Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a newborn diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Which of the following interventions should the nurse expect to implement?

• A. Withhold oral feedings
• B. Measure abdominal girth
• C. Position the newborn supine
• D. Apply cold compresses to the abdomen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Measuring abdominal girth is crucial in monitoring for signs of abdominal distension, which is a key indicator of worsening necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). It helps in assessing the progression of the condition. Positioning the newborn supine, as in choice C, can help relieve pressure on the abdomen but does not directly monitor the condition. Applying cold compresses, as in choice D, is not recommended for NEC as it can constrict blood vessels and potentially worsen the condition. Withholding oral feedings, as in choice A, is also important to rest the bowel and prevent further complications, but measuring abdominal girth is more directly related to monitoring the progression of NEC.

2. A nurse is performing a focused assessment on a client who has a history of COPD and is experiencing dyspnea. Which of the findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Flaring of the nostrils
• B. Normal respiratory rate
• C. Clear lung sounds
• D. Decreased work of breathing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flaring of the nostrils indicates increased respiratory effort, common in clients with dyspnea due to COPD. In COPD, the airways are narrowed, causing difficulty in breathing, leading to increased work of breathing. Normal respiratory rate and clear lung sounds are less likely findings in a client with COPD experiencing dyspnea. Decreased work of breathing is not expected in this situation as COPD typically results in increased work of breathing.

3. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has a long arm cast. Which of the following findings indicates a moderate complication when assessing for acute compartment syndrome?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Petechiae
• C. Change in mental status
• D. Edema

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Edema is a common sign of acute compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, requiring immediate intervention. Shortness of breath (Choice A) is more indicative of a respiratory issue rather than acute compartment syndrome. Petechiae (Choice B) are pinpoint, round spots that appear on the skin due to bleeding under the skin and are not typically associated with acute compartment syndrome. Change in mental status (Choice C) is more suggestive of neurological issues rather than acute compartment syndrome.

4. A client wearing an arm cast reports numb fingers. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the arm in a dependent position
• B. Administer pain medication
• C. Check the client's circulation
• D. Apply a warm compress to the fingers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's circulation. Numbness in the fingers may indicate compromised circulation or nerve damage. By assessing the circulation first, the nurse can ensure that the cast is not too tight, which could be cutting off blood flow. Option A is incorrect because placing the arm in a dependent position may worsen circulation issues. Option B is incorrect as administering pain medication does not address the underlying cause of numbness. Option D is incorrect as applying a warm compress could mask circulation issues and is not the priority in this situation.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of furosemide. Which of the following should the nurse do before administration?

• A. Check potassium levels
• B. Assess blood glucose levels
• C. Monitor respiratory rate
• D. Administer with food

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check potassium levels before administering furosemide. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) as a side effect. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent potential complications related to electrolyte imbalance. Assessing blood glucose levels (choice B) is not directly related to furosemide administration. Monitoring respiratory rate (choice C) is important in certain situations, but it is not the priority before administering furosemide. Administering furosemide with food (choice D) is not a requirement as it can be administered regardless of meals.

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