Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic renal failure is receiving erythropoietin (Epogen). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypocalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Erythropoietin can lead to hypertension as a side effect due to its stimulation of red blood cell production, which can increase blood viscosity. This can result in elevated blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hypoglycemia is not a common side effect of erythropoietin. Hyperkalemia is more commonly associated with renal failure rather than erythropoietin use. Hypocalcemia is not a typical side effect of erythropoietin administration.

2. During an initial clinic visit, the nurse is taking the history for a client who wants to confirm her pregnancy. The client's last child has a history of low-birth-weight (LBW). Which additional finding is most important for the nurse to consider?

• A. Cigarette smoking.
• B. African American ethnicity.
• C. Poor nutritional status.
• D. Limited maternal education.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for low birth weight. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen available to the baby, leading to LBW. Choice B, African American ethnicity, while it may be a risk factor, is not as directly linked to LBW as cigarette smoking. Choice C, poor nutritional status, can contribute to LBW but is not as significant as cigarette smoking in this case. Choice D, limited maternal education, is an important social determinant of health but is not as directly related to LBW as cigarette smoking.

3. The healthcare provider is evaluating the health status of a 16-year-old client with a history of Type 1 diabetes. Which laboratory test would provide the most accurate information about long-term blood glucose control?

• A. Blood glucose level
• B. Glycosylated hemoglobin
• C. Urine ketones
• D. Serum insulin level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Glycosylated hemoglobin provides valuable information about blood glucose control over the past 2-3 months. This test measures the average blood sugar levels during this period, offering a more comprehensive view of long-term glycemic control. Choice A, blood glucose level, reflects the blood sugar concentration at the time of testing and may fluctuate throughout the day. Choice C, urine ketones, indicates the presence of ketones and is more relevant for assessing acute complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. Choice D, serum insulin level, evaluates insulin production and is not a direct indicator of long-term blood glucose control in diabetes management.

4. A female client diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2) complains of dysuria, dyspareunia, leukorrhea, and lesions on the labia and perianal skin. A primary nursing action with the focus of comfort should be to

• A. Suggest 3 to 4 warm sitz baths per day
• B. Cleanse the genitalia twice a day with soap and water
• C. Spray warm water over genitalia after urination
• D. Apply heat or cold to lesions as desired

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suggest 3 to 4 warm sitz baths per day. Warm sitz baths can soothe the irritated genital area, reduce pain, and promote healing of the lesions associated with genital herpes. Cleansing the genitalia with soap and water or spraying warm water over the genitalia after urination may further irritate the lesions. Applying heat or cold to lesions as desired may not provide the same level of comfort and healing as warm sitz baths.

5. Which of the following patients should the home care nurse assess first?

• A. A 65-year-old male with known COPD and difficulty breathing after climbing a flight of stairs.
• B. A 78-year-old with CHF who has gained 4 lbs according to her tele-monitoring.
• C. A 50-year-old with bilateral leg swelling and difficulty walking.
• D. A 60-year-old with lower back pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A patient with known COPD and difficulty breathing after physical exertion like climbing stairs requires immediate assessment by the nurse. This could indicate a potential exacerbation of COPD, which needs prompt intervention to prevent respiratory distress. Choices B, C, and D describe important patient situations that also require attention, but the urgency is higher with a COPD patient experiencing difficulty breathing.

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