Nursing Elites

1. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with hepatic encephalopathy. Which clinical finding is most concerning?

• A. Confusion and altered mental status
• B. Increased abdominal girth
• C. Yellowing of the skin
• D. Peripheral edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Confusion and altered mental status are the most concerning clinical findings in a client with hepatic encephalopathy. These symptoms indicate worsening liver function and potential neurological complications, requiring immediate medical attention. Increased abdominal girth may suggest ascites, yellowing of the skin can indicate jaundice, and peripheral edema may be related to fluid retention, but in the context of hepatic encephalopathy, confusion and altered mental status take precedence due to the risk of rapid deterioration and the need for prompt management.

2. What is the most important instruction for the nurse to provide a client being discharged following treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome?

• A. Avoid exposure to respiratory infections.
• B. Use relaxation exercises when anxious.
• C. Continue physical therapy at home.
• D. Plan short, frequent rest periods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most critical instruction for a client being discharged following treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome is to avoid exposure to respiratory infections. Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect the respiratory system, making infections particularly dangerous. While relaxation exercises, physical therapy, and rest periods are beneficial for overall well-being and recovery, preventing respiratory infections takes precedence due to the potential life-threatening complications associated with respiratory compromise in Guillain-Barre syndrome.

3. A female client reports that her hair is becoming coarse and breaking off, the outer part of her eyebrows has disappeared, and her eyes are all puffy. Which follow-up question is best for the nurse to ask?

• A. Is there a history of female baldness in your family?
• B. Are you under any unusual stress at home or work?
• C. Do you work with hazardous chemicals?
• D. Have you noticed any changes in your fingernails?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the manifestations reported by the client, such as coarse hair, missing eyebrows, and puffy eyes, are indicative of hypothyroidism. Changes in the fingernails, such as brittle or pitted nails, can also be associated with hypothyroidism. Option A is incorrect as female baldness is not directly related to the reported symptoms. Option B is less relevant as stress typically does not cause these specific symptoms. Option C is also less relevant as exposure to hazardous chemicals would present with different symptoms.

4. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with hyperkalemia. Which assessment finding is most concerning?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Muscle weakness
• C. Peaked T waves on the ECG
• D. Decreased deep tendon reflexes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Peaked T waves on the ECG. In hyperkalemia, elevated potassium levels can affect the heart's electrical activity, leading to changes on the ECG such as peaked T waves. This finding is concerning as it can progress to serious cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Bradycardia (choice A) and decreased deep tendon reflexes (choice D) are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. While muscle weakness (choice B) can occur in hyperkalemia due to its effect on neuromuscular function, the most concerning assessment finding indicating the need for immediate intervention in this scenario is peaked T waves on the ECG.

5. A client with type 1 diabetes is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory value is most concerning?

• A. Serum glucose of 300 mg/dl
• B. Serum bicarbonate of 18 mEq/L
• C. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
• D. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is concerning in a client with DKA as it may indicate worsening hyperkalemia, requiring immediate intervention. Elevated serum potassium levels can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. While elevated glucose and low bicarbonate are characteristic of DKA, hyperkalemia poses a higher immediate risk. Serum sodium within the normal range is not typically a primary concern in DKA.

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