Nursing Elites

1. A client with cirrhosis is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan?

• A. Administer antihistamines as prescribed
• B. Apply alcohol-based lotions to the skin
• C. Encourage frequent baths with hot water
• D. Limit fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antihistamines as prescribed. Pruritus, or itching, is a common symptom in clients with cirrhosis. Antihistamines can help relieve itching by blocking the effects of histamine. Applying alcohol-based lotions (choice B) can further dry out the skin and exacerbate itching. Encouraging frequent baths with hot water (choice C) can also worsen pruritus by stripping the skin of natural oils. Limiting fluid intake (choice D) is not directly related to managing pruritus in cirrhosis.

2. The nurse is providing care for a client with a draining postoperative wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Encourage increased oral fluids.
• B. Provide high-protein snacks.
• C. Change the wound dressing.
• D. Administer prescribed antibiotics.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering prescribed antibiotics is crucial in treating MRSA infections. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, including methicillin. Therefore, prompt administration of the appropriate antibiotics is essential to target the MRSA infection effectively. Encouraging increased oral fluids (Choice A) and providing high-protein snacks (Choice B) may be beneficial for overall recovery but are not the most important actions in treating an MRSA infection. Changing the wound dressing (Choice C) is important for wound care but does not directly address the infection caused by MRSA.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with a history of seizure disorder who is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). Which laboratory value is most important to monitor?

• A. Phenytoin level
• B. Sodium level
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring the phenytoin level is crucial to ensure it is within the therapeutic range and to prevent toxicity. Monitoring sodium level is important in clients receiving lithium, not phenytoin. Hemoglobin level and white blood cell count are not directly related to phenytoin therapy monitoring.

4. A client with a history of hypertension is admitted to the hospital for a suspected myocardial infarction. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer oxygen as prescribed
• B. Perform an ECG
• C. Obtain a detailed health history
• D. Monitor vital signs regularly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing action in this scenario is to perform an ECG. An ECG is crucial in confirming myocardial infarction promptly and guiding immediate treatment decisions. Administering oxygen as prescribed is important but not the priority over confirming the diagnosis. Obtaining a detailed health history is relevant but does not take precedence over immediate diagnostic confirmation. While monitoring vital signs regularly is essential, performing an ECG is the priority action in this scenario to guide timely management.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer bronchodilator therapy as prescribed.
• B. Inhale the medication slowly while pressing down on the inhaler.
• C. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position.
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with COPD experiencing shortness of breath is to position the client in a high-Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and ease breathing by maximizing chest expansion and allowing for better airflow. While administering bronchodilator therapy is important, positioning the client for improved breathing takes priority. Inhaling the medication slowly and pressing down on the inhaler is a correct technique for inhaler use but not the priority intervention. Increasing the oxygen flow rate may be needed, but adjusting the client's position to a high-Fowler's position is the priority to address the shortness of breath in COPD.

Similar Questions