Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following findings is the priority?

• A. Paradoxical pulse
• B. Dependent edema
• C. Pericardial friction rub
• D. Substernal chest pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with pericarditis, the priority finding is a paradoxical pulse. This is a crucial sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, causing compression of the heart. A paradoxical pulse is an exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure (>10 mmHg) during inspiration. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to prevent hemodynamic instability and cardiac arrest. Dependent edema (choice B) is not typically associated with pericarditis. Pericardial friction rub (choice C) is a common finding in pericarditis but does not indicate the urgency of intervention as a paradoxical pulse. Substernal chest pain (choice D) is a classic symptom of pericarditis but is not as critical as a paradoxical pulse in the context of assessing for complications.

2. A client has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Take this medication with milk if it causes stomach upset.
• C. Take this medication with orange juice to increase absorption.
• D. Take an antacid 1 hour after this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction is to take ferrous sulfate with orange juice to increase absorption because the vitamin C content in orange juice enhances iron absorption. Choice A is incorrect because ferrous sulfate should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice B is incorrect because milk can decrease iron absorption. Choice D is incorrect because antacids can reduce the absorption of ferrous sulfate.

3. A client with chronic kidney disease is being educated by a nurse about dietary modifications. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will increase my intake of potassium-rich foods.
• B. I will limit my protein intake to prevent further kidney damage.
• C. I will avoid consuming foods high in phosphorus.
• D. I will increase my intake of dairy products to support kidney function.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Limiting protein intake is crucial for clients with chronic kidney disease as it helps prevent further kidney damage. Increasing intake of potassium-rich foods (choice A) is not recommended for clients with kidney disease as high potassium levels can be harmful. Avoiding foods high in phosphorus (choice C) is important, but limiting protein intake is a higher priority. Increasing dairy product intake (choice D) is not ideal for clients with kidney disease as they may need to monitor their phosphorus intake from such foods.

4. Which medication is used to treat opioid overdose?

• A. Naloxone
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Lidocaine
• D. Atropine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Naloxone is the correct answer. Naloxone is the standard medication for reversing opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors. Choice B, Epinephrine, is used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and cardiac arrest, not opioid overdose. Choice C, Lidocaine, is a local anesthetic used for numbing purposes and managing certain types of arrhythmias, not for opioid overdose. Choice D, Atropine, is used to treat bradycardia, organophosphate poisoning, and nerve agent toxicity, not opioid overdose.

5. During a change-of-shift report, a nurse is receiving information about an adult female client who is postoperative. Which of the following client information should the nurse report?

• A. The client's oxygen saturation is 95%
• B. The client's blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg
• C. The client has a temperature of 36.8°C (98.2°F)
• D. The client's heart rate is 88/min

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within the normal range and stable. Reporting this information is crucial to monitor the client's condition postoperatively. Oxygen saturation of 95% is acceptable, a temperature of 36.8°C (98.2°F) is normal, and a heart rate of 88/min is within the expected range for an adult female client, so these values do not raise concerns that require immediate reporting.

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