Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving treatment for hypertension. Which of these findings would be most concerning to the nurse?

• A. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute
• B. A blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
• C. A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
• D. A temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is within normal limits; however, changes in breathing patterns can indicate respiratory distress, which is concerning, especially in a client receiving treatment for hypertension. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute may not be alarming if the client is at rest. A blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg is within the normal range for a healthy adult. A temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is also considered normal, showing no immediate cause for concern in this scenario.

2. Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin) are beneficial in managing arthritis pain, the nurse should caution clients about which of the following common side effects?

• A. Urinary incontinence
• B. Constipation
• C. Nystagmus
• D. Occult bleeding

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Occult bleeding. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are known to cause gastrointestinal side effects, including occult bleeding. Occult bleeding refers to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract that may not be visible in the stool, leading to potential complications like anemia. Urinary incontinence (choice A) is not a common side effect of NSAIDs. Constipation (choice B) is also not a typical side effect associated with NSAIDs. Nystagmus (choice C) is an involuntary eye movement and is not a common side effect of NSAIDs. Therefore, the nurse should caution clients about the risk of occult bleeding when using NSAIDs for arthritis pain management.

3. The nurse is teaching an 87-year-old client methods for maintaining regular bowel movements. The nurse would caution the client to AVOID

• A. Glycerin suppositories
• B. Fiber supplements
• C. Laxatives
• D. Stool softeners

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Laxatives. Laxatives can be harsh on elderly clients, leading to dependence and potential side effects. While fiber supplements (B) and stool softeners (D) are generally safe options to promote regular bowel movements, laxatives should be used cautiously in older adults due to their potential risks. Glycerin suppositories (A) can also be a safe and effective option for managing constipation in the elderly, but laxatives should be avoided unless deemed necessary by a healthcare provider.

4. The nurse has been teaching a client with Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I use a sliding scale to adjust regular insulin to my sugar level.
• B. Since my eyesight is so bad, I ask the nurse to fill several syringes.
• C. I keep my regular insulin bottle in the refrigerator.
• D. I always make sure to shake the NPH bottle hard to mix it well.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Shaking the NPH insulin bottle hard can cause air bubbles and affect dosing accuracy; it should be rolled gently instead.

5. Which of these clients with associated lab reports is a priority for the nurse to report to the public health department within the next 24 hours?

• A. An infant with a positive stool culture for Shigella
• B. An elderly factory worker with a positive lab report for acid-fast bacillus smear
• C. A young adult commercial pilot with a positive histopathological examination for Pneumocystis carinii from an induced sputum
• D. A middle-aged nurse with a history of varicella-zoster virus and crops of vesicles on an erythematous base appearing on the skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a positive acid-fast bacillus smear in an elderly factory worker suggests tuberculosis, a serious communicable disease that must be reported promptly to the public health department to prevent its spread. Choice A is incorrect as Shigella is an important pathogen, but it does not require immediate public health reporting. Choice C is incorrect because Pneumocystis carinii is an opportunistic pathogen and does not require urgent public health reporting. Choice D is incorrect as varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles, both of which are not reportable diseases to the public health department.

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