Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Apply heat to inflamed joints
• B. Provide passive range-of-motion exercises
• C. Encourage prolonged use of NSAIDs
• D. Apply cold packs to the joints

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Applying heat to inflamed joints can help relieve pain in clients with osteoarthritis. Heat therapy can help improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and reduce stiffness. Choice B, providing passive range-of-motion exercises, may be beneficial for joint mobility but is not the first-line intervention for pain relief in osteoarthritis. Choice C, encouraging prolonged use of NSAIDs, should be done cautiously due to potential side effects and should be guided by a healthcare provider. Choice D, applying cold packs to the joints, is not recommended for osteoarthritis as cold therapy can worsen stiffness and discomfort in this condition.

2. A nurse is caring for a client following the application of a cast. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Place an ice pack over the cast
• B. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast
• C. Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry
• D. Position the casted extremity on a pillow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Palpating the pulse distal to the cast is the priority as it assesses for circulation. Ensuring adequate blood flow is essential to prevent complications such as compartment syndrome. Placing an ice pack over the cast could cause constriction of blood vessels, further compromising circulation. Teaching the client about cast care and positioning the casted extremity on a pillow are important but do not take precedence over assessing circulation.

3. Which of the following actions is appropriate when administering a blood transfusion?

• A. Verify patient identity
• B. Administer medication
• C. Monitor vital signs
• D. Start blood transfusion without verification

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Verifying the patient's identity is a critical step when administering a blood transfusion to ensure that the correct blood product is given to the right patient. This process helps prevent errors and enhances patient safety. Choice B, 'Administer medication,' is incorrect because the focus during a blood transfusion should be on ensuring the correct blood product is administered. Choice C, 'Monitor vital signs,' is also important but comes after verifying the patient's identity. Choice D, 'Start blood transfusion without verification,' is incorrect and unsafe as patient identification verification is essential prior to starting any medical procedure, especially one as important as a blood transfusion.

4. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has heart failure and a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. Taking furosemide can cause your potassium levels to be high
• B. Eat foods that are high in sodium
• C. Rise slowly when getting out of bed
• D. Taking furosemide can cause you to be overhydrated

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Furosemide can cause low potassium levels, and clients should be advised to rise slowly to prevent dizziness.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. Serum potassium 4.5 mEq/L
• B. Serum calcium 9.2 mg/dL
• C. Serum creatinine 2.5 mg/dL
• D. Serum albumin 3.5 g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevated serum creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function. As kidney disease progresses, the kidneys are less able to filter waste products, leading to an increase in creatinine levels. Therefore, a high serum creatinine level of 2.5 mg/dL should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly signify worsening kidney function in this context.

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