Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing dyspnea. Which of these actions should the nurse perform first?

• A. Administer oxygen therapy
• B. Encourage the client to perform deep breathing exercises
• C. Raise the head of the bed
• D. Check the client's oxygen saturation level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's oxygen saturation level first. This action is crucial in assessing the severity of dyspnea and determining the necessity for oxygen therapy. Administering oxygen therapy without knowing the current oxygen saturation level can be inappropriate and potentially harmful. Encouraging deep breathing exercises and raising the head of the bed are important interventions, but assessing the oxygen saturation level takes precedence in managing dyspnea in a client with COPD.

2. A client is receiving treatment for hypertension. Which of these findings would be most concerning to the nurse?

• A. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute
• B. A blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
• C. A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
• D. A temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is within normal limits; however, changes in breathing patterns can indicate respiratory distress, which is concerning, especially in a client receiving treatment for hypertension. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute may not be alarming if the client is at rest. A blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg is within the normal range for a healthy adult. A temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is also considered normal, showing no immediate cause for concern in this scenario.

3. A client diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites is receiving Spironolactone (Aldactone). The nurse understands that this medication spares the elimination of which element?

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Phosphate
• D. Albumin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps retain potassium while eliminating sodium. This is beneficial for patients with cirrhosis and ascites as they are at risk of low potassium levels. Choice A, Sodium, is incorrect as Spironolactone does not spare the elimination of sodium but rather helps eliminate it. Choice C, Phosphate, is incorrect as Spironolactone does not directly affect phosphate levels. Choice D, Albumin, is incorrect as Spironolactone does not spare the elimination of albumin.

4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has Crohn's Disease and is experiencing frequent cramping and diarrhea. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Increase your caloric intake by eating foods high in protein.
• B. Include fresh fruits and vegetables at each meal.
• C. Maintain your weight by eating high-fat foods.
• D. Drink whole milk to ensure adequate calcium intake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Increasing caloric intake by eating foods high in protein can help Crohn's Disease patients maintain their weight and manage symptoms. Choice B is incorrect because fresh fruits and vegetables may exacerbate symptoms due to their high fiber content. Choice C is incorrect as high-fat foods can be difficult to digest and may worsen symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because whole milk can be problematic for individuals with Crohn's Disease due to its high fat content.

5. A client who has chronic lymphocytic leukemia is starting chemotherapy treatments and asks if she needs to make any dietary changes. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. Use sugar-free gum if you experience a metallic taste in your mouth.
• B. Drink fluids at mealtime to prevent early satiety.
• C. Foods that are higher in fat can help nausea.
• D. Raw fruits and vegetables will be easier for your body to digest.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Using sugar-free gum can help alleviate the metallic taste often experienced during chemotherapy treatments. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Drinking fluids at mealtime may worsen early satiety, foods higher in fat can exacerbate nausea, and raw fruits and vegetables may be harder for the body to digest and may pose a risk of infection for individuals with compromised immune systems.

Similar Questions