Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client with a small bowel obstruction, what finding should a nurse expect?

• A. Significant abdominal distention
• B. Large bowel movements
• C. High-pitched bowel sounds
• D. Copious vomiting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: High-pitched bowel sounds are often heard early in a small bowel obstruction due to increased peristalsis as the bowel tries to overcome the blockage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Abdominal distention is more commonly associated with large bowel obstructions, while large bowel movements and copious vomiting are not typical findings in small bowel obstructions.

2. A client with hepatic encephalopathy is being educated about their diet by a nurse. Which of the following food selections indicates that the client understands the teaching?

• A. A sandwich and a milkshake
• B. Rice with black beans
• C. Cottage cheese and tuna on lettuce
• D. A three-egg omelet with low-sodium ham

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rice with black beans. Clients with hepatic encephalopathy should limit protein intake to prevent the buildup of ammonia. Plant-based proteins are preferred over animal-based proteins in this condition. Rice with black beans provides a good balance of nutrients and is a suitable choice for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they contain animal-based proteins, which should be limited in clients with hepatic encephalopathy.

3. A newly licensed nurse tells a charge nurse he is unsure about accepting telephone medication prescriptions. Which of the following providers should the charge nurse identify as having the legal ability to give telephone medication prescriptions?

• A. Nurse midwives
• B. Physical therapists
• C. Pharmacists
• D. Physician assistants

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Physician assistants are healthcare providers who are licensed to prescribe medications. They have the legal ability to give telephone orders for medications. Nurse midwives primarily focus on providing prenatal care and assisting during labor and delivery. Physical therapists specialize in rehabilitation services. Pharmacists dispense medications and provide medication counseling. Therefore, among the options provided, physician assistants are the correct choice for giving telephone medication prescriptions.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Place several pillows behind the client’s head
• B. Place the client in a Sims' position
• C. Keep the client’s neck in a midline position
• D. Maintain flexion of the client’s hips at a 90° angle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the client’s neck in a midline position is essential when caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) as it helps promote optimal blood flow and reduces the risk of further increasing ICP. Placing pillows behind the client’s head (Choice A) may not be recommended as it could potentially increase ICP. Putting the client in a Sims' position (Choice B) and maintaining hip flexion at a 90° angle (Choice D) are not directly related to managing increased ICP and are not the priority interventions in this situation.

5. A healthcare provider is educating a patient on the use of alendronate. Which of the following should be included?

• A. Take it with food
• B. Take it once a week
• C. It can be taken at bedtime
• D. Monitor for increased appetite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Take it once a week.' Alendronate is typically taken once a week to treat osteoporosis. It should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning with a full glass of water. Choice A is incorrect because alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, not with food. Choice C is incorrect because alendronate should be taken in the morning, not at bedtime. Choice D is unrelated to alendronate use and not a common side effect associated with this medication.

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