Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client with end-stage osteoporosis who is experiencing severe pain and a respiratory rate of 14/min. Which medication should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Promethazine
• B. Hydromorphone
• C. Ketorolac
• D. Amitriptyline

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should prioritize administering Hydromorphone (choice B), an opioid analgesic, to manage the severe pain effectively. Opioids are the first-line treatment for severe pain, especially in end-stage conditions like osteoporosis. Promethazine (choice A) is an antihistamine and antiemetic, not a potent analgesic. Ketorolac (choice C) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may not provide sufficient pain relief in severe cases. Amitriptyline (choice D) is a tricyclic antidepressant used for neuropathic pain and depression, but it is not the first choice for managing severe pain in this scenario.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is hyperventilating and has the following ABG results: pH 7.50, PaCO2 29 mm Hg, and HCO3- 25 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Metabolic acidosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis. In this scenario, the client is hyperventilating, leading to excessive elimination of carbon dioxide. As a result, the PaCO2 decreases, causing a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration and an increase in pH, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. Choice A, Respiratory acidosis, is incorrect because the ABG results show a low PaCO2, not an elevated one. Choices C and D, Metabolic acidosis and Metabolic alkalosis, do not align with the ABG results provided, which point towards a respiratory, not metabolic, imbalance.

3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client after surgery. Which of the following should be included?

• A. Resume normal activities immediately
• B. Monitor for signs of infection
• C. Avoid all physical activity for 1 month
• D. Take pain medications only as needed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor for signs of infection.' After surgery, it is essential for clients to watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or drainage at the incision site. Choice A is incorrect because resuming normal activities immediately after surgery can be harmful. Choice C is incorrect as complete avoidance of physical activity for a month is typically not necessary and can lead to complications like blood clots. Choice D is incorrect as taking pain medications only as needed may not provide adequate pain management post-surgery.

4. A nurse is performing a newborn assessment and notes a soft, swollen area on the newborn's scalp that does not cross the suture line. Which of the following should the nurse document?

• A. Cephalohematoma
• B. Caput succedaneum
• C. Subdural hematoma
• D. Molding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, cephalohematoma. A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between the periosteum and the skull that does not cross the suture line. It is caused by trauma during birth and typically resolves on its own. Choice B, caput succedaneum, is characterized by diffuse edema over a newborn's scalp that crosses suture lines. Choice C, subdural hematoma, is a more serious condition involving bleeding between the dura mater and the brain. Choice D, molding, refers to the shaping of the fetal head during passage through the birth canal. Therefore, the nurse should document cephalohematoma in this scenario as it aligns with the description of a soft, swollen area on the newborn's scalp that does not cross the suture line.

5. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is taking prednisone. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypertension. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, can lead to hypertension as an adverse effect. Prednisone can cause sodium and water retention, leading to increased blood pressure. Options A, B, and D are incorrect. Weight loss is not typically associated with prednisone use; instead, weight gain is more common. Hypoglycemia is not a common adverse effect of prednisone; in fact, it can elevate blood sugar levels. Hyperkalemia is also not a typical adverse effect of prednisone; instead, it can cause hypokalemia, or low potassium levels.

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