Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has a long arm cast. Which of the following findings indicates a moderate complication when assessing for acute compartment syndrome?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Petechiae
• C. Change in mental status
• D. Edema

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Edema is a common sign of acute compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, requiring immediate intervention. Shortness of breath (Choice A) is more indicative of a respiratory issue rather than acute compartment syndrome. Petechiae (Choice B) are pinpoint, round spots that appear on the skin due to bleeding under the skin and are not typically associated with acute compartment syndrome. Change in mental status (Choice C) is more suggestive of neurological issues rather than acute compartment syndrome.

2. A client in labor has an epidural for pain control. Which of the following clinical manifestations is an adverse effect of epidural anesthesia?

• A. Polyuria
• B. Hypertension
• C. Pruritus
• D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pruritus is a common adverse effect of epidural anesthesia, often due to the opioids administered with the epidural. It presents as itching on the skin and can cause significant discomfort to the client. Polyuria (excessive urination) and dry mouth are not typical adverse effects of epidural anesthesia. Hypertension is not commonly associated with epidural anesthesia; in fact, hypotension is a more frequent complication due to sympathetic blockade. Therefore, the correct answer is pruritus (choice C), as it is a known adverse effect of epidural anesthesia.

3. A healthcare provider is educating a client about the use of montelukast. Which of the following should be included?

• A. It is used for acute asthma attacks
• B. It is taken once daily in the evening
• C. It should be taken with food
• D. It has no side effects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is typically taken once daily in the evening for asthma management. Choice A is incorrect as montelukast is not used for acute asthma attacks but rather for the prevention of asthma symptoms. Choice C is also incorrect because montelukast can be taken with or without food. Choice D is misleading as all medications, including montelukast, have potential side effects.

4. A client has a new prescription for levothyroxine. What should the nurse teach the client?

• A. It should be taken at night
• B. Monitor for symptoms of hypothyroidism
• C. Take it with calcium supplements
• D. Take it on an empty stomach

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach. This is because levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption. Option A is incorrect because levothyroxine is usually advised to be taken in the morning. Option B is not the priority teaching point as monitoring for hypothyroidism symptoms is ongoing care. Option C is incorrect as levothyroxine should not be taken with calcium supplements as they can interfere with its absorption.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a dose of potassium chloride. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Administer rapidly
• B. Dilute the medication before administration
• C. Give it as a bolus
• D. Administer it intramuscularly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action when administering potassium chloride is to dilute the medication before administration. Potassium chloride is a highly concentrated solution that can cause irritation and potential complications if not properly diluted. Administering it rapidly (choice A) can lead to adverse effects. Giving it as a bolus (choice C) or administering it intramuscularly (choice D) are inappropriate routes for potassium chloride administration and can result in harm to the patient.

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