Nursing Elites

1. A client receiving lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy needs evaluation. Which assessment should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Percussion of the abdomen.
• B. Blood glucose level.
• C. Serum electrolytes.
• D. Level of consciousness.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Level of consciousness. When managing hepatic encephalopathy with lactulose, monitoring the client's level of consciousness is crucial as it is a key indicator of the therapeutic response to lactulose in reducing ammonia levels. Changes in consciousness can reflect the effectiveness of treatment and the progression of hepatic encephalopathy. Option A, percussion of the abdomen, is not directly related to evaluating the response to lactulose. Option B, blood glucose level, is important but not the priority in this context. Option C, serum electrolytes, while significant in liver disease, do not directly assess the impact of lactulose therapy on hepatic encephalopathy.

2. A combination multi-drug cocktail is being considered for an asymptomatic HIV-infected client with a CD4 cell count of 500. Which nursing assessment of the client is most crucial in determining whether therapy should be initiated?

• A. Presence of viral symptoms
• B. Engages in high-risk behaviors
• C. Willingness to comply with complex drug schedules
• D. History of opportunistic infections

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most crucial nursing assessment in determining whether therapy should be initiated for an asymptomatic HIV-infected client with a CD4 cell count of 500 is the client's willingness to comply with complex drug schedules. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is essential for its effectiveness. Assessing the client's willingness and ability to comply with the complex medication regimen is crucial to ensure successful treatment and prevent drug resistance. Choices A, B, and D, although important in the overall care of the client, are not as crucial as assessing the client's willingness to adhere to the prescribed drug regimen.

3. A nurse is caring for a 73-year-old male client with Alzheimer's disease. Which action should the nurse take to enhance the client's nutritional intake?

• A. Encourage the client to eat large meals in one sitting.
• B. Offer the client frequent snacks of foods he enjoys.
• C. Provide the client with foods high in fiber to improve digestion.
• D. Discourage eating late at night to prevent weight gain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Offering frequent snacks of foods the client enjoys is the most appropriate action to enhance the nutritional intake of a client with Alzheimer's disease. This approach helps to ensure that the client receives an adequate amount of nutrients throughout the day, especially when larger meals might be challenging for individuals with Alzheimer's. Encouraging large meals in one sitting (Choice A) may overwhelm the client and lead to decreased food intake. While foods high in fiber (Choice C) are beneficial for digestion, the primary focus should be on providing foods the client enjoys to increase intake. Discouraging eating late at night (Choice D) is not directly related to enhancing nutritional intake in this scenario.

4. Which task could be safely delegated by the nurse to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. Accompanying a client who self-administers insulin
• B. Cleansing and dressing a small decubitus ulcer
• C. Monitoring a client's response to passive range of motion exercises
• D. Applying and caring for a client's rectal pouch

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because tasks like applying and caring for a client's rectal pouch are within the UAP's scope of practice, as they do not require clinical judgment. Choices A, B, and C involve more complex assessments or interventions that require clinical judgment and should be performed by licensed nursing staff.

5. A client in heart failure (HF) presents with weakness and poor urine output. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?

• A. Heart rate of 122 bpm and respiratory rate of 28.
• B. Yellow sputum expectorated.
• C. Temperature of 100.5°F (38.1°C).
• D. Shortness of breath on exertion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated temperature may indicate infection and should be treated immediately in a client with heart failure.

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