Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has chronic pain. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Hyperthermia
• D. Depression

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Depression. Chronic pain is often associated with psychological effects like depression. Patients with chronic pain may experience feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair, which are characteristic of depression. While chronic pain can lead to changes in vital signs like increased blood pressure and heart rate, hypotension, tachycardia, or hyperthermia are not typically expected findings solely due to chronic pain. Therefore, the healthcare professional should be alert to signs of depression in clients with chronic pain and address these psychological impacts appropriately.

2. When teaching a client about the proper use of a cane, which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Hold the cane on the weaker side.
• B. Move the cane forward first.
• C. Keep the cane 12 inches away from the body.
• D. Use the cane for support only when climbing stairs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When using a cane, it is crucial to move the cane forward first to provide support and enhance balance. Advancing the cane before the weaker or stronger leg helps widen the base of support, thereby improving stability during ambulation. Keeping the cane too far or too close to the body can affect its supportive function. Moreover, utilizing the cane solely for stair climbing limits its overall utility in maintaining balance and stability during regular walking.

3. A healthcare professional is planning to collect a stool specimen for ova and parasites from a client with diarrhea. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take when collecting the specimen?

• A. Instruct the client to defecate into a clean container
• B. Transfer the specimen to a sterile container
• C. Refrigerate the collected specimen
• D. Place the stool specimen collection container in a biohazard bag

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When collecting a stool specimen for ova and parasites, it is essential to place the specimen collection container in a biohazard bag. This practice ensures proper handling of potentially infectious material and prevents contamination with microorganisms. The biohazard bag should be labeled with the client's information for easy identification and proper tracking throughout the testing process. Instructing the client to defecate into a clean container is incorrect as it may introduce contaminants. Transferring the specimen to a sterile container is unnecessary and can increase the risk of contamination. Refrigerating the collected specimen is also not recommended as it may alter the sample and affect the test results.

4. A client has major fecal incontinence and reports irritation in the perianal area. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Apply a fecal collection system
• B. Apply a barrier cream
• C. Cleanse and dry the area
• D. Check the client's perineum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client with major fecal incontinence reports irritation in the perianal area, the nurse's initial action should be to assess the client's perineum to gather more information. By checking the perineum, the nurse can identify the extent and nature of the irritation, allowing for appropriate interventions to be initiated. This assessment is crucial in developing a comprehensive care plan and addressing the client's immediate needs effectively. Applying the nursing process priority-setting framework helps in planning care and prioritizing nursing actions, making assessment the initial step in this scenario. Applying a fecal collection system (choice A) would be premature without assessing the perineal area first. Similarly, applying a barrier cream (choice B) or cleansing and drying the area (choice C) should follow the assessment to ensure appropriate interventions are chosen based on the assessment findings.

5. A healthcare professional is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• B. Take aspirin for pain relief.
• C. Consume a consistent amount of green leafy vegetables.
• D. Use an electric razor when shaving.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Consuming a consistent amount of green leafy vegetables is important for clients taking warfarin as these foods contain vitamin K, which can affect the medication's effectiveness. Maintaining a consistent intake helps stabilize the International Normalized Ratio (INR) levels, which is crucial for monitoring the blood's ability to clot properly while on warfarin therapy. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Avoiding grapefruit juice is generally recommended with certain medications due to its interaction with liver enzymes, which is not directly related to warfarin. Taking aspirin along with warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding. Using an electric razor when shaving is a safety precaution for those at risk of bleeding, but it is not directly related to the medication warfarin.

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