Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed prednisone. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Increased joint pain
• B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours
• C. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl
• D. Fever of 100.4°F

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours is concerning in a client with rheumatoid arthritis on prednisone as it may indicate fluid retention or worsening heart failure. Increased joint pain, blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl, and fever of 100.4°F are important assessments but do not require immediate intervention compared to the potential severity of rapid weight gain.

2. A male client with an antisocial personality disorder is admitted to an inpatient mental health unit for multiple substance dependencies. When providing a history, the client justifies to the nurse his use of illicit drugs. Based on this pattern of behavior, this client's history is most likely to include which finding?

• A. Multiple convictions for misdemeanors and class B felonies.
• B. A history of stable employment
• C. Strong relationships with family members
• D. A pattern of seeking help when needed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Multiple convictions for misdemeanors and class B felonies. Clients with antisocial personality disorder often engage in behaviors that disregard societal rules and norms, leading to legal issues and criminal activities. This behavior is characteristic of individuals with antisocial personality disorder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because individuals with this disorder are less likely to have stable employment, strong family relationships, or seek help when needed due to their pattern of defiance and disregard for authority and rules.

3. A female client with major depressive disorder tells the nurse she feels worthless and can't see how her life will ever get better. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. I can understand how you feel. Tell me more about what's been going on.
• B. You're going through a tough time. Let's discuss what makes you feel this way.
• C. You sound very hopeless right now. Are you thinking about harming yourself?
• D. It's difficult to see the light when you're feeling this way, but I'm here to help you.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the best response because it directly addresses the client's expressed hopelessness and assesses the risk for self-harm. When a client with major depressive disorder expresses feeling worthless and unable to see improvement, it is essential to assess suicidal ideation to ensure their safety. Choices A, B, and D provide empathy and support, which are important but addressing suicidal ideation is the priority in this situation.

4. A client with a history of congestive heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed.
• B. Administer prescribed diuretic therapy.
• C. Monitor the client's oxygen saturation.
• D. Assess the client's level of consciousness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to elevate the head of the bed. Elevating the head of the bed is crucial in improving oxygenation in clients with congestive heart failure and shortness of breath by reducing venous return to the heart and decreasing fluid overload in the lungs. This intervention helps to alleviate the client's breathing difficulty. Administering diuretic therapy (Choice B) may be necessary but is not the initial priority. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice C) is important but should come after ensuring proper positioning. Assessing the client's level of consciousness (Choice D) is essential but is not the first intervention needed for a client experiencing respiratory distress.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which finding indicates the need for immediate intervention?

• A. Use of accessory muscles
• B. Oxygen saturation of 94%
• C. Carbon dioxide level of 45 mmHg
• D. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A carbon dioxide level of 45 mmHg is concerning in a client with COPD receiving supplemental oxygen, as it may indicate carbon dioxide retention and requires immediate intervention. Options A, B, and D are not the priority findings in this scenario. While the use of accessory muscles, an oxygen saturation of 94%, and a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute are important to monitor in a client with COPD, they do not indicate an immediate need for intervention like an elevated carbon dioxide level does.

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