Nursing Elites

1. A client who had a left hemicolectomy is experiencing a low-grade fever on post-operative day three. What is the nurse's best action?

• A. Encourage deep breathing and the use of the incentive spirometer.
• B. Administer antipyretic medication as prescribed.
• C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• D. Increase the client’s fluid intake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A low-grade fever on post-operative day three can be a sign of atelectasis, a common post-operative complication. Encouraging deep breathing and the use of the incentive spirometer can help prevent and treat this condition. Atelectasis is often due to shallow breathing, so option A is the best initial action to promote lung expansion. Administering antipyretic medication (option B) may help reduce the fever but does not directly address the underlying cause. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (option C) is not necessary at this point unless other concerning symptoms are present. Increasing the client’s fluid intake (option D) is important for overall recovery but is not the priority in this scenario.

2. Which of the following is a primary intervention for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

• A. Administering insulin
• B. Providing a complex carbohydrate meal
• C. Giving 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate, like glucose tablets
• D. Encouraging the patient to exercise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Giving 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets, is the primary intervention for hypoglycemia. This rapid-acting carbohydrate helps quickly raise blood sugar levels, providing immediate relief to the patient. Administering insulin (Choice A) would further lower blood sugar levels, exacerbating the hypoglycemia. Providing a complex carbohydrate meal (Choice B) would not act quickly enough to address the immediate low blood sugar issue. Encouraging the patient to exercise (Choice D) is inappropriate during hypoglycemia as it can further deplete glucose levels.

3. A client with a recent total knee replacement is scheduled for physical therapy. The client refuses to participate, stating that the pain is too intense. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer the prescribed analgesic and encourage participation after it takes effect.
• B. Reschedule the physical therapy session for later in the day.
• C. Explain the importance of physical therapy for recovery.
• D. Notify the physical therapist of the client's refusal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering pain medication before physical therapy helps manage the pain, making it easier for the client to participate in the necessary exercises to improve recovery and prevent complications such as joint stiffness. Choice B is not the first step as addressing the pain should take precedence. Choice C is important but should come after managing the pain to facilitate participation. Choice D involves another healthcare provider and is not the immediate action needed in this situation.

4. The nurse determines that a client with cirrhosis is experiencing peripheral neuropathy. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Protect the client's feet from injury
• B. Apply a heating pad to affected area
• C. Keep the client's feet elevated
• D. Assess the feet and legs for jaundice

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Protecting the client's feet from injury is essential when managing peripheral neuropathy in a client with cirrhosis. Peripheral neuropathy can result in reduced sensation, increasing the risk of injury. Applying a heating pad or keeping the client's feet elevated would not address the primary concern of preventing injury. Assessing the feet and legs for jaundice is important for monitoring liver function, but it is not directly related to managing peripheral neuropathy in this case.

5. What disorder closely matches Suzy's symptoms?

• A. Antisocial personality disorder
• B. Borderline personality disorder
• C. Schizoid personality disorder
• D. Dissociative Identity Disorder

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Suzy's symptoms are characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD includes instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as impulsivity and self-harm. Choice A, Antisocial personality disorder, is characterized by a disregard for others' rights and lack of empathy, which does not align with Suzy's symptoms. Schizoid personality disorder, choice C, is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, which is not a prominent feature in Suzy's case. Dissociative Identity Disorder, choice D, involves the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states, which is not reflected in Suzy's symptoms.

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