Nursing Elites

1. A client with peripheral artery disease reports pain while walking. What intervention should the nurse recommend?

• A. Encourage the client to increase physical activity.
• B. Instruct the client to take rest breaks during walking.
• C. Apply warm compresses to the legs to improve circulation.
• D. Massage the affected leg to relieve the pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients with peripheral artery disease often experience claudication (leg pain during walking) due to decreased blood flow. Encouraging rest breaks during walking helps to manage pain and improve circulation. Rest breaks allow the muscles to recover from ischemia caused by inadequate blood supply. Increasing physical activity without breaks may worsen the symptoms. Applying warm compresses can potentially lead to burns or skin damage in individuals with compromised circulation. Massaging the affected leg is contraindicated in peripheral artery disease as it can further compromise blood flow.

2. A client with chronic renal failure has a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer a potassium supplement.
• B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• C. Administer calcium gluconate.
• D. Restrict the client's potassium intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. The correct priority action for the nurse is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. Hyperkalemia requires prompt intervention to lower potassium levels and prevent complications. Administering a potassium supplement (Choice A) would worsen the condition. Administering calcium gluconate (Choice C) is a treatment option but is not the nurse's priority action. Restricting the client's potassium intake (Choice D) may be necessary but is not the immediate priority when facing a critical potassium level.

3. A client with a history of type 2 diabetes is admitted with hyperglycemia. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer a dose of insulin as prescribed.
• B. Check the client's blood glucose level.
• C. Administer a fluid bolus to improve hydration.
• D. Monitor the client's intake and output closely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's blood glucose level. This is the priority action when dealing with a client admitted with hyperglycemia. Checking the blood glucose level helps determine the severity of hyperglycemia and guides further treatment. Administering insulin or fluids or monitoring intake and output are important interventions but should come after assessing the blood glucose level to inform the most appropriate course of action.

4. The nurse observes that a client’s wrist restraint is secured to the side rail of the bed. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Ensure that the restraint is snug against the client’s wrist.
• B. Reposition the restraint tie onto the bedframe.
• C. Double knot the restraint to ensure safety.
• D. Leave the restraint in place and notify the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to reposition the restraint tie onto the bedframe. Restraints should always be secured to the bedframe, not the side rails, to prevent injury to the client in case the bed is adjusted. Choice A is incorrect because the issue is with the attachment point, not the snugness of the restraint. Choice C is incorrect as double knotting the restraint does not address the incorrect attachment point. Choice D is incorrect as the nurse should not leave the restraint in the wrong position; instead, it should be moved to the correct location on the bedframe.

5. A client is receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for treatment of bronchial cancer. Which of the following should take priority in planning care?

• A. Esophagitis
• B. Leukopenia
• C. Fatigue
• D. Skin irritation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Leukopenia. Leukopenia, or a low white blood cell count, is a critical concern in clients undergoing radiation therapy due to the increased risk of infection. While esophagitis, fatigue, and skin irritation are also potential side effects of radiation therapy, leukopenia poses a higher risk as it compromises the body's ability to fight infections effectively.

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