Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube. Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention?

• A. Aspirating 100 mL of gastric residual
• B. Gastric pH of 4
• C. Auscultating crackles in the lung bases
• D. Checking residual every 6 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Auscultating crackles in the lung bases indicates fluid in the lungs, which can be a sign of aspiration pneumonia or pulmonary edema and requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory distress. Aspirating 100 mL of gastric residual is within the acceptable range and does not require immediate intervention. A gastric pH of 4 is normal for gastric contents. Checking residual every 6 hours is a routine nursing intervention and does not indicate an urgent issue like pulmonary complications.

2. A client who is postoperative following hip replacement surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the hip?

• A. Position the client's legs in adduction
• B. Place a pillow between the client's legs when turning
• C. Keep the client in a low Fowler's position
• D. Turn the client onto the affected side

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the client's legs when turning is essential to prevent hip dislocation post hip replacement surgery. This action helps maintain proper alignment of the hip joint and prevents adduction, which can lead to dislocation. Positioning the client's legs in adduction (choice A) can increase the risk of hip dislocation. Keeping the client in a low Fowler's position (choice C) or turning the client onto the affected side (choice D) does not directly address hip dislocation prevention.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 day postoperative following hip replacement surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 88/min
• B. Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing
• C. Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg
• D. Urine output of 40 mL/hr

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Urine output of 40 mL/hr. A low urine output may indicate kidney complications, such as acute kidney injury, which is a critical finding postoperatively. The nurse should report this immediately to the provider for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and C are within normal limits for a client who is 1 day postoperative following hip replacement surgery and do not indicate immediate concerns that require reporting to the provider.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is 4 hours postpartum. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Lochia that is red and contains small clots.
• B. Fundus firm at the umbilicus.
• C. Fundus deviated to the right.
• D. Moderate perineal pain with swelling.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A fundus that is deviated to the right may indicate a full bladder, which should be addressed postpartum. Choice A is incorrect because red lochia with small clots is expected during the early postpartum period. Choice B is incorrect as the fundus should be firm and midline, not at the umbilicus. Choice D is incorrect as perineal pain and swelling are common postpartum findings that do not require immediate reporting to the provider.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Calcium
• B. Sodium
• C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Monitoring TSH levels is crucial to assess the effectiveness of levothyroxine in clients with hypothyroidism. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. In hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, administering levothyroxine helps to normalize thyroid hormone levels. Monitoring TSH levels allows the healthcare provider to adjust the levothyroxine dosage to ensure that thyroid hormone levels are within the therapeutic range. Choices A, B, and D (Calcium, Sodium, and Magnesium) are not directly related to assessing the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy in hypothyroidism and would not provide relevant information regarding the medication's efficacy.

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