Nursing Elites

1. A client reports unilateral leg swelling after a long flight. What complication is the nurse most concerned about?

• A. Monitor for signs of a pulmonary embolism.
• B. Assess for signs of dehydration.
• C. Monitor for signs of compartment syndrome.
• D. Check the client’s oxygen saturation levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Unilateral leg swelling following a long flight may indicate a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening complication requiring immediate attention. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, potentially blocking blood flow and leading to serious complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because dehydration, compartment syndrome, and oxygen saturation levels are not typically associated with unilateral leg swelling after a long flight. While dehydration can cause leg cramps, compartment syndrome is more commonly associated with trauma or injury, and oxygen saturation levels are not the primary concern in this scenario.

2. An older client with chronic emphysema is admitted to the emergency room with acute weakness, palpitations, and vomiting. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain during the initial interview?

• A. Recent compliance with prescribed medications.
• B. Sleep patterns during the previous few weeks.
• C. History of smoking over the past 6 months.
• D. Activity level prior to the onset of symptoms.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In this scenario, the most critical information for the nurse to obtain during the initial interview is the recent compliance with prescribed medications. This is crucial to understand the client's baseline condition and management of chronic emphysema. Monitoring medication adherence can provide insights into potential exacerbating factors that may have led to the current acute symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are not as crucial in this situation. Sleep patterns, smoking history, and activity levels are important aspects of the client's overall health but do not take precedence over medication compliance when addressing acute symptoms in a client with chronic emphysema.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis who is reporting severe abdominal pain. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Assess the client's bowel sounds
• B. Administer prescribed pain medication
• C. Encourage the client to sit upright
• D. Provide clear fluids to the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with acute pancreatitis experiencing severe abdominal pain, the priority nursing intervention is to provide pain relief. Administering prescribed pain medication is essential to improve comfort and reduce pain, which can help stabilize the client's condition. Assessing bowel sounds (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the immediate priority over pain management. Encouraging the client to sit upright (Choice C) and providing clear fluids (Choice D) are not the primary interventions for addressing severe abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis.

4. Which foods should a healthcare provider recommend for a child with phenylketonuria (PKU) to avoid?

• A. Fresh fruit and vegetables
• B. Foods sweetened with aspartame
• C. Bread with honey
• D. Gluten-rich bread

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Foods sweetened with aspartame.' Children with PKU must avoid foods containing aspartame because it breaks down into phenylalanine, which can worsen their condition. Choice A, fresh fruit and vegetables, are generally healthy and safe for individuals with PKU. Choice C, bread with honey, is also safe unless the bread contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Choice D, gluten-rich bread, is not specifically problematic for individuals with PKU unless it contains aspartame or other substances high in phenylalanine.

5. A client receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has lost weight and exhibits increasing edema. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Evaluate the patency of the arteriovenous (AV) graft.
• B. Instruct the client to continue a fluid-restricted diet.
• C. Recommend support stockings for venous return.
• D. Monitor the client's serum albumin levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who has lost weight and exhibits increasing edema, the nurse should prioritize evaluating the patency of the arteriovenous (AV) graft. This assessment is crucial to determine if hemodialysis can be resumed, addressing the client's presenting issues effectively. Instructing the client to continue a fluid-restricted diet (choice B) may not address the underlying issue related to the CAPD. Recommending support stockings for venous return (choice C) is not directly relevant to the situation described. Monitoring the client's serum albumin levels (choice D) may be important but does not directly address the immediate concern of weight loss and increasing edema in a CAPD client.

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