Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client for signs of heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor?

• A. Decreased heart rate
• B. Peripheral edema
• C. Increased energy levels
• D. Hyperglycemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Peripheral edema. Peripheral edema, the accumulation of fluid causing swelling in the extremities, is a classic sign of heart failure due to fluid overload. This occurs because the heart's reduced pumping efficiency leads to fluid backup in the circulatory system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Decreased heart rate is not typically associated with heart failure; instead, tachycardia or an increased heart rate may be observed. Increased energy levels are not an expected finding in heart failure, as this condition often causes fatigue and weakness. Hyperglycemia is not a direct sign of heart failure; however, it can be present in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or as a result of certain treatments, but it is not a specific indicator of heart failure.

2. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected myocardial infarction. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Pain radiating to the left arm
• B. Pain relieved by rest
• C. Pain worsened with breathing
• D. Pain relieved by antacids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pain radiating to the left arm. This is a classic symptom of myocardial infarction and indicates possible heart involvement. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial for prompt evaluation and intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Pain relieved by rest, pain worsened with breathing, and pain relieved by antacids are not typical symptoms of myocardial infarction. These findings do not raise the same level of concern as pain radiating to the left arm and are less indicative of cardiac involvement.

3. A nurse on a postpartum unit is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

• A. A client who gave birth 1 day ago and needs Rho(D) immune globulin
• B. A client who gave birth 3 days ago and reports breast fullness
• C. A client who gave birth 12 hours ago and reports an increase in urinary output
• D. A client who gave birth 8 hours ago and is saturating a perineal pad every hour

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should see the client saturating a perineal pad every hour first. This client may be experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate assessment and intervention. The other options describe clients with less urgent needs. The client needing Rho(D) immune globulin can wait, the breast fullness in the client who gave birth 3 days ago can be addressed after managing the postpartum hemorrhage, and an increase in urinary output in a client who gave birth 12 hours ago is not indicative of an immediate emergency like postpartum hemorrhage.

4. While caring for a client receiving nitroglycerin for chest pain, which of the following side effects should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Hyperglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Nitroglycerin is known to cause hypotension due to its vasodilating effect, which can lead to low blood pressure. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client for signs of hypotension such as dizziness, light-headedness, or weakness. Tachycardia (increased heart rate), bradycardia (decreased heart rate), and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) are not typically associated with nitroglycerin use and are less likely to be side effects that the nurse needs to monitor for in this scenario.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the lab report of a client who has been experiencing a fever for the last 3 days. What lab result indicates the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD)?

• A. Decreased hematocrit
• B. Increased BUN
• C. Increased hematocrit
• D. Decreased urine specific gravity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An increased hematocrit level indicates dehydration or fluid volume deficit. Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells, and when a client is experiencing fluid volume deficit, there is less fluid in the blood, causing the concentration of red blood cells to be higher, leading to an increased hematocrit level. Decreased hematocrit (Choice A) is more indicative of fluid volume excess. Increased BUN (Choice B) is associated with renal function and dehydration but is not a direct indicator of FVD. Decreased urine specific gravity (Choice D) is also associated with dehydration, but an increased hematocrit is a more specific indicator of fluid volume deficit.

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