Nursing Elites

1. A client is prescribed digoxin for heart failure. Which of the following should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Respiratory rate
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Apical pulse
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apical pulse. Digoxin's primary effect is to strengthen the force of the heart's contractions and slow the heart rate. Monitoring the apical pulse is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of digoxin as it helps assess the medication's impact on the heart's function. Option A, respiratory rate, is not directly related to digoxin's mechanism of action and is not the most appropriate parameter to monitor for this medication. Option B, blood pressure, while important, may not be as sensitive as the apical pulse in assessing the effectiveness of digoxin. Option D, urine output, is more indicative of kidney function and fluid balance, rather than the direct effectiveness of digoxin in heart failure.

2. A client with osteoporosis is being taught by a nurse about dietary changes. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend to promote bone health?

• A. Leafy green vegetables
• B. Red meat
• C. Fortified orange juice
• D. Whole grains

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fortified orange juice. Fortified orange juice is often supplemented with calcium and vitamin D, both of which are essential for bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Leafy green vegetables (choice A) are good for overall health but may not provide sufficient calcium for bone health. Red meat (choice B) is a source of protein but is not a primary source of calcium. Whole grains (choice D) are beneficial for fiber intake but do not contain significant amounts of calcium or vitamin D necessary for bone health.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection. Which infection control measure should the nurse implement?

• A. Wear a face shield when entering the room
• B. Place the client in a private room
• C. Place the client in a negative pressure room
• D. Use alcohol-based hand rub following client care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the client in a private room. Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection requires contact precautions, which include isolating the client in a private room to prevent the spread of infection to others. Wearing a face shield may be necessary in certain situations for protection but is not the primary measure for C. diff. Placing the client in a negative pressure room is not specifically indicated for C. diff unless the client has additional respiratory issues. Using alcohol-based hand rub following client care is not sufficient for C. diff control; thorough handwashing with soap and water is recommended due to the spore-forming nature of C. diff.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?

• A. The dressing was changed 7 days ago
• B. The circumference of the client’s upper arm has increased by 10%
• C. The catheter has not been used in 8 hours
• D. The catheter has been flushed with 10 mL of sterile saline after medication use

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The circumference of the upper arm above the insertion site of the PICC should be measured at the time of insertion and then again during assessments. An increase in circumference could indicate deep vein thrombosis, which could be life-threatening. Choice A is not a concern as changing the dressing 7 days ago is within the recommended timeframe. Choice C is not alarming as the catheter not being used for 8 hours does not necessarily indicate a problem. Choice D indicates proper catheter care by flushing it with sterile saline after medication use, so it does not require provider notification.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who is postop following abdominal surgery. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for complications?

• A. Walking twice daily
• B. Suppression of the urge to cough
• C. Suppression of the urge to defecate
• D. Lack of ambulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Suppression of the urge to defecate postoperatively can lead to complications such as constipation, which can increase the risk of complications after abdominal surgery. Walking twice daily (choice A) is actually beneficial for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis. Suppression of the urge to cough (choice B) can lead to issues like atelectasis. Lack of ambulation (choice D) can also contribute to complications like pneumonia and blood clots.

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