Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which assessment finding is most indicative of this diagnosis?

• A. Epigastric pain that radiates to the back.
• B. Abdominal pain with guarding.
• C. Nausea and vomiting.
• D. Increased bowel sounds in all quadrants.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Epigastric pain that radiates to the back (A) is the hallmark assessment finding of acute pancreatitis. The pancreas lies retroperitoneally in the upper abdomen, so inflammation often causes severe epigastric pain that radiates through to the back. While abdominal pain with guarding (B), nausea and vomiting (C), and increased bowel sounds (D) can also be present in acute pancreatitis, they are less specific and may be seen in various other gastrointestinal conditions. Therefore, the most indicative finding for acute pancreatitis is epigastric pain that radiates to the back.

2. The healthcare professional is obtaining a lie-sit-stand blood pressure reading on a client. Which action is most important for the healthcare professional to implement?

• A. Stay with the client while the client is standing.
• B. Record the findings on the graphic sheet in the chart.
• C. Keep the blood pressure cuff on the same arm.
• D. Record changes in the client's pulse rate.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In obtaining a lie-sit-stand blood pressure reading, it is crucial for the healthcare professional to stay with the client while the client is standing. This action is the most important as it ensures client safety during the procedure. Recording findings, keeping the blood pressure cuff on the same arm, and monitoring pulse rate are all important tasks, but staying with the client while standing takes priority to prevent any potential falls or adverse events. By staying with the client, the healthcare professional can promptly address any signs of dizziness or instability, ensuring a safe environment for the client throughout the procedure.

3. What action should the nurse take after applying gloves to irrigate a client's indwelling urinary catheter using an open technique?

• A. Empty the client's urinary drainage bag.
• B. Draw up the irrigating solution into the syringe.
• C. Secure the client's catheter to the drainage tubing.
• D. Use aseptic technique to instill the irrigating solution.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After applying gloves to irrigate an indwelling urinary catheter using an open technique, the next step for the nurse is to draw up the irrigating solution into the syringe. This step is crucial as it ensures that the solution is ready to be instilled through the catheter to maintain its patency and prevent blockages. Option A is incorrect as emptying the client's urinary drainage bag is not the immediate next step in the irrigation process. Option C is incorrect as securing the client's catheter to the drainage tubing is not necessary at this stage. Option D is incorrect as the question pertains to the action immediately after applying gloves and does not involve instilling the irrigating solution yet.

4. A client with a diagnosis of renal failure is receiving hemodialysis. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. The client's blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg.
• B. The client gains 1 kg in 24 hours.
• C. The client's potassium level is 5.5 mEq/L.
• D. The client's weight decreases by 0.5 kg in 24 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L (C) is elevated and concerning in a client with renal failure receiving hemodialysis, as it can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring blood pressure (A), weight gain (B), and weight loss (D) are essential in clients on hemodialysis, but an elevated potassium level poses an immediate risk that requires prompt intervention.

5. Following a craniotomy, why did the nurse position the client in low Fowler's position?

• A. To promote comfort.
• B. To promote drainage from the operation site.
• C. To promote thoracic expansion.
• D. To prevent circulatory overload.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Positioning the client in low Fowler's position after a craniotomy is essential to promote drainage from the operation site. This position helps prevent fluid accumulation, facilitates the removal of excess fluid or blood, and aids in the healing process. Choice A is incorrect because comfort, while important, is not the primary reason for this specific positioning. Choice C is incorrect as thoracic expansion is not the main concern following a craniotomy. Choice D is incorrect as circulatory overload is not typically addressed by positioning in low Fowler's position post-craniotomy.

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