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 assessing a client who has just received an opioid medication. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor first?

• A. Constipation.
• B. Drowsiness.
• C. Orthostatic hypotension.
• D. Respiratory depression.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client receives an opioid medication, the nurse should first monitor for respiratory depression as it is a life-threatening adverse effect associated with opioids. This can lead to inadequate ventilation and hypoxia, requiring immediate intervention. Constipation, drowsiness, and orthostatic hypotension are also common side effects of opioids but are not as immediately life-threatening as respiratory depression.

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 caring for a client who is in labor and is receiving oxytocin. Which of the following findings indicates that the nurse should increase the rate of infusion?

• A. Urine output of 20 ml/hr
• B. Montevideo units consistently at 300 mm Hg
• C. FHR pattern with absent variability
• D. Contractions every 5 minutes that last 30 seconds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because contractions every 5 minutes that last 30 seconds indicate that the rate of infusion should be increased. This pattern suggests weak contractions or intervals that are too far apart, requiring an adjustment to improve labor progress. Option A is incorrect as a low urine output is not directly related to the need for an increase in the oxytocin infusion rate. Option B, Montevideo units consistently at 300 mm Hg, is incorrect because it is a measure of intrauterine pressure and does not determine the need for an increase in oxytocin infusion. Option C, FHR pattern with absent variability, is incorrect as it may indicate fetal distress but does not specifically relate to the need for adjusting the oxytocin infusion rate.

5. A nurse has just received change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who was just given a glass of orange juice for a low blood glucose level.
• B. A client who is scheduled for a procedure in 1 hr.
• C. A client who has 100 mL of fluid remaining in his IV bag.
• D. A client who received a pain medication 30 min ago for postoperative pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A client with low blood glucose levels needs immediate assessment to ensure stabilization. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. The other options do not present immediate life-threatening situations that require urgent assessment. Option B can be attended to after addressing the client with low blood glucose levels. Option C can be managed based on the infusion rate and the client's condition. Option D, although important, can be assessed after ensuring the client with low blood glucose levels is stable.

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