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 healthcare professional is reviewing the results of an ABG performed on a client with chronic emphysema. Which of the following results suggests the need for further treatment?

• A. PaO2 level of 89 mm Hg
• B. PaCO2 level of 55 mm Hg
• C. HCO3 level of 25 mEq/L
• D. pH level of 7.37

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A PaCO2 level of 55 mm Hg indicates hypercapnia, which is common in clients with emphysema but may require further treatment if it leads to respiratory acidosis or distress. Elevated PaCO2 levels can indicate inadequate ventilation and impaired gas exchange, potentially leading to respiratory acidosis. The other results fall within normal ranges or compensated values for a client with chronic emphysema and do not necessarily indicate the need for immediate intervention.

3. A nurse is teaching the parent of a newborn about car seat safety. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. You should keep the car seat rear-facing until your baby is at least 2 years old.
• B. Position the retainer clip over the upper part of your baby's abdomen.
• C. You should place your baby in the car seat with a slight recline.
• D. Place the shoulder harness straps in the slots at or below your baby's shoulders.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The car seat should remain rear-facing until the baby is at least 2 years old to ensure maximum safety in the event of a collision. This position helps protect the infant’s head, neck, and spine. Choice B is incorrect because the retainer clip should be positioned at armpit level on the baby, not over the upper part of the abdomen. Choice C is incorrect as the baby should be placed in the car seat with a slight recline, not at a 90-degree angle. Choice D is incorrect as the shoulder harness straps should be at or below the baby's shoulders, not above, to ensure proper fit and safety.

4. A nurse is assessing a client with pancreatitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse look for?

• A. Increased appetite
• B. Abdominal pain
• C. Weight gain
• D. Elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Abdominal pain. Abdominal pain, often severe, is a hallmark sign of pancreatitis. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and tenderness in the abdomen. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increased appetite, weight gain, and elevated blood pressure are not typically associated with pancreatitis. Therefore, the nurse should primarily focus on assessing for abdominal pain in a client with suspected pancreatitis.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of escitalopram. Which of the following should the nurse assess first?

• A. Mood changes
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Heart rate
• D. Liver function

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess for mood changes. When administering escitalopram, it is crucial to evaluate mood changes first because the medication may take some time to demonstrate its full effects on the patient's mood. Assessing blood pressure, heart rate, or liver function is not the priority when administering escitalopram, as these parameters are not directly impacted acutely by this medication.

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