Nursing Elites

1. While assessing for costovertebral angle tenderness, a nurse percusses the area, and the client complains of sharp pain. The nurse interprets this finding as most indicative of which disorder?

• A. Liver enlargement
• B. Ovarian infection
• C. Spleen enlargement
• D. Kidney inflammation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When assessing for costovertebral angle tenderness, sharp pain on percussion of the area indicates inflammation of the kidney or paranephric area. The correct technique involves placing one hand over the 12th rib, at the costovertebral angle, and thumping that hand with the ulnar edge of the other fist. The client normally feels a thud and should not experience pain. Ovarian infection, liver enlargement, or spleen enlargement are not associated with the costovertebral angle tenderness. Therefore, the correct answer is kidney inflammation.

2. A nurse is preparing to measure a client's calf circumference. The nurse performs this procedure by performing which action?

• A. Placing a tape measure around the widest point of the lower leg
• B. Measuring 2 inches above the knee and placing the tape measure around the client's leg at this point
• C. Measuring 2 inches above the ankle and placing the tape measure around the client's leg at this point
• D. Measuring 2 inches below the patella and placing the tape measure around the client's leg at this point

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To measure a client's calf circumference accurately, a nurse should place a non-stretchable tape measure around the widest point of the lower leg. It is crucial to ensure that the tape measure is positioned at the same number of centimeters down from a specific landmark, such as the patella, on both legs for consistency. Placing the tape measure 2 inches above the knee (Option B), 2 inches above the ankle (Option C), or 2 inches below the patella (Option D) would not provide an accurate measurement of the calf circumference. Therefore, these options are incorrect choices.

3. What is the therapeutic range for carbamazepine (Tegretol)?

• A. 7-12 mcg/mL
• B. 4-10 mcg/mL
• C. 10-14 mcg/mL
• D. 1-5 mcg/mL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The therapeutic range for carbamazepine (Tegretol) is 4-10 mcg/mL. This range is established based on the optimal balance between effectiveness and safety. Choices A, C, and D are outside the therapeutic range for carbamazepine, which could lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes or increased risk of toxicity. Choice B (4-10 mcg/mL) is the correct range recommended for therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.

4. A nurse is interviewing an older adult while assisting with data collection. Which client comment regarding vision requires immediate discussion with the health care provider?

• A. "If I go from a very bright room to a very dark room, I have some trouble adjusting."
• B. "I have to hold my newspaper farther and farther away from me when I read."
• C. "I have a little trouble telling if my same-colored shirts and blouses actually match; the colors seem the same to me."
• D. "It looks like I have a blank spot in the middle of what I'm trying to see."

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is "It looks like I have a blank spot in the middle of what I'm trying to see." Seeing blank spots in the middle of an object is a sign of central vision loss, which is a symptom of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a serious condition that requires immediate discussion with a healthcare provider to prevent further vision loss. Choice A, mentioning difficulty adjusting between bright and dark rooms, is a common issue related to changes in lighting and not a cause for immediate concern. Choice B, having to hold objects farther away when reading, is indicative of presbyopia, a normal age-related change in vision. Choice C, experiencing slight changes in color perception, is also a common age-related change and not an urgent issue that necessitates immediate discussion with a healthcare provider.

5. The client provides information to a pregnant client who is experiencing nausea and vomiting about measures to relieve the discomfort. Which statement by the mother indicates the need for further information?

• A. ''I should eat five or six small meals a day rather than three full meals.''
• B. ''I need to be sure not to drink liquids with my meals.''
• C. ''I should keep dry crackers at my bedside and eat them before I get out of bed in the morning.''
• D. ''I need to avoid eating fried or greasy foods.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To alleviate nausea and vomiting, the client should avoid drinking liquids with meals. The client should keep dry crackers at her bedside, avoid fried foods, and eat smaller meals. Additionally, the client should eat dry crackers every 2 hours to prevent an empty stomach and avoid spicy foods and foods with strong odors, such as onion and cabbage. The incorrect choices are: A) Eating five or six small meals a day instead of three full meals is a correct recommendation. C) Keeping dry crackers at her bedside and eating them before getting out of bed in the morning is a helpful suggestion. D) Avoiding fried or greasy foods is a valid advice to alleviate nausea and vomiting.

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