Nursing Elites

1. In an emergency department, a provider is assessing a client with an acute head injury following a motor-vehicle crash. Which of the following findings should be prioritized?

• A. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13
• B. Clear fluid leaking from the nose
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Anisocoria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority finding is the clear fluid leaking from the nose, which could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak and potential brain injury. This requires immediate attention to assess for possible cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is a serious complication of head trauma and needs prompt intervention to prevent further complications. While a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13 may indicate a mild alteration in consciousness, it is not as urgent as assessing for a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms after head injuries but do not take precedence over assessing for a potential cerebrospinal fluid leak. Anisocoria (unequal pupils) is also important to note but is not as urgent as identifying a possible cerebrospinal fluid leak in this scenario.

2. A client has a pressure ulcer. Which of the following findings indicates healing of the ulcer?

• A. Increase in drainage.
• B. Decrease in size.
• C. Presence of foul odor.
• D. Reddened wound edges.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a pressure ulcer is healing, there is a decrease in its size as the tissue repair progresses. This reduction in size is a positive indication of the healing process. An increase in drainage, presence of foul odor, or reddened wound edges are typically signs of infection or lack of improvement. Therefore, the correct answer is a decrease in size.

3. When teaching a client with a new diagnosis of hypertension about medication adherence, which statement should the nurse include?

• A. You can stop taking your medication once your blood pressure is normal.
• B. You should take your medication at the same time every day.
• C. You can double your dose if you miss a dose.
• D. You should take your medication with a high-fat meal.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'You should take your medication at the same time every day.' Taking medication consistently at the same time daily is crucial for maintaining steady blood levels and effectively managing hypertension. It helps ensure that the medication works optimally and provides the best control of blood pressure throughout the day. Choice A is incorrect because stopping medication once blood pressure is normal can lead to a relapse or worsening of hypertension. Choice C is incorrect as doubling the dose without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous. Choice D is incorrect as taking medication with a high-fat meal can affect its absorption and efficacy.

4. What action should be taken to prevent respiratory complications in a client who is postoperative?

• A. Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer.
• B. Restrict fluid intake.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Administer a cough suppressant.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is crucial in preventing respiratory complications postoperatively. The incentive spirometer helps the client perform deep breathing exercises, which can prevent atelectasis (lung collapse) and promote lung expansion. This, in turn, reduces the risk of respiratory complications such as pneumonia. Restricting fluid intake, placing the client in a supine position, and administering a cough suppressant are not appropriate actions for preventing respiratory complications in a postoperative client.

5. A healthcare provider is planning care for a client who has a pressure ulcer. Which of the following interventions should the healthcare provider include?

• A. Massage the ulcer
• B. Apply a heating pad
• C. Reposition the client every 2 hours
• D. Use alcohol-based cleansers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Repositioning the client every 2 hours is a crucial intervention in the management of pressure ulcers. This action helps redistribute pressure, reducing the risk of further skin breakdown and promoting wound healing. Massaging the ulcer can cause further damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Applying a heating pad can increase the risk of skin breakdown and should be avoided. Alcohol-based cleansers are too harsh for pressure ulcers and can irritate the skin, potentially delaying healing.

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