Nursing Elites

1. Six hours after major abdominal surgery, a male client complains of severe abdominal pain; is pale and perspiring; has a thready, rapid pulse; and states he feels faint. The nurse checks the client’s medication administration record and determines that the client receives another injection of pain medication in an hour. What is the appropriate action by the nurse?

• A. Explain to the client that it is too early to have an injection for pain
• B. Call the practitioner, report the client’s symptoms, and obtain further orders
• C. Reposition the client for greater comfort and turn on the television as a distraction
• D. Prepare the injection and administer it to the client early because of the severe pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is option B: Call the practitioner, report the client’s symptoms, and obtain further orders. The client is displaying symptoms that indicate potential complications, such as internal bleeding, which require immediate medical evaluation. Option A is incorrect because the client's condition suggests a more urgent need for assessment. Option C is inappropriate as it does not address the seriousness of the client's symptoms. Option D is dangerous and could exacerbate any underlying issue the client may be experiencing.

2. The hypertonicity of the muscles in an infant with cerebral palsy causes scissoring of the legs. The nurse teaches the mother that the preferred way to carry the infant is in a sitting position:

• A. Astride one of her hips
• B. Strapped in an infant seat
• C. Wrapped tightly in a blanket
• D. Under the arm using a football hold

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to carry an infant with cerebral palsy experiencing muscle hypertonicity and scissoring of the legs is astride one of the mother's hips. This position helps keep the infant's legs apart, reducing muscle tightness. Strapping the infant in an infant seat, wrapping tightly in a blanket, or using the football hold under the arm does not address the specific needs related to muscle hypertonicity and scissoring of the legs in cerebral palsy.

3. Which type of diet is recommended for patients with diverticulitis during an acute flare-up?

• A. High-fiber
• B. Low-residue
• C. Low-fat
• D. High-protein

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During an acute flare-up of diverticulitis, a low-residue diet is recommended. This diet helps reduce bowel movements and minimizes irritants in the colon, which can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. High-fiber diets, like choice A, are typically recommended for diverticulosis prevention but may exacerbate symptoms during a flare-up due to increased bulk in the stool. Low-fat (choice C) and high-protein (choice D) diets are not specifically indicated for diverticulitis flare-ups.

4. Which referral would be most appropriate for the client diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome?

• A. The physical therapist
• B. The thoracic surgeon
• C. The occupational therapist
• D. The social worker

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the occupational therapist. An occupational therapist specializes in helping individuals with activities of daily living, ergonomic assessments, and adaptive techniques. In the case of thoracic outlet syndrome, an occupational therapist can provide exercises and adaptations to improve the client's function and alleviate symptoms. Choosing the physical therapist (choice A) may also be beneficial for rehabilitation exercises, but occupational therapists focus more on functional activities. Referring to a thoracic surgeon (choice B) would be more appropriate for surgical interventions rather than initial management. Referring to a social worker (choice D) may not directly address the physical symptoms and functional limitations associated with thoracic outlet syndrome.

5. Which nursing action(s) can result in disciplinary action by state boards of nursing?

• A. Release of client health information to a client’s neighbor
• B. Delegation of a dressing change to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)
• C. Release of client health information to the client’s durable power of attorney
• D. A, B

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Disclosing client health information to unauthorized individuals like a client's neighbor (A) and improper delegation of tasks to unlicensed personnel (B) are serious violations of patient confidentiality and safety standards, which can lead to disciplinary action by state boards of nursing. Choice C, releasing client health information to the client's durable power of attorney, is not a violation as it involves sharing information with an authorized individual. Therefore, choices A and B are incorrect, making D the correct answer.

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