Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke and is showing signs of dysphagia. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as an indication of this condition?

• A. Abnormal movements of the mouth
• B. Inability to stand without assistance
• C. Paralysis of the right arm
• D. Loss of appetite

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Abnormal movements of the mouth are a common indication of dysphagia, a condition that impairs swallowing function. In clients who have had a stroke, dysphagia can increase the risk of aspiration, leading to serious complications. Inability to stand without assistance (Choice B) is more indicative of motor deficits following a stroke rather than dysphagia. Paralysis of the right arm (Choice C) is a manifestation of hemiplegia, which is common in stroke but not directly related to dysphagia. Loss of appetite (Choice D) may occur in individuals with dysphagia but is not a direct indicator of the condition itself.

2. A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia. The nurse asks the client to interpret the following statement: “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” The client responds, “The mice come out when the cat is not around.” The nurse should document this finding as:

• A. Echolalia
• B. Associative looseness
• C. Neologisms
• D. Concrete thinking

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client’s literal interpretation of the statement is an example of concrete thinking, a cognitive symptom often seen in schizophrenia where abstract thinking is impaired. Choice A, Echolalia, is the repetition of words spoken by others, which is not demonstrated in this scenario. Choice B, Associative looseness, refers to a disturbance in the logical progression of thoughts, leading to a disorganized thought process. Choice C, Neologisms, involves creating new words or phrases with unique meanings, which is not evident in the client's response.

3. A client is taking levothyroxine. Which of the following findings should indicate that the medication is effective?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Decreased blood pressure
• C. Absence of seizures
• D. Decreased inflammation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight loss. Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism, which is characterized by symptoms such as weight gain. Therefore, weight loss in a client taking levothyroxine indicates that the medication is effective in managing hypothyroidism. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because levothyroxine primarily affects thyroid function and metabolism, not blood pressure, seizures, or inflammation.

4. A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has GERD. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect to find?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Rebound tenderness
• C. Atypical chest pain
• D. Vomiting blood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Atypical chest pain. GERD often presents with atypical chest pain due to acid reflux, which can mimic the symptoms of cardiac conditions but is related to the esophagus. Shortness of breath (choice A) is not a typical assessment finding in GERD. Rebound tenderness (choice B) is associated with peritoneal inflammation, not GERD. Vomiting blood (choice D) is a severe symptom that may indicate esophageal damage but is not a common assessment finding in GERD.

5. While assessing four clients, which client data should be reported to the provider?

• A. Client with pleurisy who reports a pain level of 6 out of 10 when coughing
• B. Client with 110 mL of serosanguineous fluid from a JP drain
• C. Client 4 hours postoperative with a heart rate of 98 bpm
• D. Client undergoing chemotherapy with an absolute neutrophil count of 75/mm³

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An absolute neutrophil count of 75/mm³ is critically low and places the client at high risk for infection, necessitating immediate intervention. Neutropenia increases susceptibility to infections, making it essential to report this finding promptly. The other options, such as pain level in pleurisy, drainage amount from a drain, and heart rate postoperatively, are important but do not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent provider notification.

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