Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following abdominal surgery. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed an infection based on which of the following findings?

• A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
• B. Temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F)
• C. Heart rate of 92/min
• D. Drainage at the surgical site

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An elevated temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) is indicative of infection postoperatively. Fever is a common sign of infection, and temperatures above the normal range should raise suspicion. The other vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate) may be within an acceptable range, and some drainage at the surgical site can be expected postoperatively. However, the elevated temperature is a more specific indicator of a potential infection that requires immediate attention.

2. A nurse is providing care for a client who is in the advanced stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Which of the following referrals is the nurse's priority?

• A. Psychologist
• B. Social worker
• C. Occupational therapist
• D. Speech-language pathologist

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the advanced stage of ALS, clients often experience swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia. A speech-language pathologist specializes in assessing and managing these swallowing problems, making them the nurse's priority referral in this case. A psychologist primarily focuses on mental health and emotional well-being, which may not be the most critical issue at this stage. Social workers assist with social support and resources, while occupational therapists help with activities of daily living and mobility, which are important but not the priority when dysphagia is a concern.

3. What is the most important assessment for a patient post-op to monitor for complications?

• A. Monitor vital signs
• B. Monitor the surgical site
• C. Check blood glucose levels
• D. Check for abnormal breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor vital signs. Post-operative patients need close monitoring of their vital signs to detect early signs of complications such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate. While monitoring the surgical site is also important for signs of infection, assessing vital signs takes precedence as it provides immediate information about the patient's overall condition. Checking blood glucose levels may be essential for specific patients but is not the primary assessment for monitoring post-op complications. Checking for abnormal breath sounds is important but falls secondary to monitoring vital signs as it indicates respiratory issues rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition.

4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of heart failure. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should weigh myself every morning.
• B. I should drink 2 liters of water each day.
• C. I should avoid all physical activity.
• D. I should take an extra dose of diuretic if I gain 2 pounds in a day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The corrected answer is A. Weighing daily is crucial for clients with heart failure to monitor fluid status since sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention. Choice B is incorrect because excessive water intake can worsen fluid retention in heart failure. Choice C is incorrect as some physical activity is encouraged for heart failure clients, tailored to their condition. Choice D is incorrect as adjusting medication doses should always be done under healthcare provider guidance rather than self-administration.

5. A client with osteoporosis should be encouraged to perform which of the following interventions as part of the plan of care?

• A. Encourage the client to increase calcium intake.
• B. Apply heat to the affected joints to reduce stiffness.
• C. Encourage weight-bearing exercises to prevent bone loss.
• D. Limit fluid intake to prevent swelling.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage weight-bearing exercises to prevent bone loss in clients with osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises help to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures. Increasing calcium intake (Choice A) is important for bone health but is not the priority intervention for preventing bone loss in osteoporosis. Applying heat to affected joints (Choice B) may help with stiffness but does not address the underlying bone loss in osteoporosis. Limiting fluid intake (Choice D) is not relevant to managing osteoporosis and preventing bone loss.

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