Nursing Elites

1. When covering another nurse's assignment during a lunch break, based on the status report provided, which client should the charge nurse check first?

• A. The client admitted yesterday with diabetic ketoacidosis whose blood glucose level is now 195 mg/dl.
• B. The client with an ileal conduit created two days ago with a scant amount of blood in the drainage pouch.
• C. The client post-triple coronary bypass four days ago who has serosanguinous drainage in the chest tube.
• D. The client with a pneumothorax secondary to a gunshot wound with a current pulse oximeter reading of 90%.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client with a pneumothorax and a pulse oximeter reading of 90% indicates potential respiratory compromise, requiring immediate attention to prevent further deterioration.

2. What dietary advice should the nurse provide to help reduce the occurrence of hot flashes in a post-menopausal client?

• A. Increase intake of spicy foods.
• B. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• C. Consume a high-protein diet.
• D. Eat more dairy products.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption is recommended to help reduce the frequency of hot flashes in post-menopausal individuals. Caffeine and alcohol can trigger hot flashes and worsen their occurrence. Encouraging the client to reduce these stimulants in their diet may help alleviate hot flashes and improve their quality of life.

3. A 68-year-old man with a history of diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease (s/p coronary artery bypass graft two years ago) presents to the emergency room with fevers and left-sided abdominal pain. His physical examination reveals a temperature of 101.5°F, pulse 96, and blood pressure of 135/80. His abdomen is soft with moderate left lower quadrant tenderness. There is no rebound or guarding. Bowel sounds are present. A CT scan is done which reveals inflammation around an area of the left colon. The next step in his workup/management should be

• A. Antibiotic therapy with ciprofloxacin and metronidazole
• B. Referral for urgent colonoscopy
• C. Referral to a surgeon for immediate hemicolectomy
• D. Barium enema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patient's presentation is consistent with diverticulitis without evidence of perforation or abscess formation on CT scan. During acute infections, procedures like barium enema and colonoscopy should be avoided to prevent the risk of perforation. Urgent surgery is not indicated initially. The appropriate next step is to start antibiotic therapy aimed at gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes, such as ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, which are the initial treatment of choice for diverticulitis.

4. When teaching a client postoperative breathing techniques with an incentive spirometer (IS), what should the nurse encourage the client to do to maintain sustained maximal inspiration?

• A. Exhale forcefully into the tubing for 3 to 5 seconds.
• B. Inspire deeply and slowly over 3 to 5 seconds.
• C. Breathe into the spirometer using normal breath volumes.
• D. Perform IS breathing exercises every 6 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To maintain sustained maximal inspiration when using an incentive spirometer, the client should be encouraged to inspire deeply and slowly over 3 to 5 seconds. This technique aids in achieving the goal of sustained maximal inspiration, which is essential for postoperative respiratory recovery.

5. The community health nurse is working in a multi-ethnic health center. In what situation should the nurse intervene?

• A. An Asian-American mother reports using cupping to treat an infection, resulting in a pattern of red round marks on her toddler's back.
• B. A Hispanic pregnant client who is often late for appointments arrives late for today's appointment.
• C. A Native-American individual being interviewed will not make direct eye contact when asked about violence in the home.
• D. An African-American infant who is spitting up milk has lost 6 ounces since last week's clinic visit.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because losing weight in an infant, especially when combined with spitting up milk, requires immediate intervention to address potential health concerns. Choice A deals with a cultural practice that may not necessarily pose an immediate health risk. Choice B, while important, does not present an immediate health threat. Choice C relates to cultural differences in communication and does not necessarily indicate a need for immediate intervention in terms of health.

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