Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD). What clinical finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased hematocrit
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Decreased respiratory rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increased heart rate is a common sign of fluid volume deficit (FVD) as the body compensates for decreased fluid levels. When a client is experiencing FVD, the body tries to maintain perfusion to vital organs by increasing the heart rate. This compensatory mechanism helps to improve cardiac output and maintain blood pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in FVD, hematocrit may be increased due to hemoconcentration, blood pressure tends to decrease as a compensatory response to FVD, and respiratory rate is usually unaffected or may increase due to attempts to maintain oxygenation.

2. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. What food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. Steamed carrots
• B. Orange slices
• C. Mashed potatoes
• D. Baked chicken

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Orange slices. For a client on a mechanical soft diet, foods that are difficult to chew and swallow should be avoided. Orange slices fall into this category due to their texture and potential choking hazard. Steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, and baked chicken are typically suitable for a mechanical soft diet as they can be easily mashed or cut into small, manageable pieces for consumption.

3. A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a group of older adult clients. Which risk factor should the nurse identify as placing older adults at an increased risk for infections?

• A. Improved nutritional status
• B. Increased mobility
• C. Chronic conditions
• D. Lowered immune function

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lowered immune function. Older adults often experience a decline in immune function as they age, making them more vulnerable to infections. This weakened immune system can result in increased susceptibility to various pathogens. Choice A, 'Improved nutritional status,' is incorrect because good nutrition can actually help support the immune system. Choice B, 'Increased mobility,' is not directly related to an increased risk of infections. Choice C, 'Chronic conditions,' while they can contribute to a weakened immune system, do not directly address the primary risk factor for infections in older adults.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a narcotic medication. After administration, what should the nurse do with the unused portion?

• A. Document the amount wasted
• B. Store it for later use
• C. Discard it with another nurse as a witness
• D. Return it to the pharmacy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After administering a narcotic medication, any unused portion should be discarded with another nurse as a witness. This procedure ensures proper disposal of controlled substances and prevents misuse or diversion. Storing it for later use (Choice B) is not appropriate due to safety concerns and legal regulations. Returning it to the pharmacy (Choice D) is also not recommended as the medication is already out of the pharmacy's control. Documenting the amount wasted (Choice A) is important for accurate record-keeping but does not address the immediate need for safe disposal of the unused narcotic medication.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain and tenderness at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
• B. Notify the provider
• C. Assess for signs of infection
• D. Administer prescribed antibiotics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client reports pain and tenderness at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter is to notify the provider. Pain and tenderness at the catheter site may indicate infection, and the healthcare provider needs to be informed for further assessment and appropriate interventions. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline (Choice A) should not be the initial action without consulting the provider first. While assessing for signs of infection (Choice C) is important, notifying the provider takes precedence. Administering prescribed antibiotics (Choice D) should only be done based on the provider's orders after assessment and confirmation of infection.

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