Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client for signs of dehydration. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional look for?

• A. Edema
• B. Dry mucous membranes
• C. Weight gain
• D. Increased urination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a classic sign of dehydration. In dehydration, the body loses more water than it takes in, leading to dryness of mucous membranes like the mouth and throat. Edema (choice A) is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, which is not a typical sign of dehydration. Weight gain (choice C) is also not a common sign of dehydration; in fact, dehydration usually leads to weight loss. Increased urination (choice D) is more indicative of conditions like diabetes or diuretic use, not dehydration.

2. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter into a female client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Inflate the balloon with 10 mL of sterile water prior to insertion
• B. Cleanse the client’s labia and meatus using a front-to-back motion
• C. Ask the client to bear down while inserting the catheter
• D. Inflate the catheter balloon after urine begins to flow

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when inserting an indwelling urinary catheter into a female client is to inflate the catheter balloon after urine begins to flow. Inflating the balloon before urine starts flowing can lead to incorrect placement in the urethra, causing trauma. Cleansing the labia and meatus should be done before the insertion, but the crucial step of inflating the balloon should occur after the catheter is correctly placed. Asking the client to bear down is not necessary during catheter insertion.

3. A nurse is planning care for a newly admitted adolescent client who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following instructions is appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

• A. Initiate droplet precautions
• B. Assist the client to a supine position
• C. Perform Glasgow Coma Scale assessment every 24 hours
• D. Recommend prophylactic acyclovir for the client’s family

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Initiate droplet precautions.' Bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions to prevent the spread of infection, as the bacteria can be transmitted through respiratory secretions. Choice B is incorrect because assisting the client to a supine position is not specific to the care of a client with bacterial meningitis and may not be appropriate for all clients. Choice C is incorrect because while performing Glasgow Coma Scale assessments is important in managing clients with neurological conditions, it is not directly related to preventing the spread of bacterial meningitis. Choice D is incorrect because recommending prophylactic acyclovir for the client's family is not a standard precautionary measure for preventing the spread of bacterial meningitis.

4. A nurse is reviewing a laboratory report for a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation and has preeclampsia. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. BUN 35 mg/dL
• B. Hgb 15 g/dL
• C. Bilirubin 0.6 mg/dL
• D. Hct 37%

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A BUN of 35 mg/dL indicates potential kidney impairment, which is a concern in preeclampsia due to compromised renal function. This finding warrants further evaluation by the provider. High BUN levels may suggest reduced kidney function, a common complication associated with preeclampsia. Hgb, Bilirubin, and Hct levels are within normal ranges and are not directly indicative of kidney impairment or preeclampsia in this scenario. Therefore, the nurse should report the elevated BUN level to the healthcare provider for prompt management and monitoring.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has breast cancer and has been receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. WBC 3,000/mm3
• B. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
• C. Platelets 250,000/mm3
• D. aPTT 30 seconds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A WBC count of 3,000/mm3 indicates neutropenia, a dangerous complication of chemotherapy that increases the risk of infection and requires immediate attention. Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy and can lead to life-threatening infections. Reporting a low WBC count is crucial to ensure timely intervention. Choices B, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not pose immediate risks to the client undergoing chemotherapy.

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