Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a femur fracture and is in skeletal traction. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Clear fluid drainage from the pin sites
• B. Client reporting intermittent muscle spasms
• C. Client reporting severe pain despite receiving analgesics
• D. The traction weights are hanging freely

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Severe pain that is not relieved by analgesics may indicate neurovascular compromise or other complications and requires immediate attention by the provider. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because clear fluid drainage from the pin sites is expected in skeletal traction, intermittent muscle spasms are common in this situation, and traction weights hanging freely indicate proper traction alignment.

2. A nurse is planning to delegate client assignments to the assistive personnel. Which of the following tasks is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?

• A. Adjust the flow rate of the client’s oxygen tank
• B. Collect a urine sample
• C. Measure the client’s pain level
• D. Monitor blood glucose levels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Collect a urine sample. Delegating this task to assistive personnel is appropriate as it falls within their scope of practice. Tasks like adjusting the flow rate of oxygen tanks, measuring pain levels, and monitoring blood glucose levels require clinical judgment and should be performed by a nurse. It is important for nurses to delegate tasks that align with the competencies of assistive personnel to ensure safe and effective patient care.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV diltiazem for atrial fibrillation. Which of the following findings is a contraindication to the administration of diltiazem?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Decreased level of consciousness
• D. History of diuretic use

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Diltiazem can cause further lowering of blood pressure, so it should not be administered if the client is already hypotensive. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial before giving diltiazem. Choice B, tachycardia, is not a contraindication for diltiazem use; in fact, diltiazem is used to slow down the heart rate. Choice C, decreased level of consciousness, may indicate other issues but is not a direct contraindication for diltiazem. Choice D, history of diuretic use, is not a contraindication by itself; however, caution should be exercised when diltiazem is given with diuretics due to potential interactions.

4. A nurse in an outpatient facility is assessing a client who is prescribed furosemide 40 mg daily, but the client reports she has been taking extra doses to promote weight loss. Which of the following indicates she is dehydrated?

• A. Urine specific gravity of 1.035
• B. Oliguria, increased urine concentration, and an increase in urine specific gravity greater than 1.030
• C. Polyuria
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Oliguria (reduced urine output), increased urine concentration, and a urine specific gravity greater than 1.030 are indicative of dehydration, particularly in clients using diuretics excessively. Choice A is incorrect because a urine specific gravity of 1.035 is high, indicating concentrated urine but not specifically dehydration. Choice C, polyuria, refers to increased urine output and is not consistent with dehydration. Choice D, hypotension, is a sign of fluid volume deficit but is not specific to dehydration as described in the scenario.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum, has a deep-vein thrombosis, and is receiving heparin therapy via subcutaneous injections. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Request a prescription for PRN aspirin from the provider.
• B. Massage the injection site thoroughly following administration.
• C. Instruct the client that they cannot breastfeed while receiving heparin.
• D. Administer the injection in the client's abdomen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should administer the injection in the abdomen, as this is a common site for subcutaneous heparin administration. Massaging the injection site can lead to bruising or discomfort and should be avoided. Instructing the client not to breastfeed while on heparin is inaccurate, as heparin does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts. Aspirin is contraindicated for clients on heparin due to the increased risk of bleeding, so requesting a prescription for PRN aspirin would not be appropriate in this situation.

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