Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is admitting a client who has decreased circulation in his left leg. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take first?

• A. Evaluate pedal pulses
• B. Assess skin temperature
• C. Check for capillary refill
• D. Measure the leg circumference

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Evaluating pedal pulses should be the first action taken as it provides immediate information about circulation. This assessment helps in determining the adequacy of blood flow in the client's leg. Assessing skin temperature, checking for capillary refill, and measuring leg circumference are important assessments; however, evaluating pedal pulses is the most crucial initial step in this scenario. Skin temperature assessment and capillary refill check can provide additional valuable information about perfusion, while measuring leg circumference is useful in monitoring for edema. Therefore, for a client with decreased circulation in the left leg, evaluating pedal pulses takes precedence over the other assessments.

2. A nurse manager is reviewing with nurses on the unit the care of a client who has had a seizure. Which of the following statements by a nurse requires further instruction?

• A. “I will place the client on their side.”
• B. “I will go to the nurses’ station for assistance.”
• C. “I will note the time that the seizure begins.”
• D. “I will prepare to insert an airway.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Going to the nurses’ station for assistance during a seizure is inappropriate as immediate care is necessary. Placing the client on their side helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration. Noting the time the seizure begins is crucial for monitoring and documentation. Preparing to insert an airway may be necessary if the client's airway becomes compromised. Therefore, the nurse's statement about going to the nurses' station for assistance is the only incorrect response as it delays essential care.

3. A client is scheduled to have his alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level checked. The client asks the nurse to explain the laboratory test. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. “This test will indicate if you are at risk for developing blood clots.”
• B. “This test will determine if your heart is performing properly.”
• C. “This test will provide information about the function of your liver.”
• D. “This test is used to check how your kidneys are working.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: “This test will provide information about the function of your liver.” Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. An elevated ALT level may indicate liver damage or disease. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because ALT is specifically related to liver function and not indicative of blood clot risk, heart performance, or kidney function.

4. A healthcare professional is planning to assess the abdomen of a client who reports feeling bloated for several weeks. Which of the following methods of assessment should the healthcare professional use first?

• A. Inspection
• B. Palpation
• C. Auscultation
• D. Percussion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Inspection is the initial step in abdominal assessment as it allows the healthcare professional to visually observe any abnormalities or signs of bloating. Palpation, auscultation, and percussion are subsequent assessment techniques that follow inspection. Palpation involves feeling for tenderness, masses, or organ enlargement; auscultation is listening for bowel sounds; and percussion is used to assess the density of underlying tissues or detect the presence of fluid or air in the abdomen. In the context of a client reporting bloating, the first step should be visual inspection to gather initial information. Palpation, auscultation, and percussion come after inspection to provide a more comprehensive assessment.

5. The client is being discharged and has been prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the medication?

• A. I will take this medication on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
• B. I will weigh myself daily and report any significant weight loss.
• C. I will include potassium-rich foods in my diet while taking this medication.
• D. I will take this medication in the morning to prevent nocturia.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Weighing daily and reporting significant weight loss is crucial when taking furosemide to monitor for potential fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Choice A is incorrect because furosemide is typically taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Choice C is incorrect as furosemide can lead to potassium loss, so potassium-rich foods should be consumed. Choice D is incorrect because furosemide is usually taken earlier in the day to prevent nocturia, not at bedtime.

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