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 nurse is planning care for a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote airway clearance?

• A. Perform chest physiotherapy every 4 hours.
• B. Suction the client every 2 hours.
• C. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
• D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake is essential in promoting airway clearance for a client with pneumonia. Increased fluid intake helps thin secretions, making it easier for the client to clear their airways. Chest physiotherapy (Choice A) is more focused on mobilizing secretions and may not be suitable for all clients with pneumonia. Suctioning (Choice B) is indicated for clients who have excessive secretions that they cannot manage effectively themselves. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula (Choice D) is important for clients with pneumonia to maintain adequate oxygenation, but it does not directly promote airway clearance.

3. Which lab value is critical for monitoring warfarin therapy?

• A. Monitor INR
• B. Monitor platelet count
• C. Monitor sodium levels
• D. Monitor calcium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor INR. INR (International Normalized Ratio) is crucial for monitoring warfarin therapy as it helps assess the therapeutic effectiveness and bleeding risks associated with the medication. INR measures the clotting tendency of blood, which is essential in determining the appropriate dosage of warfarin. Monitoring platelet count (B), sodium levels (C), or calcium levels (D) is not primarily used for assessing warfarin therapy. Platelet count is more relevant in assessing bleeding disorders, while sodium and calcium levels are typically monitored for different medical conditions unrelated to warfarin therapy.

4. A nurse is providing education to a client who is at 28 weeks gestation and has gestational diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. You will need to increase your protein intake during pregnancy.
• B. It is important to monitor your blood glucose levels closely.
• C. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
• D. You will need to avoid exercise while managing your blood sugar.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should make is that gestational diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. This information is crucial for the client's understanding of the potential long-term implications of gestational diabetes. Monitoring blood glucose levels closely (Choice B) is also important but does not address the long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Choices A and D are incorrect as increasing protein intake during pregnancy and avoiding exercise are not recommended strategies for managing gestational diabetes.

5. A nurse is planning care for a client who practices Orthodox Judaism and is observing the Passover holiday. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Provide chicken with cream sauce.
• B. Avoid serving fish with fins and scales.
• C. Provide unleavened bread.
• D. Avoid serving foods containing lamb.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the Passover holiday, individuals practicing Orthodox Judaism follow dietary restrictions that include avoiding leavened bread. Providing unleavened bread aligns with these restrictions and ensures the client's observance of the holiday. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because serving chicken with cream sauce, avoiding fish with fins and scales, and avoiding foods containing lamb are not specific dietary requirements related to observing Passover in Orthodox Judaism.

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