Nursing Elites

1. A client has been prescribed phenytoin. Which of the following should the nurse monitor to prevent toxicity?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Complete blood count
• C. Serum phenytoin levels
• D. Liver function tests

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Serum phenytoin levels should be regularly monitored to prevent toxicity because the therapeutic range is narrow. Monitoring blood pressure (choice A), complete blood count (choice B), and liver function tests (choice D) are not directly related to preventing phenytoin toxicity.

2. A nurse is in an acute care facility, caring for a client who is postop following abdominal surgery. Which behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

• A. Increased fiber intake
• B. Suppression of the urge to defecate
• C. Ambulation twice a day
• D. Daily laxative use

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Suppression of the urge to defecate.' Suppressing the urge to defecate can lead to constipation, especially in postoperative clients. It is essential to encourage clients to respond to the urge to defecate to prevent constipation. Increased fiber intake (Choice A) is beneficial for preventing constipation. Ambulation (Choice C) helps promote bowel motility and can reduce the risk of constipation. Daily laxative use (Choice D) may contribute to laxative dependence but is not the behavior most directly associated with increasing the risk of constipation in this scenario.

3. A healthcare professional is assessing a client for potential complications after surgery. Which of the following should the healthcare professional monitor for?

• A. Decreased urine output
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Improved mobility
• D. Normal temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Decreased urine output can indicate renal complications or dehydration, which are common post-surgical complications. Monitoring urine output is crucial for detecting early signs of kidney dysfunction or fluid imbalances. Increased appetite, improved mobility, and normal temperature are not typical signs of immediate post-surgical complications and would not be the priority for monitoring in this case.

4. A client with diabetes is receiving education on foot care. Which of the following should be included in the teaching?

• A. Inspect feet daily for cuts and sores
• B. Soak feet in warm water daily
• C. Wear closed-toe shoes at all times
• D. Trim toenails straight across

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspect feet daily for cuts and sores. Clients with diabetes are at an increased risk of foot complications, so it is essential to check for any cuts, sores, or injuries daily to prevent infections and complications. Soaking feet in warm water daily (choice B) is not recommended as it can lead to skin breakdown. Wearing closed-toe shoes at all times (choice C) is not advisable as it can cause excessive pressure and friction. Trimming toenails straight across (choice D) is the correct method to prevent ingrown toenails, not trimming them in a rounded shape.

5. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a patient who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest. While planning the patient’s care, the nurse should identify which of the following risks as the priority for assessment and intervention?

• A. Infection
• B. Airway obstruction
• C. Fluid imbalance
• D. Pain management

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient has extensive burns involving the head, neck, and chest, the priority concern is airway obstruction. The proximity of the burns to the airway can lead to swelling and compromise the patient's ability to breathe. In this situation, ensuring a clear airway and adequate oxygenation takes precedence over other risks such as infection, fluid imbalance, or pain management. While these are also important considerations in burn care, the immediate threat to the patient's life from airway compromise makes it the priority for assessment and intervention.

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