Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative. Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Elevated temperature
• B. Low blood pressure
• C. Decreased urine output
• D. Increased heart rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a postoperative client, decreased urine output is a crucial finding as it can indicate impaired kidney function or inadequate fluid balance. Prioritizing assessment and intervention for decreased urine output is essential to prevent complications like acute kidney injury. Elevated temperature, low blood pressure, and increased heart rate are also important, but they may not be as urgent or directly related to kidney function in a postoperative client.

2. A nurse is preparing medications for a client via nasogastric tube. What should the nurse do before administering the medications?

• A. Flush the tube with water and administer all medications at once
• B. Administer medications one after the other without flushing
• C. Crush all medications and mix them together for administration
• D. Administer medications in liquid form only

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before administering medications through a nasogastric tube, the nurse should administer them one after the other without flushing. Flushing the tube with water should be done before and after each medication to prevent any interactions and ensure each medication is delivered effectively. The correct answer is not to administer all medications at once (choice A) as this can lead to potential drug interactions. Crushing all medications and mixing them together (choice C) is incorrect as each medication should be given separately to maintain their individual efficacy. Administering medications in liquid form only (choice D) is limiting and may not be suitable for all types of medications that need to be administered.

3. The nurse asks a client who is about to have a cardiac catheterization about any allergies. The client states, 'I always get a rash when I eat shellfish.' Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

• A. Attach a wristband indicating the client's allergy
• B. Ask the client if any other foods cause such a reaction
• C. Notify the dietary department of the client's allergy
• D. Notify the provider of the client's allergy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Notifying the provider of the client's shellfish allergy is crucial to prevent a potential reaction from the contrast dye. While attaching a wristband indicating the allergy may be necessary, the priority is to inform the provider. Asking the client about other foods causing a similar reaction or notifying the dietary department, although important, are not the priority in this situation.

4. A nurse on a rehabilitation unit is creating a plan of care for a newly admitted client who has difficulty swallowing following a stroke. Which of the following inter-professional team members should the nurse anticipate consulting regarding the client's condition?

• A. Speech-language pathologist
• B. Occupational therapist
• C. Dietitian
• D. Pharmacy technician

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Speech-language pathologist. A speech-language pathologist specializes in evaluating and treating swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, which commonly occurs following a stroke. They are experts in developing strategies to help individuals improve their ability to swallow safely. Occupational therapists (B) focus on helping individuals regain independence in activities of daily living, not specifically addressing swallowing concerns. Dietitians (C) primarily work on developing appropriate nutrition plans but may not directly address swallowing issues. Pharmacy technicians (D) assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and are not directly involved in managing swallowing difficulties.

5. How is the effectiveness of a diuretic in a patient with heart failure evaluated?

• A. Checking daily weights and lung sounds for improvement
• B. Assessing the patient's blood pressure and urine output
• C. Monitoring for weight loss and reduction in edema
• D. Measuring the patient's heart rate and lung sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to evaluate the effectiveness of a diuretic in a patient with heart failure is by checking daily weights and lung sounds for improvement. Daily weights help to assess fluid retention changes, while improvement in lung sounds indicates reduced pulmonary congestion. Assessing blood pressure and urine output (Choice B) is important but does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the diuretic. Monitoring for weight loss and reduction in edema (Choice C) are valid indicators of diuretic effectiveness, but direct observation of daily weights and lung sounds is more specific. Measuring heart rate and lung sounds (Choice D) is relevant but does not directly assess the impact of the diuretic on fluid balance and pulmonary status.

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