Nursing Elites

1. A client presents to the labor and delivery unit, screaming 'THE BABY IS COMING.' Which action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Observe the perineum
• B. Prepare the delivery room
• C. Call the obstetrician
• D. Administer pain relief

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Observing the perineum is the priority action for the nurse in this situation. It allows the nurse to assess the stage of labor, determine the urgency of the situation, and provide immediate assistance if the baby is indeed about to be delivered. Preparing the delivery room and calling the obstetrician can follow once the nurse has assessed the situation. Administering pain relief may not be the immediate priority when the baby is coming.

2. A client with a history of rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed prednisone. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Increased joint pain
• B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours
• C. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl
• D. Fever of 100.4°F

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours is concerning in a client with rheumatoid arthritis on prednisone as it may indicate fluid retention or worsening heart failure. Increased joint pain, blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl, and fever of 100.4°F are important assessments but do not require immediate intervention compared to the potential severity of rapid weight gain.

3. A client who is at 36 weeks gestation is admitted with severe preeclampsia. After a 6-gram loading dose of magnesium sulfate is administered, an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate at a rate of 2 grams/hour is initiated. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Urine output of 20 ml/hour
• B. Blood pressure of 138/88
• C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min
• D. Temperature of 99.8°F

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A urine output of less than 30 ml/hour indicates that the kidneys are being affected by the high level of magnesium sulfate. This decreased urine output can lead to magnesium toxicity and impaired kidney function. Blood pressure of 138/88 is within normal limits for pregnancy and does not indicate an immediate concern related to magnesium sulfate. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min is normal, and a temperature of 99.8°F is slightly elevated but not a priority in the context of severe preeclampsia and magnesium sulfate administration.

4. A female client is admitted with end-stage pulmonary disease, is alert, oriented, and complaining of shortness of breath. The client tells the nurse that she wants 'no heroic measures' taken if she stops breathing, and she asks the nurse to document this in her medical record. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Ask the client to discuss 'do not resuscitate' with her healthcare provider
• B. Document the client's wishes in her medical record
• C. Ask the client to sign an advance directive
• D. Place a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order in the client's chart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to ask the client to discuss 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) wishes with her healthcare provider. This is important to ensure that the client makes informed decisions regarding her care. While documenting the client's wishes in her medical record is essential, it is crucial that the client discusses these wishes with the healthcare provider to understand the implications and have the DNR order legally documented. Asking the client to sign an advance directive is premature without a detailed discussion with the healthcare provider. Placing a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order in the client's chart should only be done after the client has discussed and agreed upon this decision with the healthcare provider.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client with heart failure. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Apical pulse of 58 beats per minute
• B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
• C. Presence of a new murmur
• D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An apical pulse of 58 beats per minute is concerning when administering digoxin because digoxin can further lower the heart rate, leading to bradycardia or heart block. Immediate intervention is required to prevent potential complications. A blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg is within normal range and does not require immediate intervention in this context. The presence of a new murmur may indicate valvular issues but does not directly relate to the administration of digoxin. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is also within normal limits and is not a priority concern when administering digoxin.

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