Nursing Elites

1. A client has been admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea. The nurse should monitor the client for which complication?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Severe diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate. When there is excessive loss of bicarbonate through diarrhea, the pH of the blood decreases, leading to metabolic acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis (Choice B) is not typically associated with severe diarrhea as it involves elevated pH and bicarbonate levels. Hyperkalemia (Choice C) is less likely with severe diarrhea as potassium is often lost along with fluids. Hypercalcemia (Choice D) is not a common complication of severe diarrhea; instead, hypocalcemia may occur due to malabsorption of calcium.

2. A client with a history of heart failure presents to the clinic with a 2-day history of weight gain, swelling in the legs, and shortness of breath. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial nursing action?

• A. Perform a physical assessment
• B. Review the client's medication list
• C. Instruct the client to elevate the legs
• D. Obtain a detailed dietary history

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Performing a physical assessment is the most appropriate initial nursing action in this scenario. A thorough physical assessment helps evaluate the client's current condition, severity of symptoms, and identify any immediate concerns. This assessment can provide crucial information to guide further interventions and treatment. Reviewing the client's medication list (choice B) is important but may not address the immediate need for assessing the client's current status. Instructing the client to elevate the legs (choice C) may be beneficial but should come after a thorough assessment. Obtaining a detailed dietary history (choice D) is relevant for heart failure management but is not the most urgent initial action when the client presents with acute symptoms like weight gain, leg swelling, and shortness of breath.

3. An older adult client just diagnosed with colon cancer asks the nurse what the primary care provider is going to do. The provider will be making rounds within the hour. Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate?

• A. Help the client write down the questions to ask the provider, so that the client doesn’t forget
• B. Reassure the client that everything will be explained
• C. Explain the procedure in detail yourself
• D. Direct the client to search for information online

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assisting the client in preparing questions is the most appropriate action as it helps ensure that all concerns are addressed during the provider's visit. By helping the client write down questions, the nurse empowers the client to actively participate in their care and communicate effectively with the provider. Reassuring the client, while well-intentioned, may not address the specific questions or fears the client has. Explaining the procedure in detail may not be what the client is seeking at this moment, as their primary concern is about the provider's actions. Directing the client to search for information online is not recommended as it may lead to confusion or misinformation, and the information may not be tailored to the client's specific situation.

4. A client who is postoperative is verbalizing pain as a 2 on a pain scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the preoperative teaching she received about pain management?

• A. ''I think I should take my pain medication more often since it is not controlling my pain.''
• B. ''Breathing faster will help me keep my mind off of the pain.''
• C. ''It might help me to listen to music while I'm lying in bed.''
• D. ''I don't want to walk today because I have some pain.''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because listening to music is an effective nonpharmacological intervention for managing mild pain. Choice A is incorrect as increasing the frequency of pain medication without consulting healthcare providers can lead to adverse effects. Choice B is incorrect as distracting techniques like breathing faster may not address the pain effectively. Choice D is incorrect as avoidance of physical activity due to pain can hinder postoperative recovery.

5. A healthcare provider is providing discharge teaching to a client who does not speak the same language. Which of the following actions should the healthcare provider take?

• A. Use proper medical terms when providing instructions to the client.
• B. Offer written instructions in the client’s language.
• C. Direct verbal discharge instructions to the interpreter.
• D. Request that an assistive personnel interpret instructions for the client.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the healthcare provider when providing discharge teaching to a client who does not speak the same language is to offer written instructions in the client’s language. This approach helps ensure better comprehension and adherence to the instructions as the client can refer back to the written material for clarification. Choice A is incorrect because using proper medical terms may not be effective if the client does not understand the language. Choice C is incorrect since verbal instructions should be directed to the client for better understanding. Choice D is incorrect as assistive personnel may not be qualified or trained to provide accurate interpretation, risking miscommunication and potential errors in the instructions.

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