Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving fluid through a peripheral IV catheter. Which of the following findings at the IV site should the nurse identify as infiltration?

• A. purulent exudate
• B. warmth
• C. skin blanching
• D. bleeding

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Infiltration occurs when the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of entering the bloodstream properly. Skin blanching, swelling, and coolness at the IV site are typical signs of infiltration. Purulent exudate (choice A) is associated with infection, warmth (choice B) can indicate phlebitis, and bleeding (choice D) may occur if the IV catheter punctures a blood vessel.

2. A 54-year-old male client and his wife were informed this morning that he has terminal cancer. Which nursing intervention is likely to be most appropriate?

• A. Ask the wife how she would like to participate in the client's care
• B. Provide the wife with information about hospice
• C. Encourage the wife to visit during the treatment process
• D. Refer her to a support group for family members of those with terminal cancer

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this situation, it is crucial to involve the wife in the care of the client to provide support and empower her. Asking the wife how she would like to participate allows her to be actively involved in decision-making and caregiving. Providing information about hospice (choice B) might be premature as the couple may still be digesting the diagnosis. Encouraging the wife to visit during the treatment process (choice C) may not address her immediate need for involvement and support. Referring her to a support group for family members (choice D) is helpful but involving her directly in the client's care is a more immediate and personalized approach.

3. A client has been tentatively diagnosed with Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism). Which of these findings noted on the initial nursing assessment requires quick intervention by the nurse?

• A. A report of 10 pounds weight loss in the last month
• B. A comment by the client 'I just can't sit still.'
• C. The appearance of eyeballs that appear to 'pop' out of the client's eye sockets
• D. A report of the sudden onset of irritability in the past 2 weeks

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The appearance of eyeballs that appear to 'pop' out of the client's eye sockets, known as exophthalmos, requires quick intervention as it is a severe symptom of Graves' disease. Exophthalmos can indicate an acute condition and may lead to serious complications such as optic nerve damage or corneal ulceration. Weight loss, restlessness, and irritability are common manifestations of hyperthyroidism but do not pose immediate risks compared to the ocular complications associated with exophthalmos.

4. During a neurological assessment, a healthcare provider is evaluating a client's balance. Which of the following examinations should the provider use for this purpose?

• A. Romberg test
• B. Deep tendon reflexes
• C. Mini-Mental State Examination
• D. Babinski reflex

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Romberg test is utilized to assess the client's balance and proprioception by having them stand with their eyes closed. This test helps evaluate sensory ataxia, a condition where an individual's balance is affected due to impaired sensory input. Deep tendon reflexes (Choice B) are assessed by tapping a tendon with a reflex hammer to evaluate the integrity of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves; this is not directly related to balance assessment. The Mini-Mental State Examination (Choice C) is a cognitive screening tool used to assess cognitive impairment or dementia, not balance. The Babinski reflex (Choice D) is elicited by stroking the sole of the foot to assess neurologic function, particularly in the corticospinal tract, and is not specific to balance evaluation.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which instruction should the LPN/LVN reinforce to the client to help manage their condition?

• A. Increase fluid intake to thin secretions.
• B. Practice pursed-lip breathing to improve oxygenation.
• C. Avoid physical activity to prevent dyspnea.
• D. Use a peak flow meter to monitor lung function.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Practicing pursed-lip breathing is an essential technique to help manage COPD as it can improve oxygenation by promoting better gas exchange. This technique helps to keep the airways open longer during exhalation, preventing air trapping and improving breathing efficiency. Increasing fluid intake can help thin secretions, which is beneficial, but it is not the primary instruction for managing COPD. Avoiding physical activity is not recommended as it can lead to deconditioning and worsen dyspnea in COPD patients. Using a peak flow meter is more commonly associated with monitoring asthma rather than COPD, so it is not the most relevant instruction for managing COPD.

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