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. How should a nurse respond to a client with terminal cancer who has requested a change in the level of pain medication?

• A. Increase the dosage without consulting the healthcare provider.
• B. Consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the medication.
• C. Ignore the request as the client is near the end of life.
• D. Increase the medication to reduce pain faster.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the medication. It is crucial for the healthcare provider to be involved in changing pain medication for a client with terminal cancer to ensure that the new dosage is appropriate and safe. Option A is incorrect because adjusting medication without consulting the healthcare provider can be dangerous and is not within the scope of the nurse's practice. Option C is incorrect because ignoring the client's request goes against the principles of patient-centered care. Option D is incorrect as the primary goal should be to provide effective pain relief with the appropriate dosage, not to increase the medication arbitrarily.

3. A client who reports insomnia is being taught by a nurse about promoting rest and sleep. Which statement should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the instructions?

• A. I will walk briskly for 30 minutes before bedtime
• B. I will have a cup of hot cocoa immediately before bedtime
• C. I will no longer have a glass of wine before bedtime
• D. I will do my muscle relaxation techniques each afternoon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because avoiding alcohol before bedtime can help promote better sleep. Choice A is incorrect as vigorous exercise close to bedtime can actually hinder sleep. Choice B is also incorrect as consuming beverages with caffeine or sugar close to bedtime can disrupt sleep. Choice D, while a good practice, does not directly address the issue of avoiding alcohol before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

4. A nurse is assessing a client with diabetes who reports frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. What should the nurse recommend to prevent these episodes?

• A. Increase protein intake
• B. Monitor blood glucose levels frequently
• C. Increase the dose of insulin
• D. Reduce carbohydrate intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation to prevent hypoglycemic episodes in a client with diabetes who reports frequent episodes is to monitor blood glucose levels frequently. By monitoring blood glucose levels, the nurse can make necessary adjustments to insulin dosage and diet to maintain blood sugar levels within the target range. Increasing protein intake (Choice A) is not directly related to preventing hypoglycemia; it is more important to focus on balancing carbohydrates and insulin. Increasing the dose of insulin (Choice C) without proper monitoring can lead to further hypoglycemic episodes. Similarly, reducing carbohydrate intake (Choice D) should be done cautiously as carbohydrates are a main source of energy and sudden reduction can cause hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.

5. A patient with heart failure has gained 5 pounds in the last 3 days. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Restrict the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Monitor the patient's daily weight.
• C. Administer diuretics as prescribed.
• D. Increase the patient's salt intake to promote fluid balance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's daily weight. In heart failure, sudden weight gain indicates fluid retention, which can worsen the condition. Monitoring daily weight helps in early detection of fluid accumulation, allowing timely intervention. Restricting fluid intake (choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority at this point. Administering diuretics (choice C) should be done based on healthcare provider orders, not the nurse's independent decision. Increasing salt intake (choice D) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can exacerbate fluid retention.

Similar Questions