Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has fluid volume excess. Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Crackles in the lungs
• D. Dry mucous membranes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Crackles in the lungs are indicative of fluid accumulation in the alveoli, which is a characteristic finding in clients with fluid volume excess. The crackling sound occurs due to the presence of excess fluid in the lungs, impairing normal ventilation and gas exchange. Monitoring for crackles is essential for early detection and management of fluid overload in clients. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in fluid volume excess, hypervolemia leads to increased blood pressure (not hypotension), compensatory tachycardia (not bradycardia), and moist mucous membranes (not dry).

2. In an emergency department, a provider is assessing a client with an acute head injury following a motor-vehicle crash. Which of the following findings should be prioritized?

• A. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13
• B. Clear fluid leaking from the nose
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Anisocoria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority finding is the clear fluid leaking from the nose, which could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak and potential brain injury. This requires immediate attention to assess for possible cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is a serious complication of head trauma and needs prompt intervention to prevent further complications. While a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13 may indicate a mild alteration in consciousness, it is not as urgent as assessing for a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms after head injuries but do not take precedence over assessing for a potential cerebrospinal fluid leak. Anisocoria (unequal pupils) is also important to note but is not as urgent as identifying a possible cerebrospinal fluid leak in this scenario.

3. What action is required by law when preparing to administer a controlled substance?

• A. Verify the client’s identification using two identifiers.
• B. Document the medication administration in the client’s chart immediately.
• C. Return any unused portion of the medication to the pharmacy.
• D. Have a second nurse witness the disposal of any unused portion.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Having a second nurse witness the disposal of any unused portion of a controlled substance is a legal requirement to ensure proper disposal, prevent diversion, and maintain accountability. This practice helps in reducing the risk of misuse or unauthorized access to controlled substances, enhancing patient safety, and complying with legal regulations and standards.

4. When preparing to insert an NG tube for a client who requires gastric decompression, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client with the head of the bed elevated to 30° prior to insertion
• B. Measure the tube from the client's nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process
• C. Lubricate the entire length of the tube with water-soluble lubricant
• D. Instruct the client to cough during insertion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Measuring the tube from the client's nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process ensures the tube is inserted to the correct depth. This measurement helps prevent complications such as tube misplacement or lung insertion. Positioning the client with the head of the bed elevated to 30° is important to facilitate easier insertion but is not the most crucial step. Lubricating the entire length of the tube with water-soluble lubricant is essential for smooth insertion but is not the most critical action. Instructing the client to cough during insertion is not necessary and may lead to unnecessary discomfort.

5. Which of the following statements indicates the client understands the colostomy care instructions?

• A. I will change the colostomy bag once a week.
• B. I will avoid eating high-fiber foods.
• C. I will clean around the stoma with mild soap and water.
• D. I will apply lotion to the skin around the stoma.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cleaning around the stoma with mild soap and water is crucial for colostomy care as it helps prevent infection and skin irritation. Changing the colostomy bag frequency, dietary modifications, or applying lotion are not primary aspects of stoma care. Proper cleaning around the stoma helps maintain hygiene and prevents complications, making it a key component of caring for a colostomy.

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