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 caring for a client 4 hours postoperative following a thyroidectomy who reports fullness in the throat. What should the nurse assess for?

• A. Hypocalcemia
• B. Hemorrhage
• C. Hypoxia
• D. Hypothyroidism

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fullness in the throat after a thyroidectomy could indicate bleeding or a hematoma, which can compress the airway, so hemorrhage is the priority concern. Hypocalcemia typically presents with symptoms like tingling around the mouth or in the extremities, muscle cramps, or seizures, not fullness in the throat. Hypoxia would manifest with symptoms like shortness of breath, confusion, or cyanosis, rather than a feeling of fullness in the throat. Hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance, but it does not typically cause acute fullness in the throat postoperatively.

3. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of atorvastatin. Which of the following should be included?

• A. Monitor for muscle pain
• B. It can cause weight gain
• C. It is safe during pregnancy
• D. It is an anticoagulant

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Monitor for muscle pain.' Atorvastatin can cause muscle pain and liver function abnormalities, so clients should be monitored for these side effects. Choice B is incorrect because atorvastatin is not known to cause weight gain. Choice C is incorrect as atorvastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Choice D is incorrect because atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels, not an anticoagulant.

4. A nurse is receiving a report on four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who has an ileal conduit and mucus in the pouch
• B. Client with arteriovenous fistula with additional vibration palpated
• C. A client with chronic kidney disease and cloudy dialysate outflow
• D. A client with transurethral resection of the prostate with red-tinged urine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should assess the client with chronic kidney disease and cloudy dialysate outflow first because cloudy dialysate outflow suggests peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis that requires immediate intervention. Assessing and addressing peritonitis promptly is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure the client's safety. Choices A, B, and D present important findings that require attention but are not as urgent as peritonitis, which can quickly escalate and endanger the client's health.

5. A nurse is caring for a client with end-stage osteoporosis who is experiencing severe pain and a respiratory rate of 14/min. Which medication should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Promethazine
• B. Hydromorphone
• C. Ketorolac
• D. Amitriptyline

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should prioritize administering Hydromorphone (choice B), an opioid analgesic, to manage the severe pain effectively. Opioids are the first-line treatment for severe pain, especially in end-stage conditions like osteoporosis. Promethazine (choice A) is an antihistamine and antiemetic, not a potent analgesic. Ketorolac (choice C) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may not provide sufficient pain relief in severe cases. Amitriptyline (choice D) is a tricyclic antidepressant used for neuropathic pain and depression, but it is not the first choice for managing severe pain in this scenario.

Similar Questions