Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased bilirubin levels
• B. Decreased prothrombin time
• C. Decreased albumin levels
• D. Increased prothrombin time

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In clients with cirrhosis, the liver is unable to produce clotting factors efficiently, leading to impaired clotting function. Therefore, an increased prothrombin time is expected in cirrhosis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Decreased bilirubin levels are not typically seen in cirrhosis; prothrombin time is usually increased, not decreased; and albumin levels are often decreased in cirrhosis due to reduced synthetic liver function.

2. A client with hypertension is being taught about dietary modifications by a nurse. Which of the following food choices by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will choose processed meats for meals.
• B. I will eat canned vegetables to reduce my sodium intake.
• C. I will eat fresh fruits and vegetables each day.
• D. I will increase my intake of canned soups.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables is a healthy choice for someone with hypertension as they are low in sodium and high in nutrients. Processed meats (A) are high in sodium and unhealthy fats, which can worsen hypertension. Canned vegetables (B) often have added sodium, so fresh is a better choice. Canned soups (D) are typically high in sodium and should be limited in a hypertensive diet.

3. How should fluid balance in a patient with heart failure be monitored?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor daily weight. Daily weight monitoring is crucial in assessing fluid balance in patients with heart failure because sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention. Monitoring input and output (choice B) is important but may not provide a complete picture of fluid balance. Checking for edema (choice C) is a sign of fluid accumulation but may not be as accurate as daily weight monitoring. Monitoring blood pressure (choice D) is important in heart failure management but does not directly assess fluid balance.

4. A client is immediately postoperative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following positions should the nurse maintain for the client?

• A. Supine with legs extended
• B. Semi-Fowler's position with legs bent
• C. Lateral position with an abduction pillow between the legs
• D. Prone with legs elevated

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct position for a client immediately postoperative following a hip arthroplasty is the lateral position with an abduction pillow between the legs. This position helps prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis and maintains proper alignment of the hip joint. Supine position with legs extended (Choice A) may put stress on the hip joint, Semi-Fowler's position with legs bent (Choice B) may not provide adequate support and alignment, and prone position with legs elevated (Choice D) is not recommended after hip arthroplasty as it can compromise the surgical site and increase the risk of complications.

5. A nurse is planning assignments for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) during a staffing shortage. Which client should be delegated to the LPN?

• A. A client with an Hgb of 6.3 g/dl and a prescription for packed RBCs.
• B. A client who sustained a concussion and has unequal pupils.
• C. A client who is postoperative following a bowel resection with an NG tube set to continuous suction.
• D. A client who fractured his femur yesterday and is experiencing shortness of breath.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the client postoperative following a bowel resection with an NG tube set to continuous suction requires routine postoperative care, which an LPN can manage. Choice A involves administering blood products, which typically requires assessment and monitoring by a registered nurse. Choice B indicates a potentially serious neurological condition that requires assessment by a higher-level provider. Choice D suggests a client experiencing respiratory distress, which requires immediate assessment and intervention by a registered nurse or physician.

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