Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new diagnosis of COPD. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Breathe rapidly through your mouth when using the incentive spirometer.
• B. Use pursed-lip breathing during periods of dyspnea.
• C. Avoid drinking fluids during meals.
• D. Use diaphragmatic breathing during periods of dyspnea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing is a beneficial technique for clients with COPD as it helps control shortness of breath and improves oxygenation. This technique involves inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, which helps keep airways open. Option A is incorrect as breathing rapidly through the mouth when using the incentive spirometer can lead to hyperventilation. Option C is incorrect because it is important for clients with COPD to stay hydrated by drinking fluids between meals, but not during meals which can cause bloating and discomfort. Option D is incorrect as diaphragmatic breathing, though beneficial, is not the preferred technique for managing dyspnea in COPD; pursed-lip breathing is more effective.

2. A client who has a new prescription for prednisone is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will avoid taking this medication with food.
• B. I will need to take this medication for the rest of my life.
• C. I will take this medication for 2 weeks and then stop.
• D. I will take this medication with a high-protein snack.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because prednisone is usually prescribed for long-term use. Stopping it abruptly can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Choice A is incorrect because prednisone should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. Choice C is incorrect as prednisone is typically tapered off gradually to avoid adverse effects. Choice D is incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take prednisone with a high-protein snack.

3. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of hypertension. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. Canned soup.
• B. Lean cuts of beef.
• C. Bananas.
• D. Baked chicken.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Canned soup. Canned soups are usually high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and should be avoided by clients with hypertension. Lean cuts of beef, bananas, and baked chicken are healthier options for individuals with hypertension as they are lower in sodium and can be included in a balanced diet to manage blood pressure levels.

4. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing morning stiffness. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Encourage the client to avoid physical activity in the morning.
• B. Encourage the client to take NSAIDs before bedtime.
• C. Apply cold packs to the affected joints in the morning.
• D. Perform passive range-of-motion exercises before getting out of bed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take is to apply cold packs to the affected joints in the morning. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation, and applying cold packs can help reduce inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Encouraging the client to avoid physical activity in the morning (Choice A) may worsen stiffness, as movement is beneficial for joint mobility. While NSAIDs (Choice B) can help with pain and inflammation, applying cold packs directly to the affected joints is more targeted and effective. Performing passive range-of-motion exercises (Choice D) can be helpful, but applying cold packs is the priority for reducing inflammation and stiffness.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse expect to be elevated?

• A. Serum albumin.
• B. Ammonia.
• C. Bilirubin.
• D. Prothrombin time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ammonia. In clients with cirrhosis, impaired liver function can lead to elevated levels of ammonia in the blood. Elevated ammonia levels can result in hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by altered mental status. Serum albumin (Choice A) is typically decreased in cirrhosis due to the liver's reduced synthetic function. Bilirubin (Choice C) levels can be elevated in liver disease but may not always be the most specific marker for cirrhosis. Prothrombin time (Choice D) is prolonged in cirrhosis due to impaired liver synthesis of clotting factors.

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