Nursing Elites

1. A male client is admitted to the neurological unit. He has just sustained a C-5 spinal cord injury. Which assessment finding of this client warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Is unable to feel sensation in the arms and hands.
• B. Has flaccid upper and lower extremities.
• C. Blood pressure is 110/70 and the apical pulse is 68.
• D. Respirations are shallow, labored, and 14 breaths/minute.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Respirations that are shallow, labored, and at 14 breaths/minute indicate potential respiratory compromise, which is a critical situation requiring immediate intervention to maintain adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory failure.

2. When implementing patient teaching for a patient admitted with hyperglycemia and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus scheduled for discharge the second day after admission, what is the priority action for the nurse?

• A. Instruct about the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• B. Provide detailed information about dietary glucose control.
• C. Teach glucose self-monitoring and medication administration.
• D. Give information about the effects of exercise on glucose control.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse when time is limited is to focus on essential teaching. In this scenario, the patient should be educated on how to self-monitor glucose levels and administer medications to control glucose levels. This empowers the patient with immediate skills for managing their condition. Instructing about the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (choice A) is important but not as urgent as teaching self-monitoring and medication administration. Providing detailed information about dietary glucose control (choice B) can be beneficial but is secondary to ensuring the patient can monitor and manage their glucose levels. Teaching about the effects of exercise (choice D) is relevant but not as critical as immediate self-monitoring and medication administration education.

3. When assessing a male client who is receiving a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), the nurse notes that the infusion was started 30 minutes ago, and 50 ml of blood is left to be infused. The client's vital signs are within normal limits. He reports feeling 'out of breath' but denies any other complaints. What action should the nurse take at this time?

• A. Administer a PRN prescription for diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
• B. Start the normal saline attached to the Y-tubing at the same rate.
• C. Decrease the intravenous flow rate of the PRBC transfusion.
• D. Ask the respiratory therapist to administer PRN albuterol (Ventolin).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the client is experiencing symptoms of shortness of breath, which could indicate fluid overload from the PRBC transfusion. By decreasing the intravenous flow rate of the transfusion, the nurse can slow down the rate of blood being infused, potentially alleviating the symptoms of fluid overload and shortness of breath. This intervention can help prevent further complications and promote the client's comfort and safety.

4. After performing a paracentesis on a client with ascites, 3 liters of fluid are removed. Which assessment parameter is most critical for the nurse to monitor following the procedure?

• A. Pedal pulses.
• B. Breath sounds.
• C. Gag reflex.
• D. Vital signs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Following a paracentesis where a significant amount of fluid is removed, it is crucial to monitor the client's vital signs. This helps in detecting any signs of hypovolemia, such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, which could indicate complications post-procedure. Monitoring the vital signs allows for prompt intervention if there are any deviations from the baseline values.

5. What is the primary goal of care for a client experiencing esophageal varices secondary to liver cirrhosis?

• A. Preventing infection
• B. Controlling bleeding
• C. Reducing portal hypertension
• D. Maintaining nutritional status

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal of care for a client with esophageal varices secondary to liver cirrhosis is to control bleeding. Esophageal varices are fragile, enlarged veins in the esophagus that can rupture and lead to life-threatening bleeding. Controlling bleeding is crucial to prevent severe complications and ensure the client's safety and well-being. Preventing infection (Choice A) is important but not the primary goal in this case. Reducing portal hypertension (Choice C) is a long-term goal that may help prevent variceal bleeding but is not the immediate priority. Maintaining nutritional status (Choice D) is essential for overall health but is secondary to controlling bleeding in this critical situation.

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