Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of seizures is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Gingival hyperplasia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gingival hyperplasia. Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, characterized by an overgrowth of gum tissue. It is important for the nurse to monitor the client for this side effect as it can lead to oral health issues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Phenytoin does not typically cause hypertension, hyperglycemia, or hypokalemia as common side effects.

2. The home health care agency can expect to obtain Medicare reimbursement for which home visit performed by a registered nurse (RN) or a practical nurse (PN)?

• A. Assessment of the speech pattern of a mobile adult who had a mild stroke last year.
• B. Safety teaching for an older male client whose wife complains that he uses an unsafe ladder while painting.
• C. Wound care for a client who had a postoperative infection following abdominal surgery two weeks ago.
• D. Evaluation of crutch use by a 65-year-old male client who broke his tibia while snow skiing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because wound care for a postoperative infection is a skilled service that qualifies for Medicare reimbursement. Choices A, B, and D involve assessments, teaching, and evaluation, which may not meet the criteria for Medicare reimbursement as they do not directly involve a skilled nursing service related to a postoperative condition.

3. A client has developed thrombophlebitis of the left leg. Which nursing intervention should be given the highest priority?

• A. Elevate leg on 2 pillows
• B. Apply support stockings
• C. Apply warm compresses
• D. Maintain complete bed rest

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The highest priority nursing intervention for a client with thrombophlebitis of the left leg is to elevate the leg on 2 pillows. Elevating the leg helps reduce swelling and pain associated with thrombophlebitis by promoting venous return. Applying support stockings (choice B) can be beneficial but is not the highest priority as elevation is more effective in the acute phase. Applying warm compresses (choice C) may worsen the condition by dilating the blood vessels, leading to increased pain and swelling. Maintaining complete bed rest (choice D) is important, but elevation takes precedence to improve circulation and reduce the risk of complications.

4. The nurse is caring for a client on mechanical ventilation. When performing endotracheal suctioning, the nurse will avoid hypoxia by

• A. Inserting a fenestrated catheter with a whistle tip without suction
• B. Completing the suction pass in 30 seconds with a pressure of 150 mm Hg
• C. Hyperoxygenating with 100% O2 for 1 to 2 minutes before and after each suction pass
• D. Minimizing the suction pass to 60 seconds while slowly rotating the lubricated catheter

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hyperoxygenating the client before and after suctioning helps prevent hypoxia by ensuring adequate oxygen levels during the procedure, which briefly interrupts the client's normal breathing pattern. Choice A is incorrect because inserting a fenestrated catheter with a whistle tip without suction would not prevent hypoxia. Choice B is incorrect as completing the suction pass in 30 seconds with a pressure of 150 mm Hg may lead to hypoxia. Choice D is incorrect as minimizing the suction pass to 60 seconds may not provide enough time for effective suctioning and could lead to hypoxia.

5. The RN is making a home visit to a female client with end-stage heart disease. She has a living will and states she will never go back to the hospital. During the visit, the RN notes that the client is pale and SOB while speaking. The RN discovers 3+ edema in both ankles and bilateral pulmonary crackles. Which intervention should the RN implement first?

• A. Order a chest X-ray
• B. Obtain a peripheral O2 saturation reading
• C. Obtain an order for complete blood count
• D. Tell the patient to stay in bed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining a peripheral O2 saturation reading is the priority intervention in this scenario. It helps assess the client's oxygenation status quickly, which is crucial in a client with signs of respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath and bilateral pulmonary crackles. Ordering a chest X-ray (Choice A) may be necessary later but does not address the immediate need for oxygen assessment. Obtaining an order for a complete blood count (Choice C) is not the priority in this situation as it does not directly address the client's respiratory distress. Instructing the patient to stay in bed (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue of potential hypoxia and respiratory compromise.

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