Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has liver cirrhosis and ascites. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment?

• A. Measure the client’s abdominal girth daily
• B. Monitor the client’s hemoglobin level
• C. Administer lactulose as prescribed
• D. Weigh the client weekly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Measuring the client’s abdominal girth daily is the most effective way to monitor the reduction of ascites and fluid retention in clients with liver cirrhosis. This measurement helps assess the effectiveness of treatment in managing ascites by monitoring changes in abdominal size. Monitoring the client’s hemoglobin level (Choice B) is not directly related to assessing the effectiveness of ascites treatment. Administering lactulose as prescribed (Choice C) is important in managing hepatic encephalopathy, not ascites. Weighing the client weekly (Choice D) may not provide real-time feedback on the reduction of ascites compared to daily abdominal girth measurements.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and receiving electronic fetal monitoring. The nurse is reviewing the monitor tracing and notes early decelerations. What should the nurse expect?

• A. Fetal hypoxia
• B. Abruptio placentae
• C. Post-maturity
• D. Head compression

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When early decelerations are noted on the fetal monitor tracing, it indicates fetal head compression, which is typically a benign finding associated with the progress of labor. Early decelerations mirror the uterine contractions and are often not a cause for concern as they are a normal response to fetal head compression during contractions. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the expected outcome of early decelerations. Fetal hypoxia, abruptio placentae, and post-maturity would present with different patterns on the fetal monitor tracing and would require different interventions.

3. A client has a new prescription for levothyroxine. What should the nurse teach the client?

• A. It should be taken at night
• B. Monitor for symptoms of hypothyroidism
• C. Take it with calcium supplements
• D. Take it on an empty stomach

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach. This is because levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption. Option A is incorrect because levothyroxine is usually advised to be taken in the morning. Option B is not the priority teaching point as monitoring for hypothyroidism symptoms is ongoing care. Option C is incorrect as levothyroxine should not be taken with calcium supplements as they can interfere with its absorption.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has dehydration. The client has a peripheral IV and has a prescription for an infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride 1,000 mL with 40 mEq potassium chloride to infuse over 1 hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Teach the client to report findings of IV extravasation
• B. Evaluate the patency of the IV
• C. Consult with the pharmacist about the prescription
• D. Verify the prescription with the provider

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action is to verify the prescription with the provider. Verifying the prescription ensures patient safety by preventing fluid volume overload and dysrhythmias, which can result from infusing potassium too rapidly. Teaching the client about IV extravasation, evaluating IV patency, and consulting with the pharmacist are important but should come after verifying the prescription to ensure the ordered treatment is appropriate and safe for the client's condition.

5. A nurse receives a report from an assistive personnel that a client's BP is 160/95. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider
• B. Recheck the client's BP
• C. Document the findings
• D. Administer antihypertensive medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to recheck the client's BP. It is essential for the nurse to verify the accuracy of the initial reading by reassessing the blood pressure. Notifying the healthcare provider or administering antihypertensive medication should only occur after confirming the elevated blood pressure through a recheck. Documenting the findings is important but should follow the confirmation of the BP reading.

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