Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with pneumonia. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. Fever of 101°F.
• B. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg.
• C. Heart rate of 95 beats per minute.
• D. Crackles heard in the lung bases.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Crackles heard in the lung bases are most concerning in a patient with pneumonia as they suggest fluid accumulation in the lungs, indicating possible severe infection or respiratory distress. Prompt intervention is required to prevent further complications.\n\nChoice A, fever of 101°F, is common in infections like pneumonia but may not be as immediately concerning as crackles indicating fluid in the lungs.\n\nChoice B, a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, is within normal limits and not directly indicative of pneumonia severity.\n\nChoice C, a heart rate of 95 beats per minute, is slightly elevated but not as critical as crackles suggesting fluid in the lungs.

2. Which finding in a postoperative patient requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute.
• B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.
• C. Crackles heard in the lung bases.
• D. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a postoperative patient, an oxygen saturation level of 88% on room air indicates a significant drop below the normal range, suggesting potential respiratory distress. This finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse to ensure the patient receives adequate oxygenation. A heart rate of 88 beats per minute is within the normal range, making it a less concerning finding. A blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg falls within the normal range for blood pressure and does not require immediate intervention. Crackles heard in the lung bases may indicate fluid accumulation but may not always require immediate intervention unless accompanied by other concerning signs or symptoms.

3. A healthcare provider is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of the following lab results should be reviewed before administering the medication?

• A. Potassium level
• B. Calcium level
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can potentiate the effects of low potassium levels, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Therefore, it is essential to review the patient's potassium level before administering digoxin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because calcium level, hemoglobin level, and white blood cell count are not directly related to the risk of digoxin toxicity.

4. A nurse is assigned to care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client with chest pain and shortness of breath
• B. A client with a fever of 100°F
• C. A client scheduled for surgery
• D. A client with stable vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Chest pain and shortness of breath are symptoms that could indicate a life-threatening condition such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Therefore, this client should be assessed first to ensure prompt intervention and treatment. Choice B, a client with a fever of 100°F, may indicate an infection but is not immediately life-threatening compared to the symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath. Choice C, a client scheduled for surgery, is not an immediate priority unless there are specific preoperative assessments or interventions required. Choice D, a client with stable vital signs, does not indicate an urgent need for assessment compared to the client with chest pain and shortness of breath.

5. Which of the following best describes a somatic symptom disorder?

• A. Client experiences sudden onset of symptoms due to stress
• B. Physical manifestations occur due to underlying medical conditions
• C. Client has excessive preoccupation with physical symptoms without a medical cause
• D. Client avoids medical care due to fear of receiving a diagnosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by individuals having excessive preoccupation with physical symptoms that may or may not have an identifiable medical cause. Choice A is incorrect because the sudden onset of symptoms due to stress is more indicative of acute stress reaction. Choice B is incorrect as it describes physical manifestations related to known medical conditions, not somatic symptom disorder. Choice D is incorrect as it relates to health anxiety or illness anxiety disorder, where individuals avoid seeking medical care due to fear of receiving a diagnosis.

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