Nursing Elites

1. A client with cirrhosis is taking lactulose (Cephulac). Which finding indicates that the lactulose is having the desired effect?

• A. Two to three soft bowel movements per day
• B. Increased serum ammonia levels
• C. Decreased white blood cell count
• D. Soft, formed stool twice a day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Two to three soft bowel movements per day.' Lactulose is prescribed to produce soft, regular bowel movements to reduce ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis. This helps in preventing hepatic encephalopathy. Option B is incorrect because increased serum ammonia levels would indicate that lactulose is not effectively reducing ammonia levels. Option C is incorrect because lactulose does not directly affect white blood cell counts. Option D is incorrect because soft, formed stools twice a day may not be frequent enough to effectively reduce ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis.

2. The nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client with chronic kidney disease. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide this client?

• A. Monitor daily weights
• B. Limit fluid intake to prevent fluid overload
• C. Report any weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a day
• D. Increase protein intake to promote healing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to provide a client with chronic kidney disease is to report any weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a day. This is crucial because sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention, which is a common issue in kidney disease. Monitoring daily weights, as in option A, is important but not as critical as reporting sudden weight gain. Option B, limiting fluid intake, is a general recommendation for kidney disease but not the most important aspect in this scenario. Option D, increasing protein intake, is not appropriate as excessive protein intake can be harmful for clients with kidney disease.

3. The nurse is assessing a client who has a new cast on the left arm. Which finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Client reports itching under the cast
• B. Client reports pain at the cast site
• C. Client reports swelling of the fingers
• D. Client reports warmth over the casted area

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Swelling of the fingers can indicate compromised circulation, which is a serious concern in a client with a new cast. It could suggest the development of compartment syndrome, a condition where increased pressure within the muscles can lead to impaired blood flow. This can result in tissue damage and should be addressed promptly. Itching under the cast, pain at the cast site, and warmth over the casted area are common findings after cast application and may not necessarily indicate an urgent issue requiring immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.

4. A 59-year-old male client is brought to the emergency room where he is assessed to have a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3. Based on this assessment, how should the nurse characterize the client's condition?

• A. The client is experiencing increased intracranial pressure
• B. He has a good prognosis for recovery
• C. This client is conscious, but is not oriented to time and place
• D. He is in a coma, and has a very poor prognosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A Glasgow Coma Scale of 3 indicates severe neurological impairment, suggesting a deep coma or even impending death. This client's condition is critical, and he has a very poor prognosis. Choice A is incorrect because a GCS of 3 does not directly indicate increased intracranial pressure. Choice B is incorrect as a GCS of 3 signifies a grave neurological status. Choice C is incorrect as a GCS of 3 represents a state of unconsciousness rather than being conscious but disoriented.

5. The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis. Which outcome is the priority for this child?

• A. Activity tolerance as evidenced by appropriate age-level activities being performed
• B. Absence of skin breakdown as evidenced by intact skin and absence of redness
• C. Maintaining adequate nutritional status as evidenced by stable weight without gain or loss
• D. Maintaining fluid balance as evidenced by a urine output of 1 to 2 ml/kg/hr

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In acute glomerulonephritis, maintaining fluid balance is the priority to prevent complications like fluid overload or dehydration. Monitoring urine output within the range of 1 to 2 ml/kg/hr is crucial in assessing renal function. While activity tolerance, skin integrity, and nutritional status are important aspects of care, fluid balance takes precedence due to its direct impact on the renal condition and overall health outcome for the child.

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