Nursing Elites

1. A client with nephrotic syndrome is being assessed by a nurse. For which clinical manifestations should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Proteinuria
• B. Hypoalbuminemia
• C. Lipiduria
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by glomerular damage, leading to proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine), hypoalbuminemia (low levels of albumin in the blood), and lipiduria (lipids in the urine). These manifestations are key indicators of nephrotic syndrome. Edema, often severe, is also common due to decreased plasma oncotic pressure from hypoalbuminemia. The correct answer is 'All of the above' because all three manifestations are associated with nephrotic syndrome. Dehydration is not a typical finding in nephrotic syndrome as it is more commonly associated with fluid retention and edema. Dysuria is a symptom of cystitis, not nephrotic syndrome. CVA tenderness is more indicative of inflammatory changes in the kidney rather than nephrotic syndrome.

2. During spring break, a young adult presents to the urgent care clinic and reports a stiff neck, a fever for the past 6 hours, and a headache. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement first?

• A. Initiate isolation precautions
• B. Administer an antipyretic
• C. Draw blood cultures
• D. Prepare for lumbar puncture

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate isolation precautions. This is the priority action because the patient presents with symptoms that could be indicative of meningitis, an infectious disease that requires isolation to prevent its spread. Administering an antipyretic (Choice B) may help manage the fever but does not address the need for isolation. Drawing blood cultures (Choice C) and preparing for a lumbar puncture (Choice D) are important steps in diagnosing meningitis but should come after initiating isolation precautions to prevent potential transmission of the infection to others.

3. What is the most common symptom of hypoglycemia that the nurse should teach the diabetic client to recognize?

• A. Nervousness
• B. Anorexia
• C. Kussmaul's respirations
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nervousness is the most common symptom of hypoglycemia. It is often accompanied by other signs such as weakness, perspiration, confusion, and palpitations. Anorexia (lack of appetite) is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia; it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Kussmaul's respirations are a deep and labored breathing pattern seen in diabetic ketoacidosis, not hypoglycemia. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia; tachycardia (fast heart rate) is more commonly associated with hypoglycemia due to the release of catecholamines in response to low blood sugar.

4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is beginning oxygen therapy asks the nurse why the flow rate cannot be increased to more than 2 L/min. The nurse responds that this would be harmful because it could:

• A. Be drying to nasal passages
• B. Decrease the client’s oxygen-based respiratory drive
• C. Increase the risk of pneumonia due to drier air passages
• D. Decrease the client’s carbon dioxide–based respiratory drive

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increasing the oxygen flow rate beyond 2 L/min for a client with COPD can decrease the client's oxygen-based respiratory drive. In clients with COPD, the natural respiratory drive is based on the level of oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, as seen in healthy individuals. Increasing the oxygen level independently can suppress the drive to breathe, leading to respiratory failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because drying of nasal passages, increased risk of pneumonia due to drier air passages, and decreasing the carbon dioxide-based respiratory drive are not the primary concerns associated with increasing the oxygen flow rate in a client with COPD.

5. A client has just had a central line catheter placed that is specific for hemodialysis. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse?

• A. Use the catheter for the next laboratory blood draw.
• B. Monitor the central venous pressure through this line.
• C. Access the line for the next intravenous medication.
• D. Place a heparin or heparin/saline dwell after hemodialysis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse after a central line catheter placement for hemodialysis is to place a heparin or heparin/saline dwell after hemodialysis treatment. This helps prevent clot formation in the line and maintain patency for future use. Using the catheter for blood draws is not recommended as it may increase the risk of infection. Monitoring central venous pressure is not indicated with this type of catheter. Accessing the line for medications is also not recommended to prevent complications and ensure the line is solely used for hemodialysis purposes.

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