Nursing Elites

1. A client undergoing chemotherapy reports extreme fatigue. What should the nurse recommend to manage this symptom?

• A. Increase the dose of chemotherapy.
• B. Rest when needed and maintain a balanced diet.
• C. Perform light physical activity to reduce fatigue.
• D. Consider delaying the chemotherapy treatment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation for managing chemotherapy-induced fatigue is to advise the client to rest when needed and maintain a balanced diet. Increasing the dose of chemotherapy (Choice A) would exacerbate the fatigue and other side effects. While light physical activity (Choice C) can be beneficial, extreme fatigue may require more rest initially. Delaying chemotherapy treatment (Choice D) should only be considered after consultation with the healthcare provider, as timely treatment is usually crucial in cancer care.

2. After placing a stethoscope to auscultate S1 and S2 heart sounds, what should the nurse do to check for an S3 heart sound?

• A. Switch to the diaphragm of the stethoscope to hear any abnormal sounds
• B. Listen with the bell of the stethoscope at the same location
• C. Listen at a different location over the aortic area
• D. Switch to the apical area and reassess for S3 sounds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To assess for an S3 heart sound, the nurse should listen with the bell of the stethoscope. An S3 heart sound is often low-pitched and best heard with the bell. Choice A is incorrect because switching to the diaphragm is not ideal for detecting low-pitched sounds like an S3. Choice C is incorrect as the S3 heart sound is best heard over the apex of the heart, not the aortic area. Choice D is incorrect because moving to the apical area is appropriate, but the nurse should specifically use the bell of the stethoscope to listen for S3 sounds.

3. To auscultate for a carotid bruit, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?

• A. Base of the neck on the right side
• B. Above the clavicle
• C. Over the sternum
• D. Over the trachea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To auscultate for a carotid bruit, the nurse should place the stethoscope at the base of the neck, near the carotid artery. A carotid bruit is an abnormal sound that indicates turbulent blood flow in the carotid artery, potentially due to arterial narrowing or atherosclerosis. Placing the stethoscope above the clavicle, over the sternum, or over the trachea would not provide the nurse with the optimal location to assess for carotid artery abnormalities.

4. While providing home care to a client with congestive heart failure, the nurse is asked how long diuretics must be taken. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. As you urinate more, you will need less medication to control fluid.
• B. You will have to take this medication for about a year.
• C. The medication must be continued so the fluid problem is controlled.
• D. Please talk to your health care provider about medications and treatments.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Diuretics must be continued as long as the fluid problem persists to prevent heart failure symptoms.

5. A client is admitted with a large bowel obstruction. What finding should the nurse report immediately?

• A. Absence of bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
• B. Abdominal distention with a firm, rigid abdomen.
• C. Frequent, small, liquid stools.
• D. Nausea and vomiting that worsens after meals.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal distention with a firm, rigid abdomen is a concerning sign that may indicate perforation, which requires immediate intervention. The rigidity suggests a complication of the large bowel obstruction. Absence of bowel sounds in all four quadrants, option A, is a common finding in a bowel obstruction but not as alarming as a rigid abdomen. Frequent, small, liquid stools, option C, are not typical findings in a large bowel obstruction; instead, constipation is more common. Nausea and vomiting that worsens after meals, option D, are also common symptoms of a bowel obstruction but do not indicate an immediate life-threatening complication like a perforation.

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