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 has a prescription for ciprofloxacin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with an antacid if you experience gastrointestinal upset.
• B. You should limit your caffeine intake while taking this medication.
• C. This medication may cause your urine to turn dark brown.
• D. You should avoid taking this medication with dairy products.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'You should avoid taking this medication with dairy products.' Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with dairy products as they can interfere with the absorption of the medication. Choice A is incorrect because ciprofloxacin should not be taken with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium. Choice B is incorrect as there is no specific limitation on caffeine intake associated with ciprofloxacin. Choice C is incorrect as ciprofloxacin does not typically cause urine to turn dark brown.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication has been effective?

• A. Cardiac workload decreases
• B. Blood pressure increases
• C. Respiratory rate increases
• D. Temperature decreases

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac workload decreases. Digoxin helps reduce cardiac workload in clients with heart failure, improving symptoms. This reduction in workload indicates that the medication is effective. Choice B, blood pressure increases, is incorrect because digoxin typically does not directly affect blood pressure. Choice C, respiratory rate increases, is incorrect as an increased respiratory rate is not a typical indicator of digoxin effectiveness. Choice D, temperature decreases, is also incorrect as digoxin does not typically affect body temperature.

4. A nurse is collecting data from a client who delivered a full-term newborn 16 hr ago. The nurse notes excessive lochia discharge. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer oxytocin
• B. Perform fundal massage
• C. Administer IV fluids
• D. Call the provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing fundal massage is the priority action in this scenario. Fundal massage helps contract the uterus, which is essential in reducing excessive lochia postpartum. Administering oxytocin may be indicated later, but fundal massage should be the initial intervention to address the issue. Administering IV fluids may not directly address the cause of excessive lochia, and calling the provider should come after implementing immediate nursing interventions.

5. A client post-surgery has a chest tube. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 4 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and ensure the chest tube is functioning properly
• C. Position the client in a high Fowler's position
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks and ensure the chest tube is functioning properly. This is crucial post-surgery to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube, positioning the client, or encouraging coughing are not appropriate assessments for a client with a chest tube post-surgery and could lead to serious issues if done incorrectly.

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