Nursing Elites

1. A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted with severe, piercing abdominal pain and an elevated serum amylase. Which additional information is the client most likely to report to the nurse?

• A. Pain radiates to the back
• B. Nausea and vomiting without relief
• C. Abdominal pain decreases when lying supine
• D. Abdominal pain is worse after eating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In acute pancreatitis, abdominal pain typically worsens after eating due to the stimulation of the pancreas to release enzymes that irritate the inflamed tissues. Pain relief when lying supine is uncommon and usually exacerbates discomfort. While nausea and vomiting are common symptoms, they are not as indicative of changes in pain intensity. Pain radiating to the back is characteristic but does not specifically relate to exacerbation post-eating.

2. A client has suspected compartment syndrome of the right lower leg. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?

• A. Elevate the right leg to reduce swelling.
• B. Loosen any restrictive dressings on the leg.
• C. Prepare the client for emergency surgery.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a suspected case of compartment syndrome, the nurse's priority intervention is to loosen any restrictive dressings on the leg. This action helps to relieve pressure within the affected compartment, improve circulation, and prevent permanent damage. Elevating the leg may further increase pressure, preparing for emergency surgery is premature without proper assessment and diagnosis, and administering pain medication should come after addressing the primary issue of relieving pressure.

3. A teenager presents to the emergency department with palpitations after vaping at a party. The client is anxious, fearful, and hyperventilating. Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse anticipate the client developing?

• A. Metabolic alkalosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Respiratory acidosis
• D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation from anxiety or fear causes an excessive loss of CO2, leading to respiratory alkalosis. This shift in pH results from the rapid, shallow breathing that reduces the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Respiratory acidosis would occur in cases of poor ventilation or CO2 retention, while metabolic acidosis/alkalosis relates to disturbances in bicarbonate, not breathing patterns. Therefore, in this case, the client's hyperventilation due to anxiety would likely result in respiratory alkalosis, making option B the correct choice.

4. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan for a child with tetanus?

• A. Ensure proper hydration
• B. Administer prescribed antibiotics
• C. Monitor vital signs frequently
• D. Minimize the amount of stimuli in the room

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention for a child with tetanus is to minimize the amount of stimuli in the room. Tetanus causes severe muscle spasms and sensitivity to stimuli, so reducing stimuli like light, sound, and touch can help prevent painful spasms. While ensuring proper hydration and administering antibiotics are essential components of care, minimizing stimuli is crucial for the child's comfort and safety as it directly addresses the symptoms associated with tetanus.

5. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Increase fluid intake with meals
• B. Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after eating
• C. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
• D. Consume spicy foods in moderation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching for a client with GERD is to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. This recommendation helps reduce symptoms by preventing the stomach from becoming overly full, which can increase pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and lead to acid reflux. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because increasing fluid intake with meals can exacerbate GERD symptoms, lying down after eating can worsen reflux, and consuming spicy foods can trigger acid reflux in individuals with GERD.

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