Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving chemotherapy and has stomatitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Dry, cracked lips
• B. Bleeding gums
• C. Foul-smelling breath
• D. Red, open sores in the mouth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Red, open sores in the mouth. Stomatitis, a common side effect of chemotherapy, presents with red, open sores in the mouth, which can be painful and increase the risk of infection. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because stomatitis typically does not manifest as dry, cracked lips, bleeding gums, or foul-smelling breath.

2. A nurse is reviewing information about advance directives with a newly admitted client. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. My family can make decisions if I am unable to.
• B. I have a living will that outlines my wishes when I am unable to make a decision.
• C. I can write down my wishes, but they aren't legally binding.
• D. I don't need to worry about this until I’m critically ill.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer because having a living will is a legal document that outlines a client's wishes when they are unable to make decisions, indicating a good understanding of advance directives. Choice A is incorrect because it doesn't mention a specific document like a living will. Choice C is incorrect because advance directives, like a living will, can be legally binding. Choice D is incorrect because planning for advance directives should ideally be done before a person becomes critically ill.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
• B. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
• C. Absent deep tendon reflexes
• D. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Magnesium sulfate can depress the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is below the normal range and requires immediate intervention. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr (Choice A) is within the normal range for a client receiving magnesium sulfate. Absent deep tendon reflexes (Choice C) are an expected finding due to the medication's effect on neuromuscular excitability. A blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg (Choice D) is slightly elevated but not a priority concern compared to severe respiratory depression.

4. A nurse is caring for a client in active labor. The nurse notes variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Reposition the client
• C. Prepare for delivery
• D. Increase IV fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to reposition the client. Variable decelerations are often caused by umbilical cord compression. Repositioning the client can help alleviate pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation. Administering oxygen may be necessary in some situations, but repositioning the client takes precedence to address the underlying cause of variable decelerations. While preparing for delivery is important, addressing the immediate concern of variable decelerations by repositioning the client is the priority. Increasing IV fluids is not the priority in this situation as it does not directly address the cause of variable decelerations.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The client reports tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. The nurse should anticipate which of the following interventions?

• A. Administer calcium gluconate
• B. Provide a high-protein diet
• C. Administer levothyroxine
• D. Apply a warm compress to the client's neck

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tingling in the fingers and around the mouth is a sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur after thyroid surgery due to accidental damage to the parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia is common after thyroidectomy due to potential parathyroid damage. Calcium gluconate is the appropriate intervention to treat hypocalcemia. Providing a high-protein diet or administering levothyroxine are not indicated for hypocalcemia. Applying a warm compress to the client's neck would not address the underlying issue of hypocalcemia.

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