Nursing Elites

1. Upon admission, a 77-year-old female client presents with confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and headache, with a pulse rate of 43 beats per minute. Which question should the nurse prioritize asking the client or her family?

• A. Does the client have her own teeth or dentures?
• B. Does the client take aspirin, and if so, what is the dosage?
• C. Does the client take nitroglycerin?
• D. Does the client take digitalis?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The client's symptoms suggest digitalis toxicity, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Digitalis toxicity can present with symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache, and bradycardia (low pulse rate). Given the client's presentation, it is crucial to assess for digitalis use as elderly individuals are more susceptible to this type of intoxication. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects to consider during the assessment, but in this scenario, the priority lies in identifying and addressing the potential digitalis toxicity due to the severity of symptoms and the need for prompt intervention.

2. A nurse is assessing a postoperative client on an hourly basis. The nurse notes that the client’s urine output for the past hour was 25 mL. Based on this finding, the nurse first:

• A. Calls the physician
• B. Increases the rate of the IV infusion
• C. Checks the client’s overall intake and output record
• D. Administers a 250-mL bolus of normal saline solution (0.9%)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clients are at risk of hypovolemia postoperatively, and decreased urine output can be an early sign. However, to accurately interpret this finding, the nurse must assess the overall fluid balance by checking the client’s intake and output records. Increasing the IV infusion rate or administering a bolus of normal saline solution without a physician's order would not be appropriate as these interventions require a prescription. The physician should be notified once the nurse has collected all necessary assessment data, including fluid status and vital signs.

3. In a patient with diabetes, which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia?

• A. Polydipsia
• B. Polyuria
• C. Dry skin
• D. Sweating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sweating is a common sign of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. When blood sugar levels drop too low, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, leading to symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, and palpitations. Polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination) are more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) in diabetes. Dry skin is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia.

4. A client is receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following statements indicates the need for more teaching by the nurse?

• A. I should take all my medications every morning.
• B. The catheter should always remain in place.
• C. The catheter should be flushed daily with sterile saline.
• D. If I gain 2 pounds, I should skip dialysis that day.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Gaining weight is a sign that the client may be retaining fluid, indicating a need for dialysis to remove excess fluid. Skipping dialysis based on weight gain can lead to fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and other serious complications. Choices A, B, and C are all correct statements regarding peritoneal dialysis care: taking medications as prescribed is essential for overall health, ensuring the catheter remains in place is crucial to prevent infection, and flushing the catheter with sterile saline daily helps maintain its patency and reduce the risk of infections.

5. When giving a report about a client who had a gastrectomy from the intensive care unit to the post-surgical unit nurse, what is the most effective way to assure essential information is reported?

• A. Give the report face-to-face with both nurses in a quiet room.
• B. Audiotape the report for future reference and documentation.
• C. Use a printed checklist with information individualized for the client.
• D. Document essential transfer information in the client's electronic health record.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Using a printed checklist with individualized information is the most effective way to ensure that all key details about the client who had a gastrectomy are covered during the report. This method helps in structuring the information systematically, reducing the risk of missing important details. Face-to-face communication in a quiet room (Choice A) is important for effective communication but may not guarantee the coverage of all essential information. Audiotaping the report (Choice B) may not be practical for immediate reference or interaction. Documenting in the electronic health record (Choice D) is essential but may not facilitate a comprehensive real-time exchange of information between the nurses.

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