Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client with pancreatitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse look for?

• A. Increased appetite
• B. Abdominal pain
• C. Weight gain
• D. Elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Abdominal pain. Abdominal pain, often severe, is a hallmark sign of pancreatitis. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and tenderness in the abdomen. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increased appetite, weight gain, and elevated blood pressure are not typically associated with pancreatitis. Therefore, the nurse should primarily focus on assessing for abdominal pain in a client with suspected pancreatitis.

2. A client is prescribed digoxin and has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer digoxin without any modifications
• B. Administer the medication at a lower dose
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. Discontinue the medication if potassium levels rise

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. In this case, the nurse should administer the digoxin without any modifications. Lowering the dose (Choice B) may not be necessary if the potassium level is not critically low. Monitoring serum potassium levels (Choice C) is important but should not delay the administration of digoxin. Discontinuing the medication (Choice D) is not the initial action to take unless the potassium levels become severely low and life-threatening.

3. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has chronic kidney failure and an AV fistula for hemodialysis with a new prescription for epoetin alfa. Which of the following therapeutic effects of epoetin alfa should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Reduces blood pressure
• B. Inhibits clotting of fistula
• C. Promotes RBC production
• D. Stimulates growth of neutrophils

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Promotes RBC production. Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, which is important for clients with chronic kidney disease who may have anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production by the kidneys. Options A, B, and D are incorrect: epoetin alfa does not directly reduce blood pressure, inhibit clotting of the fistula, or stimulate growth of neutrophils.

4. A nurse is assessing a newborn 1 hour after birth. The newborn has acrocyanosis and a heart rate of 130 beats per minute. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Place the newborn under a radiant warmer
• B. Apply oxygen
• C. Swaddle the newborn
• D. Reassess the newborn in 1 hour

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acrocyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is a normal finding in newborns within the first few hours after birth. The heart rate of 130 beats per minute is also within the normal range for a newborn. These findings are typical and do not require immediate intervention. The appropriate action for the nurse is to continue monitoring the newborn. Reassessing the newborn in 1 hour allows the nurse to observe any changes and ensure the newborn's condition remains stable. Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer or applying oxygen is not necessary as the newborn's condition is within normal limits. Swaddling the newborn may provide comfort but is not the priority action in this scenario.

5. A client receiving chemotherapy is experiencing neutropenia. Which of the following should the nurse include in this client's education?

• A. Track oral temperature weekly
• B. Gardening is a good form of mild exercise
• C. Avoid crowded events
• D. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clients with neutropenia have a weakened immune system, making them susceptible to infections. Avoiding crowded events helps reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens, thereby minimizing the chance of infections. Tracking oral temperature is important for detecting fever early, which is a sign of infection and requires immediate medical attention. While gardening can be a good form of exercise, clients with neutropenia should avoid it due to the risk of exposure to bacteria and fungi present in soil. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is generally encouraged for overall health but may carry a risk of bacterial contamination, which could be harmful to a client with neutropenia.

Similar Questions