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. How should fluid balance be assessed in a patient receiving diuretics?

• A. Monitor daily weight
• B. Monitor intake and output
• C. Check for edema
• D. Monitor blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring daily weight is the most accurate method to assess fluid balance in patients receiving diuretics. Changes in weight reflect changes in fluid balance, making it a sensitive indicator. Monitoring intake and output (choice B) is important but may not provide a complete picture of overall fluid balance. Checking for edema (choice C) is a late sign of fluid imbalance and may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle changes. Monitoring blood pressure (choice D) is relevant but may not directly reflect fluid balance as it can be influenced by various other factors.

3. A client with iron deficiency anemia has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take with a glass of milk to prevent stomach upset.
• B. Take with orange juice to enhance absorption.
• C. Take on an empty stomach to increase absorption.
• D. Take with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction is to take ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach to increase absorption. This is because taking it with food or dairy products like milk can reduce its absorption. Orange juice is not recommended as it may interfere with the absorption of iron. Taking ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach may cause gastrointestinal upset, but this can be minimized by gradually increasing the dose.

4. How should a healthcare provider monitor a patient who has been prescribed digoxin?

• A. Monitor potassium levels
• B. Monitor heart rate
• C. Check digoxin levels
• D. Check blood glucose levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct way to monitor a patient who has been prescribed digoxin is by checking digoxin levels. Digoxin is a medication used to treat various heart conditions, and monitoring its levels in the blood is crucial to prevent toxicity. Monitoring potassium levels (Choice A) is important as well, as digoxin can affect potassium levels, but checking digoxin levels is more specific to monitoring the medication itself. Monitoring heart rate (Choice B) is relevant but does not directly assess the medication levels. Checking blood glucose levels (Choice D) is not typically indicated specifically for patients prescribed digoxin.

5. A client has deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer thrombolytics as prescribed.
• B. Massage the affected extremity every 2 hours.
• C. Apply warm compresses to the affected extremity.
• D. Place the client in a supine position with the legs elevated.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for a nurse caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to apply warm compresses to the affected extremity. Warm compresses help reduce swelling and pain in clients with DVT. Administering thrombolytics (Choice A) is not typically done without specific orders due to the risk of bleeding. Massaging the affected extremity (Choice B) can dislodge blood clots and lead to complications. Placing the client in a supine position with the legs elevated (Choice D) may increase the risk of clot dislodgment.

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