Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted with severe dehydration. What is the most important assessment finding for the nurse to monitor?

• A. Changes in mental status
• B. Urine output and color
• C. Blood pressure and heart rate
• D. Skin turgor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Changes in mental status are crucial to monitor in a client with severe dehydration. Altered mental status, such as confusion or lethargy, can indicate severe dehydration and potential complications like electrolyte imbalances affecting the brain. Monitoring urine output and color (choice B) is essential but may not provide immediate signs of severe dehydration. While monitoring blood pressure and heart rate (choice C) is important, changes in mental status take precedence as they can indicate more critical conditions. Skin turgor (choice D) is a valuable assessment for dehydration, but changes in mental status take priority due to their direct correlation with severe dehydration.

2. Two hours after delivering a 9-pound infant, a client saturates a perineal pad every 15 minutes. Although an IV containing Pitocin is infusing, her uterus remains boggy, even with massage. The healthcare provider prescribes methylergometrine maleate (Methergine) 0.2 mg IM STAT. Which complication should the nurse be alert to this client developing?

• A. Decreased respiratory rate
• B. Increased temperature
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Hypertension

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypertension. Methylergometrine maleate (Methergine) is a medication used to prevent or control postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions. One of the potential side effects is hypertension. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client's blood pressure after administering Methergine. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because Methergine is not known to cause decreased respiratory rate, increased temperature, or tachycardia.

3. The nurse is preparing to administer an IM dose of vitamin B1 (Thiamine) to a male client experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal and peripheral neuritis. The client belligerently states, “What do you think you’re doing?” How should the nurse respond?

• A. “I cannot give you this medication until you calm down.”
• B. “This shot will help relieve the pain in your feet.”
• C. “Would you prefer to learn to administer your own shot?”
• D. “You will feel calmer and less jittery after this shot.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is to provide a relevant explanation to the client. Choice B, “This shot will help relieve the pain in your feet,” is the best answer because it directly addresses the client's concern about the purpose of the medication. By explaining the potential benefit of the injection, the nurse can alleviate the client's anxiety and increase their cooperation during the procedure. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the client's question and may escalate the situation. Choice C is not suitable as it deviates from addressing the client's immediate query. Choice D is incorrect because it fails to specifically address the client's concern regarding the medication's purpose.

4. A client recovering from abdominal surgery is on a clear liquid diet. The nurse should identify which of the following as the most appropriate food choice for this diet?

• A. Chicken noodle soup
• B. Grape juice
• C. Cream of wheat
• D. Vanilla pudding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Grape juice is the most appropriate choice for a clear liquid diet as it is a transparent fluid that is easily digested. Clear liquid diets aim to provide fluids and electrolytes while being easy on the digestive system. Choices A, C, and D are not suitable for a clear liquid diet as they are not in liquid form or do not meet the criteria of being easily digestible for someone recovering from abdominal surgery. Chicken noodle soup, cream of wheat, and vanilla pudding are not considered clear liquids and may not be well-tolerated by a client who has undergone abdominal surgery.

5. Three hours following a right carotid endarterectomy, the nurse notes a moderate amount of bloody drainage on the client’s dressing. Which additional assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Sore throat when swallowing
• B. Tongue deviation to the left
• C. Palpable temporal pulses
• D. Temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tongue deviation to the left is the correct answer. It could indicate a complication such as nerve injury or hematoma, which requires immediate attention. A sore throat when swallowing may be expected postoperatively but does not indicate an immediate complication. Palpable temporal pulses are a normal finding and do not require immediate intervention. A temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C) is slightly elevated but does not suggest a critical issue related to the surgery.

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