not directly measured but estimated in overall fluid balance assessments.

4. What dietary alterations should a pregnant client with congenital heart disease expect?

• A. reduced calories and reduced fat
• B. caffeine and sodium restrictions
• C. decreased protein and increased complex carbohydrates
• D. fluid restriction and reduced calories

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a pregnant client with congenital heart disease, caffeine should be restricted as it can increase heart rate, which is already under stress due to pregnancy. Sodium restrictions may be necessary to prevent fluid retention, which can worsen the client's heart condition. Decreasing calories, fat, protein, or fluid may not be appropriate as these can lead to nutrient deficiencies or inadequate energy intake, which is crucial during pregnancy. Therefore, options A, C, and D are not the expected dietary alterations in the client's diet during pregnancy with congenital heart disease.

5. Which type of diet should the nurse provide to help a client who has major burns maintain a positive nitrogen balance?

• A. high protein
• B. high carbohydrate
• C. low carbohydrate
• D. low protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clients with major burns are in a hypermetabolic state, leading to increased protein catabolism. Therefore, a high-protein diet is essential to help them maintain a positive nitrogen balance and support wound healing. High carbohydrate diets do not directly contribute to achieving a positive nitrogen balance, making choice B incorrect. Similarly, low carbohydrate diets are not recommended for clients with major burns as carbohydrates provide essential energy needed for healing. Low protein diets are contraindicated for clients with major burns as they require higher protein intake to support tissue repair and prevent further breakdown.

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