Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a 37-year-old woman with metastatic ovarian cancer admitted for nausea and vomiting. The physician orders total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a nutritional consult, and diet recall. Which of the following is the BEST indication that the patient's nutritional status has improved after 4 days?

• A. The patient eats most of the food served to her
• B. The patient has gained 1 pound since admission
• C. The patient's albumin level is 4.0mg/dL
• D. The patient's hemoglobin is 8.5g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An improved albumin level is the best indicator of improved nutritional status after TPN. Albumin is a key protein that reflects the body's overall nutritional status and is commonly used to assess nutritional health. Choices A, B, and D are not as reliable indicators of improved nutritional status. Choice A may not accurately reflect nutritional improvement as it could be influenced by factors other than nutrition. Choice B may indicate fluid retention or loss rather than true nutritional improvement. Choice D, hemoglobin level, is more related to anemia and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, rather than nutritional status.

2. A client with COPD is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
• B. Encourage pursed-lip breathing
• C. Position the client in high Fowler's position
• D. Encourage deep breathing and coughing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with COPD is to encourage pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing helps maintain airway patency by preventing the collapse of small airways during exhalation, improving breathing efficiency. Administering oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula may be appropriate for some COPD patients but is not the priority intervention. Positioning the client in high Fowler's position may help improve breathing but is not as specific as pursed-lip breathing for COPD. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing may be beneficial in other respiratory conditions, but it is not the most effective intervention for COPD.

3. A client is receiving furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium depletion through increased urinary excretion. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, and other serious complications. Monitoring sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels is not typically associated with furosemide therapy, making choices A, C, and D incorrect.

4. What are the steps in providing perineal care to a patient?

• A. Clean the perineal area with soap and water
• B. Use antiseptic wipes to prevent infection
• C. Pat the area dry after cleaning
• D. Always use gloves when performing care

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clean the perineal area with soap and water. This step is essential in preventing infection and promoting hygiene. Using antiseptic wipes (choice B) is not a standard practice for perineal care; soap and water are preferred. While patting the area dry after cleaning (choice C) is important, the initial step of cleaning with soap and water is crucial. Using gloves (choice D) is a good practice to prevent the spread of infection, but it is not the initial step in providing perineal care.

5. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with congestive heart failure?

• A. Administer diuretics and monitor fluid balance
• B. Provide a high-sodium diet and restrict fluids
• C. Administer oxygen and provide pain relief
• D. Provide bronchodilators and encourage mobility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct answer: The most appropriate management for a patient with congestive heart failure is to administer diuretics to help remove excess fluid and monitor fluid balance. Diuretics help reduce the workload on the heart and alleviate symptoms of fluid overload. Choice B is incorrect because patients with congestive heart failure are usually advised to limit sodium intake and carefully monitor fluid intake. Choice C is incorrect because although oxygen therapy may be necessary in certain cases, it is not the primary management for congestive heart failure. Pain relief is not a primary intervention for this condition. Choice D is incorrect because bronchodilators are not the first-line treatment for congestive heart failure. Encouraging mobility is important, but administering diuretics and monitoring fluid balance take precedence in managing this condition.

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