Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postoperative following a colostomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Stoma that is red and moist
• B. Purulent drainage from the stoma
• C. Stoma that is dry and purple
• D. Mild swelling around the stoma

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A dry, purple stoma is abnormal and may indicate compromised blood flow, which should be reported to the provider. A red and moist stoma is a normal finding postoperatively. Purulent drainage from the stoma indicates infection and should also be reported. Mild swelling around the stoma is common in the early postoperative period and does not typically require immediate reporting.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis and a new prescription for lactulose. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following therapeutic effects of this medication?

• A. Improved mental status.
• B. Increased urine output.
• C. Decreased serum ammonia.
• D. Decreased bilirubin levels.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased serum ammonia. Lactulose is prescribed to decrease serum ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. By reducing serum ammonia, lactulose helps improve the mental status of these clients. Therefore, monitoring for decreased serum ammonia is crucial to assess the effectiveness of lactulose therapy. Choice A (Improved mental status) is indirectly related as it is the desired outcome of decreasing ammonia levels. Choices B (Increased urine output) and D (Decreased bilirubin levels) are not directly associated with the therapeutic effects of lactulose in cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.

3. A nurse is planning care for a client who has diabetes insipidus and is receiving desmopressin. Which of the following should the nurse monitor?

• A. Fasting blood glucose
• B. Carbohydrate intake
• C. Hematocrit
• D. Weight

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Weight. Weight monitoring is essential to assess the effectiveness of desmopressin therapy, as fluid retention is a common side effect. Monitoring fasting blood glucose (choice A) is not directly related to desmopressin therapy for diabetes insipidus. Monitoring carbohydrate intake (choice B) may be important in diabetes management but is not specific to desmopressin therapy. Hematocrit (choice C) monitoring is not a primary concern when managing diabetes insipidus with desmopressin.

4. How should a healthcare provider manage a patient with chronic kidney disease?

• A. Limit fluid intake
• B. Increase potassium intake
• C. Provide a high-protein diet
• D. Administer IV antibiotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Limiting fluid intake is essential in managing patients with chronic kidney disease to prevent fluid overload, which can worsen kidney function. Increasing potassium intake is not recommended as patients with kidney disease often need to limit potassium. Providing a high-protein diet may put extra strain on the kidneys, so it is not ideal. Administering IV antibiotics is not a standard treatment for chronic kidney disease.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease and demonstrates confusion and wandering behavior. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Place the client in a well-lit area to reduce wandering.
• B. Use physical restraints to prevent wandering.
• C. Ensure that the client wears an identification bracelet at all times.
• D. Keep the client's bed in the lowest position.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with Alzheimer's disease who demonstrates confusion and wandering behavior is to ensure that the client wears an identification bracelet at all times. This helps prevent wandering and ensures the client's safety. Placing the client in a well-lit area may be beneficial for orientation but does not directly address wandering behavior. Using physical restraints is not recommended as it can lead to agitation and other complications. Keeping the client's bed in the lowest position is important for fall prevention but does not specifically address the issue of wandering behavior.

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