Nursing Elites

1. A client with cirrhosis is experiencing ascites and peripheral edema. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Administer furosemide as prescribed.
• B. Administer albumin to increase oncotic pressure.
• C. Elevate the client's legs to reduce swelling.
• D. Administer a sodium-restricted diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer furosemide as prescribed. Administering furosemide, a loop diuretic, is the priority intervention in a client with cirrhosis experiencing ascites and peripheral edema. Furosemide helps promote diuresis and reduce fluid buildup in the body. Choice B, administering albumin to increase oncotic pressure, may be beneficial in some cases but is not the priority intervention for immediate fluid removal. Elevating the client's legs (Choice C) and administering a sodium-restricted diet (Choice D) are important aspects of managing edema and ascites but are not the priority interventions in this situation.

2. A 48-year-old client with chronic alcoholism is admitted to the hospital. The nurse would anticipate that the client may be deficient in which vitamins?

• A. Vitamin B and vitamin C
• B. Vitamin D and vitamin E
• C. Vitamin K and vitamin A
• D. Vitamin A and vitamin E

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Chronic alcoholism commonly leads to deficiencies in B vitamins, particularly thiamine, and vitamin C. Thiamine deficiency can result in serious neurological issues like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, while vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because vitamin D and E deficiencies are not typically associated with chronic alcoholism.

3. The nurse is administering a new medication to a client. What is the priority action before administering the drug?

• A. Verify the client's allergies
• B. Check the client's blood pressure
• C. Assess the client's pain level
• D. Provide client education on the medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Verifying the client's allergies is the priority action before administering any medication. It is crucial to identify any known allergies to prevent potential allergic reactions, which can be severe and life-threatening. Checking the client's blood pressure, assessing pain levels, and providing education on the medication are important aspects of client care but verifying allergies is essential for ensuring the safety of the client.

4. A client with hyperthyroidism is admitted for total thyroidectomy. What is the nurse's priority post-operative intervention?

• A. Monitor the client's calcium levels for hypocalcemia.
• B. Monitor for signs of respiratory distress.
• C. Administer oral calcium supplements.
• D. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's calcium levels for hypocalcemia. After a total thyroidectomy, there is a risk of accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands, leading to hypocalcemia. This complication can manifest within the first 24-48 hours post-op. Monitoring calcium levels is crucial to prevent serious complications such as tetany or seizures. While monitoring for respiratory distress is important, it is not the priority in this case. Administering oral calcium supplements should only be done based on the healthcare provider's prescription and after assessing the client's calcium levels. Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees is beneficial for respiratory function but is not the priority intervention for a client at risk for hypocalcemia post-thyroidectomy.

5. What is the most important assessment for a nurse to conduct on a child diagnosed with intussusception?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection.
• B. Measure abdominal girth and monitor for pain.
• C. Check for bowel movement and changes in stool.
• D. Assess hydration status and monitor urine output.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Check for bowel movement and changes in stool.' Intussusception can cause obstruction in the bowel, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and 'currant jelly' stools. Monitoring for changes in bowel movement, especially the passage of 'currant jelly' stools, is crucial for early detection of worsening conditions. Choices A, B, and D are important assessments in pediatric care but are not as specific or crucial as checking for changes in bowel movement in a child diagnosed with intussusception.

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