Nursing Elites

1. A client presents with symptoms suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following laboratory tests should be ordered to confirm this diagnosis?

• A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• B. Rheumatoid factor
• C. Antinuclear antibody
• D. Serum calcium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rheumatoid factor is a specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis. It is often elevated in clients with this autoimmune condition, helping to confirm the diagnosis. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and antinuclear antibody tests can be supportive but are not specific for rheumatoid arthritis. Serum calcium levels are not typically used to confirm this diagnosis.

2. When assessing a client with a small bowel obstruction, what finding should a nurse expect?

• A. Significant abdominal distention
• B. Large bowel movements
• C. High-pitched bowel sounds
• D. Copious vomiting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: High-pitched bowel sounds are often heard early in a small bowel obstruction due to increased peristalsis as the bowel tries to overcome the blockage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Abdominal distention is more commonly associated with large bowel obstructions, while large bowel movements and copious vomiting are not typical findings in small bowel obstructions.

3. A nurse is caring for the mother of an adolescent who was killed in a motor-vehicle crash after a school event. The mother states, 'I never should have let him take the car. It's all my fault!' Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. You had no way of knowing this would happen.
• B. Most parents blame themselves when losing a child.
• C. Tell me why you feel this is your fault.
• D. You appear to be feeling overwhelmed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the most appropriate response because it encourages the mother to express her feelings and explore the reasons behind her guilt. This approach allows the mother to process her emotions effectively and address her grief. Choices A and B do not directly address the mother's feelings of guilt and may not help her work through her emotions. Choice D acknowledges the mother's emotional state but does not delve into the underlying issues causing her guilt and grief.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and is prescribed sucralfate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take sucralfate with an antacid.
• B. Take sucralfate 1 hour before meals.
• C. Take sucralfate with food.
• D. Take sucralfate at bedtime only.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals. This timing allows sucralfate to form a protective barrier over the ulcer, enhancing healing. Choice A is incorrect because sucralfate should not be taken with an antacid. Choice C is incorrect because sucralfate should not be taken with food. Choice D is incorrect because sucralfate should not be taken at bedtime only; it is best absorbed on an empty stomach.

5. A nurse is caring for a toddler diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Use a designated stethoscope when caring for the toddler
• B. Wear an N95 respirator mask
• C. Remove the disposable gown after leaving the toddler’s room
• D. Place the toddler in a room with negative air pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Using a designated stethoscope is the correct action when caring for a toddler diagnosed with RSV. This measure helps prevent the spread of infection to other clients by reducing the risk of contamination. Wearing an N95 respirator mask is not necessary for routine care of a toddler with RSV unless performing aerosol-generating procedures. Removing the disposable gown after leaving the toddler's room is important for infection control but not specific to RSV care. Placing the toddler in a room with negative air pressure is not a standard practice for managing RSV in toddlers.

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