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 client with osteoporosis is being taught by a nurse about preventing bone loss. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take a calcium supplement once a day.
• B. Avoid weight-bearing exercises.
• C. Walk for 30 minutes 3 times per week.
• D. Increase intake of high-phosphorus foods.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Walk for 30 minutes 3 times per week.' Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that helps prevent bone loss and improve overall health in clients with osteoporosis. Option A is incorrect because while calcium is essential for bone health, simply taking a supplement is not sufficient for preventing bone loss. Option B is incorrect because weight-bearing exercises are actually beneficial for improving bone density and strength. Option D is incorrect because high-phosphorus foods do not play a significant role in preventing bone loss in osteoporosis.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of digoxin to a client who has heart failure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to administering the medication?

• A. Monitor the client's respiratory rate.
• B. Assess the client's apical pulse.
• C. Review the client's potassium level.
• D. Monitor the client's fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take prior to administering digoxin is to assess the client's apical pulse. Digoxin is known to affect the heart rate, potentially causing bradycardia. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (Choice A) is not directly related to administering digoxin. Reviewing the client's potassium level (Choice C) is important but not a direct prerequisite for administering digoxin. Monitoring the client's fluid intake (Choice D) is also important but not a specific action to take just before administering digoxin.

4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Encourage the client to take deep breaths.
• B. Administer oxygen as needed.
• C. Teach the client pursed-lip breathing.
• D. Limit the client's fluid intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with COPD is to teach pursed-lip breathing. This technique helps improve oxygenation and reduce dyspnea by promoting better air exchange in the lungs. Encouraging deep breaths may not be suitable for clients with COPD as it can lead to air trapping. Administering oxygen is important in COPD, but teaching pursed-lip breathing is a more direct intervention to help the client manage their condition. Limiting fluid intake is not a standard intervention for COPD and may not be relevant to improving respiratory status.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. Ammonia 75 mcg/dL
• B. Sodium 142 mEq/L
• C. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
• D. Bilirubin 2.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An elevated bilirubin level in clients with cirrhosis indicates worsening liver function and potential complications. It is crucial to report this finding promptly as it may require immediate medical intervention. Elevated ammonia levels (choice A) are also concerning in cirrhosis, indicating hepatic encephalopathy, but bilirubin levels are more specific to liver function in this context. Choices B and C are within normal ranges and are not typically of immediate concern in cirrhosis.

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