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. Which of the following dietary modifications should be recommended to a client with hypertension?

• A. Increase sodium intake.
• B. Reduce potassium intake.
• C. Increase fiber intake.
• D. Reduce calcium intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing fiber intake is a beneficial dietary modification for clients with hypertension. Fiber helps in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health by promoting better digestion and regulating cholesterol levels. Therefore, advising a client with hypertension to increase fiber intake can be beneficial for their overall health. In contrast, increasing sodium intake can lead to higher blood pressure, reducing potassium intake is not recommended as potassium helps in regulating blood pressure, and reducing calcium intake is not typically necessary for hypertension management.

3. Following a total hip arthroplasty, what intervention should the healthcare provider implement for the client?

• A. Place a pillow between the client's legs.
• B. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
• C. Position the client on the operative side.
• D. Keep the client’s legs adducted.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the client's legs is crucial post hip arthroplasty surgery to prevent hip dislocation. This intervention helps maintain proper alignment and prevents legs from crossing midline, reducing the risk of hip prosthesis dislocation. Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees, positioning the client on the operative side, or keeping the client's legs adducted are not recommended postoperative interventions for a total hip arthroplasty, as they can increase the risk of complications and compromise the surgical site.

4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Encourage pursed-lip breathing.
• B. Administer oxygen at 6 L/min via nasal cannula.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Restrict fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL/day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging pursed-lip breathing is essential for clients with COPD as it aids in improving ventilation and gas exchange. This technique helps keep the airways open longer during exhalation, preventing air trapping and promoting more effective breathing. Administering oxygen, placing the client in a supine position, or restricting fluid intake are not primary interventions for managing COPD and may not address the specific respiratory needs of the client.

5. What action should the healthcare provider take for a patient with a chest tube?

• A. Strip the drainage tubing every 4 hours.
• B. Keep the drainage system below the level of the patient's chest.
• C. Clamp the chest tube when ambulating the patient.
• D. Ensure the water seal chamber is filled to the prescribed level.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ensuring the water seal chamber is filled to the prescribed level is essential for the chest tube's effective functioning. This maintains the integrity of the system, prevents air from entering the pleural space, and facilitates proper drainage. Stripping the drainage tubing, keeping the drainage system below the chest level, or clamping the chest tube during ambulation are not recommended practices and can lead to complications.

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