Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client with a pressure ulcer and a serum albumin level of 3 g/dL. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Increase the client's protein intake
• B. Consult with a dietitian to improve the client's nutritional status
• C. Administer a protein supplement
• D. Monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte balance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Consulting with a dietitian is the priority as it ensures that the client receives a comprehensive nutritional assessment and an individualized plan to address the low serum albumin level and pressure ulcer. Increasing protein intake (choice A) and administering a protein supplement (choice C) may be part of the dietitian's recommendations but should not be done without proper assessment and guidance. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance (choice D) is important but not the first step in addressing the client's nutritional needs.

2. A client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. What is the first action the nurse should take?

• A. Increase the suction setting on the ventilator
• B. Suction the tracheostomy
• C. Notify the physician immediately
• D. Encourage deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with a tracheostomy exhibiting signs of respiratory distress is to suction the tracheostomy. This helps clear the airway and improve breathing. Increasing the suction setting on the ventilator is not appropriate as the issue may be related to secretions that need to be directly removed. Notifying the physician should come after providing immediate nursing interventions. Encouraging deep breathing exercises is not suitable when the client is in respiratory distress and needs prompt intervention.

3. A nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about using a blood pressure monitor. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take your blood pressure after eating
• B. Sit quietly for 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure
• C. Use a blood pressure cuff that is too small
• D. Take your blood pressure while standing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to sit quietly for 5 minutes before taking their blood pressure. This is important because sitting quietly helps stabilize the heart rate, leading to a more accurate reading. Choice A is incorrect because taking blood pressure after eating can affect the readings. Choice C is wrong because using a blood pressure cuff that is too small can provide inaccurate readings. Choice D is also incorrect as blood pressure should be taken in a seated position for accurate results.

4. What is the proper technique for measuring blood pressure manually?

• A. Use a stethoscope to listen for the Korotkoff sounds
• B. Ensure the patient is seated with the arm supported
• C. Use a manual sphygmomanometer
• D. Deflate the cuff slowly while listening to the heartbeat

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for measuring blood pressure manually involves using a stethoscope to listen for the Korotkoff sounds. Choice B, ensuring the patient is seated with the arm supported, is important but not the specific technique for measuring blood pressure. Choice C, using a manual sphygmomanometer, is a necessary tool but not the technique itself. Choice D, deflating the cuff slowly while listening to the heartbeat, is not the correct technique as the deflation should be done while listening for the Korotkoff sounds to determine the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.

5. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client with dementia who frequently becomes agitated. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Investigate the client's fluid and electrolyte balance
• B. Investigate the client's recent medication changes
• C. Investigate recent changes in cognitive functioning
• D. Investigate the client's psychosocial environment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to investigate the client's recent medication changes. In a client with dementia who frequently becomes agitated, medication changes can often be a significant factor contributing to their behavior. Checking recent medication changes can help identify if any specific medication is causing or exacerbating the agitation. Choice A about fluid and electrolyte balance is less likely to be the priority unless there are specific indications in the medical record. Choice C, investigating recent changes in cognitive functioning, may be important but addressing the agitation first is a more immediate concern. Choice D, investigating the client's psychosocial environment, is also important but may not directly address the immediate cause of the agitation as medication changes could.

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