Nursing Elites

1. A client has been diagnosed with an esophageal diverticulum after undergoing diagnostic imaging. When taking the health history, the nurse should expect the client to describe what sign or symptom?

• A. Burning pain on swallowing
• B. Regurgitation of undigested food
• C. Symptoms mimicking a myocardial infarction
• D. Chronic parotid abscesses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Regurgitation of undigested food is a typical symptom of esophageal diverticulum. This condition forms a pouch in the esophagus that can trap food, leading to regurgitation of undigested food. The other options are not typically associated with esophageal diverticulum.

2. What is the primary action of a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) prescribed to a patient with an acute asthma exacerbation?

• A. Reduce inflammation
• B. Relieve bronchospasm
• C. Thin respiratory secretions
• D. Suppress cough

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Relieve bronchospasm. The primary action of short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs) is to relieve bronchospasm. These medications are bronchodilators that work by opening the airways, making breathing easier for patients experiencing asthma exacerbations. By relieving bronchospasm, SABAs help improve airflow and alleviate symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because SABAs do not primarily reduce inflammation, thin respiratory secretions, or suppress cough. While these actions may be part of asthma management, the immediate goal of using a SABA during an acute exacerbation is to quickly relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow.

3. A patient with a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving heparin therapy. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the heparin therapy?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT)
• B. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
• C. Bleeding time
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Partial thromboplastin time (PTT). Heparin affects the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, which is reflected by changes in the PTT. Monitoring the PTT helps ensure that the patient's blood is within the desired therapeutic range and prevents complications related to clotting or bleeding. Prothrombin time (PT) primarily assesses the extrinsic pathway and is not as sensitive to heparin therapy. Bleeding time and platelet count are not specific tests for monitoring the effectiveness of heparin therapy in DVT.

4. A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is prescribed hydroxychloroquine. What is the most important instruction the nurse should give?

• A. Report any vision changes immediately.
• B. Take the medication with milk.
• C. Avoid high-fat foods.
• D. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a patient prescribed hydroxychloroquine, especially in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is to report any vision changes immediately. Hydroxychloroquine can potentially cause retinal damage, so prompt reporting and ophthalmologic evaluation are essential in preventing irreversible eye complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the significant adverse effect of hydroxychloroquine on vision. Taking the medication with milk, avoiding high-fat foods, or increasing intake of green leafy vegetables are not relevant to the primary concern of monitoring for visual changes.

5. When assessing a client reporting severe pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, which sign would most likely indicate appendicitis?

• A. Rebound tenderness at McBurney's point.
• B. Positive Murphy's sign.
• C. Rovsing's sign.
• D. Cullen's sign.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rebound tenderness at McBurney's point is a classic sign of appendicitis. This sign indicates peritoneal irritation, a common feature of appendicitis. McBurney's point is located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen and is a focal point for assessing tenderness. Positive Murphy's sign is associated with cholecystitis, not appendicitis. Rovsing's sign is elicited by palpation of the left lower quadrant resulting in pain in the right lower quadrant, also suggestive of appendicitis. Cullen's sign is associated with acute pancreatitis and manifests as periumbilical ecchymosis.

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