Nursing Elites

1. A client with meningitis is being assessed by a healthcare provider. Which of the following findings should the provider expect?

• A. Negative Brudzinski’s sign.
• B. Flaccid neck muscles.
• C. Petechial rash.
• D. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A petechial rash is a characteristic finding in clients with meningitis, indicating small, pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin. This rash results from the infection's impact on the blood vessels. Petechiae are important to recognize as they can help differentiate meningitis from other conditions with similar symptoms. Brudzinski’s sign, neck stiffness, and positive Kernig’s sign are more common physical exam findings in meningitis. Flaccid neck muscles and hypoactive deep tendon reflexes are not typically associated with meningitis.

2. When admitting a client at risk for falls in a long-term care facility, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Complete a fall-risk assessment
• B. Place a fall-risk identification bracelet on the client
• C. Provide the client with nonskid footwear
• D. Set the bed to the lowest position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial step in caring for a client at risk for falls is to conduct a fall-risk assessment. This assessment helps the nurse gather crucial data to identify specific risks and individualized needs, guiding subsequent interventions and preventive measures. By completing a thorough assessment, the nurse can develop a targeted plan of care to mitigate fall risk and ensure the client's safety. Placing a fall-risk identification bracelet, providing nonskid footwear, or setting the bed to the lowest position may be important interventions, but these actions should be based on the findings of the fall-risk assessment, making choice A the priority.

3. A client is being assessed for dehydration. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Elevated blood pressure
• B. Increased skin turgor
• C. Dark-colored urine
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dark-colored urine is a common sign of dehydration as the urine becomes concentrated. Dehydration leads to reduced fluid intake or excessive fluid loss, causing the urine to be darker in color due to increased urine concentration. Elevated blood pressure (Choice A) is not typically associated with dehydration; instead, dehydration often leads to low blood pressure. Increased skin turgor (Choice B) is actually a sign of good hydration, not dehydration. Bradypnea (Choice D), which refers to abnormally slow breathing, is not a common finding in dehydration.

4. A client is experiencing dysphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Provide small food pieces.
• B. Offer thickened liquids.
• C. Encourage the client to sit upright after meals.
• D. Place food on the unaffected side of the mouth.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a client with dysphagia, placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth can help them chew and swallow more effectively. This technique can assist in minimizing the risk of aspiration and improve the client's ability to manage food safely. Providing small food pieces, offering thickened liquids, and encouraging the client to sit upright after meals are also important interventions in managing dysphagia, but placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth is a specific technique that directly addresses the swallowing difficulty associated with dysphagia.

5. A client has a new prescription for total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Obtain a random blood glucose daily.
• B. Change the IV tubing every 72 hours.
• C. Apply a new dressing to the IV site every 24 hours.
• D. Weigh the client weekly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client is on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), monitoring blood glucose levels daily is crucial to manage and detect complications like hyperglycemia, which can occur due to the high glucose content in TPN solutions. Regular blood glucose monitoring helps the healthcare team adjust the TPN infusion rate to maintain optimal glucose levels and prevent adverse events. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because changing IV tubing every 72 hours, applying a new dressing to the IV site every 24 hours, and weighing the client weekly are not specific actions directly related to monitoring and managing the effects of TPN, particularly in relation to glucose levels.

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