Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Chest tube drainage of 60 mL/hr
• B. Oxygen saturation of 95%
• C. Chest tube drainage of 120 mL/hr
• D. Heart rate of 88/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Chest tube drainage of more than 100 mL/hr may indicate active bleeding, which is a serious complication post-thoracotomy surgery. This finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and D are within normal limits for a client 2 hours post-thoracotomy and do not require immediate reporting. Oxygen saturation of 95% is acceptable, and a heart rate of 88/min is within the normal range for an adult.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer ceftriaxone IM to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Administer the medication using a tuberculin syringe
• B. Administer the medication at a 45-degree angle
• C. Use the dorsogluteal muscle for injection
• D. Aspirate for blood return before injecting the medication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: When administering intramuscular injections like ceftriaxone, it is essential to aspirate for blood return before injecting the medication to ensure that the needle is not in a blood vessel. Choices A and B are incorrect because ceftriaxone is typically administered using a syringe appropriate for IM injections (not a tuberculin syringe) and injected at a 90-degree angle rather than 45 degrees. Choice C is incorrect because the dorsogluteal site is no longer recommended for IM injections due to potential injury to the sciatic nerve and other structures.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following findings in the client's medical history should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. History of hypertension
• B. History of polycystic ovary syndrome
• C. History of asthma
• D. History of kidney disease

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, history of kidney disease. Metformin should be used with caution in clients with kidney disease due to the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious complication. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial for assessing the appropriateness of continuing metformin therapy. Choices A, B, and C do not contraindicate the use of metformin, so they are not the priority for reporting.

4. What is the best method to assess for fluid overload in patients with heart failure?

• A. Monitor daily weight
• B. Check for jugular vein distention
• C. Check for pitting edema
• D. Check for fluid retention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor daily weight. Daily weight monitoring is the most accurate method to assess fluid overload in patients with heart failure. Changes in weight can indicate fluid retention before visible signs like jugular vein distention or pitting edema appear. Checking for jugular vein distention (choice B) is helpful but may not be as sensitive as daily weight monitoring. Pitting edema (choice C) and fluid retention (choice D) are signs of fluid overload, but daily weight monitoring is a more proactive approach to detect changes early.

5. A client with heart failure is being educated by a nurse about fluid restrictions. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Limit your fluid intake to 3 liters per day.
• B. Increase your fluid intake to 5 liters per day.
• C. Avoid drinking more than 1 liter of fluid per day.
• D. You can drink as much fluid as you want during meals.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Avoid drinking more than 1 liter of fluid per day." Clients with heart failure are typically advised to limit their fluid intake to around 1 liter per day to prevent fluid overload, which can worsen their condition. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they suggest fluid intakes that are higher than the recommended limit, which could lead to fluid retention and exacerbate heart failure symptoms.

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