Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of heart failure is admitted with severe dyspnea. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

• A. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL.
• B. Serum potassium of 3.5 mEq/L.
• C. Serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL.
• D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 20 mg/dL.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL is within the normal range. However, in a client with heart failure and severe dyspnea, fluid retention is a significant concern. An elevated serum creatinine level may indicate impaired kidney function, which can worsen fluid overload. Therefore, immediate intervention is required to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and not indicative of immediate intervention in this scenario.

2. During a 2-week postoperative follow-up home visit, a female client who had gastric bypass surgery exhibits abdominal tenderness, shoulder pain, and describes feelings of malaise. Her vital signs are: T 101.8, BP 100/50, HR 104, and RR 18. Which action should the RN take?

• A. have the client transported via ambulance to the hospital
• B. recheck the client's vital signs in 30 minutes
• C. instruct the client to drive to the hospital for admission
• D. assess the client's current symptoms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client is presenting with signs of a potential postoperative complication, such as fever, low blood pressure, and tachycardia, which could indicate sepsis or another serious issue. These symptoms require immediate hospital evaluation and management. Option B of rechecking vital signs in 30 minutes could delay crucial intervention in a potentially life-threatening situation. Option C is unsafe as the client should not drive herself due to her condition. Option D is vague and does not address the urgency of the situation.

3. A community health nurse is conducting a program evaluation for a diabetes management class. Which measure best indicates the program's effectiveness?

• A. Number of participants attending each session
• B. Participant satisfaction with the class
• C. Reduction in participants' average blood glucose levels
• D. Improvement in participants' knowledge about diabetes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective measure to indicate the program's effectiveness in a diabetes management class is the reduction in participants' average blood glucose levels. This measure directly reflects the impact of the program on managing diabetes and improving health outcomes. Choices A and B may provide valuable information but do not directly assess the program's impact on managing diabetes. Choice D, improvement in participants' knowledge about diabetes, is important but may not directly translate into improved diabetes management without actual health outcome measurements like blood glucose levels.

4. The healthcare professional is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client with anemia. Which action is most important to prevent a transfusion reaction?

• A. Check the client's vital signs before starting the transfusion.
• B. Use a blood filter when administering the transfusion.
• C. Verify the blood type and Rh factor with another healthcare professional.
• D. Administer antihistamines before starting the transfusion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Verifying the blood type and Rh factor with another healthcare professional is the most crucial action to prevent a transfusion reaction. Ensuring compatibility between the donor blood and the recipient is essential in preventing adverse reactions such as hemolytic transfusion reactions. Checking vital signs is important for monitoring the client during the transfusion process but does not directly prevent a transfusion reaction. Using a blood filter can help remove clots and debris but does not address the risk of a reaction due to blood type incompatibility. Administering antihistamines before the transfusion is not a standard practice to prevent transfusion reactions related to blood type incompatibility.

5. A client with chronic kidney disease is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Administer antihistamines as prescribed.
• B. Apply moisturizing lotion to the skin.
• C. Use cool water for bathing.
• D. Encourage a high-protein diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct. Administering antihistamines as prescribed is the appropriate intervention for a client with chronic kidney disease experiencing pruritus. Antihistamines can help reduce pruritus by blocking histamine receptors, which are often prescribed for such clients. Choice B, applying moisturizing lotion, may help with dry skin but will not directly address pruritus. Choice C, using cool water for bathing, may provide some relief but does not target the underlying cause of pruritus. Choice D, encouraging a high-protein diet, is not directly related to managing pruritus in chronic kidney disease.

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