Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient's fluid balance. What is the most reliable indicator of fluid status?

• A. Monitor the patient's vital signs.
• B. Check the patient's weight daily.
• C. Measure the patient's intake and output.
• D. Monitor the patient's urine color.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking the patient's weight daily is the most reliable indicator of fluid status because weight changes can directly reflect fluid retention or loss. Monitoring vital signs (Choice A) can provide some information but is not as specific as weight changes. Measuring intake and output (Choice C) is crucial but may not always accurately reflect fluid balance. Monitoring urine color (Choice D) can give some insights into hydration levels, but it is not as reliable as daily weight checks for assessing overall fluid status.

2. When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?

• A. Check for respiratory depression.
• B. Assess pain control.
• C. Check the infusion site for complications.
• D. Monitor the client's blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for respiratory depression first when assessing a client receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate. Respiratory depression is the most common life-threatening side effect associated with morphine administration. Monitoring respiratory status is crucial as it can quickly deteriorate, leading to serious complications or even respiratory arrest. Assessing pain control (choice B) is important but ensuring adequate ventilation takes precedence. Checking the infusion site for complications (choice C) and monitoring blood pressure (choice D) are also essential aspects of care but are secondary to evaluating respiratory status when administering morphine.

3. Which therapeutic technique is recommended for clients with somatic symptom disorder?

• A. Encourage complete bed rest
• B. Limit the amount of time the client spends discussing symptoms
• C. Monitor the client's food intake
• D. Educate the client on lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct therapeutic technique recommended for clients with somatic symptom disorder is to limit the amount of time the client spends discussing symptoms. By doing so, the focus can be shifted away from the illness, helping the client to manage their condition better. Encouraging complete bed rest (Choice A) is not typically recommended as it may reinforce illness behaviors. Monitoring the client's food intake (Choice C) may not directly address the psychological aspects of somatic symptom disorder. Educating the client on lifestyle changes (Choice D) is important but may not be as effective initially as limiting symptom-focused discussions.

4. A client has a new prescription for clopidogrel. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with food
• B. Take this medication three times daily
• C. You might have to stop taking this medication 5 days before any planned surgeries
• D. Expect to have black-colored stools while taking this medication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When instructing a client who is prescribed clopidogrel, the nurse should include information about stopping the medication 5 days before any planned surgeries to reduce the risk of bleeding. This is crucial to prevent excessive bleeding during surgical procedures. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because taking the medication with food, the frequency of administration, and the possibility of black-colored stools are not specific instructions related to clopidogrel use.

5. A nurse is assessing the skin of an immobilized patient. What will the nurse do?

• A. Use a standardized tool such as the Braden Scale.
• B. Limit the amount of fluid intake.
• C. Have special times for inspection so as not to interrupt routine care.
• D. Assess the skin every 4 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When assessing the skin of an immobilized patient, it is essential to use a standardized tool such as the Braden Scale to identify patients at high risk for impaired skin integrity. This tool helps in early identification and appropriate intervention. Choice B, limiting fluid intake, is not directly related to skin assessment. Choice C, having special times for inspection, may not ensure timely identification of skin issues. Choice D, assessing the skin every 4 hours, lacks specificity regarding the use of a validated tool for risk assessment.

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