Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should identify the effectiveness of the treatment by assessing which of the following?

• A. A chest x-ray reveals increased density in all lung fields
• B. The client reports feeling less anxious
• C. Diminished breath sounds are auscultated unilaterally
• D. ABG results include pH 7.48, PaO2 77 mm Hg, and PaCO2 47 mm Hg

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Client-reported improvement in anxiety is an indication of effective treatment for pulmonary embolism. Choice A is incorrect as increased density in all lung fields on a chest x-ray may indicate complications or lack of improvement. Choice C is incorrect as diminished breath sounds auscultated unilaterally may suggest a localized lung issue and not necessarily reflect the effectiveness of treatment for a pulmonary embolism. Choice D is incorrect as the ABG results provided do not specifically indicate the effectiveness of treatment for a pulmonary embolism.

2. A client is receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Instruct the client to use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
• B. Apply heat packs to the radiation site.
• C. Provide a diet low in carbohydrates.
• D. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight during treatment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck is to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight should be avoided to protect the skin from further irritation and damage caused by the radiation therapy. Instructing the client to use an alcohol-free mouthwash is important to prevent irritation and maintain oral hygiene, making choice A incorrect. Applying heat packs to the radiation site is contraindicated as heat can further aggravate the skin, making choice B incorrect. Providing a diet low in carbohydrates is not directly related to radiation therapy to the head and neck, so choice C is also incorrect.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL
• B. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
• C. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L
• D. Serum albumin level of 3.8 g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range and indicates hypokalemia, which should be reported to the provider. Hypokalemia can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not require immediate reporting. A blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL is slightly elevated but not critically high. A serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is within the normal range. A serum albumin level of 3.8 g/dL is also within the normal range.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take first?

• A. Obtain the client's vital signs.
• B. Ensure the client's IV access is patent.
• C. Prime the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride.
• D. Verify the client's identity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Verifying the client's identity is the first crucial action the healthcare professional should take before administering a blood transfusion. This step ensures that the right blood is given to the right client, helping prevent errors. Obtaining vital signs, ensuring IV access, and priming IV tubing are important steps in the process but verifying the client's identity takes precedence for patient safety and accurate care delivery.

5. How should a healthcare provider monitor a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Monitor for leg swelling
• B. Encourage ambulation
• C. Check for redness
• D. Monitor oxygen saturation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way for a healthcare provider to monitor a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to check for leg swelling. Leg swelling is a common symptom of DVT and monitoring for this sign is crucial for early detection and intervention. Encouraging ambulation may be beneficial for preventing DVT but is not the recommended method for monitoring an existing condition. Checking for redness may be useful in cases of superficial thrombophlebitis but is not specific to DVT. Monitoring oxygen saturation is more relevant for respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, not for DVT.

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