Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client scheduled to receive chemotherapy for the first time
• B. A client post-appendectomy with diminished bowel sounds
• C. A client with hypothyroidism who is stuporous
• D. A client with burns requiring a sterile dressing change

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client with hypothyroidism who is stuporous should be assessed first as this may indicate a critical condition, possibly related to severe hypothyroidism. Stupor is a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility, suggesting a decline in neurological function that requires immediate evaluation. Choices A, B, and D do not present with immediate life-threatening conditions that require urgent assessment. While chemotherapy, post-appendectomy complications, and burn care are important, they do not pose the same level of immediate risk as a stuporous client.

2. A nurse is performing a focused assessment for a client who has dysrhythmias. What indicates ineffective cardiac contractions?

• A. Increased blood pressure
• B. Pulse deficit
• C. Normal heart rate
• D. Elevated oxygen saturation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulse deficit. A pulse deficit is a significant finding in clients with dysrhythmias, indicating ineffective cardiac contractions. Pulse deficit occurs when there is a difference between the apical and radial pulses, suggesting that not all heart contractions are strong enough to produce a pulse that can be felt peripherally. Increased blood pressure (choice A) may occur due to various factors and is not a direct indicator of ineffective cardiac contractions. Similarly, a normal heart rate (choice C) and elevated oxygen saturation (choice D) do not specifically point towards ineffective cardiac contractions; they can be present in individuals with dysrhythmias but do not directly indicate ineffective cardiac contractions.

3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving radiation treatments for cancer. The client states he is experiencing dryness, redness, and scaling at the treatment area. Which of the following should the nurse instruct the client to do?

• A. Sit in the sun for 15 minutes per day.
• B. Apply moist heat to the area twice daily.
• C. Liberally apply prescribed lotion to the area.
• D. Wash the affected area daily with antimicrobial soap.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should instruct the client to liberally apply prescribed lotion to the treatment area. Prescribed hydrating lotions help soothe and protect irradiated skin, reducing dryness, redness, and scaling. Sitting in the sun can further damage the skin. Applying moist heat may exacerbate the skin condition. Washing the area with antimicrobial soap can be too harsh and further irritate the skin.

4. A nurse in an acute care facility is caring for a client who is postop following abdominal surgery. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

• A. Regular fluid intake
• B. Urge suppression
• C. Increased physical activity
• D. Adequate dietary fiber

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Urge suppression can lead to constipation by delaying bowel movements and causing fecal impaction, especially in postoperative patients. Regular fluid intake (choice A) is important to prevent constipation by maintaining hydration and aiding in bowel movements. Increased physical activity (choice C) helps stimulate bowel function and prevent constipation. Adequate dietary fiber (choice D) is essential for promoting healthy bowel movements and preventing constipation. However, urge suppression (choice B) is the behavior that directly contributes to constipation in this scenario.

5. A client just received their first dose of lisinopril. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Place the client on cardiac monitoring
• B. Monitor the client’s oxygen saturation
• C. Provide standby assistance when the client gets out of bed
• D. Encourage foods high in potassium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to provide standby assistance when the client gets out of bed. Lisinopril can cause hypotension, especially after the first dose, which can lead to dizziness and falls. Standby assistance helps prevent potential injury. Placing the client on cardiac monitoring (choice A) or monitoring oxygen saturation (choice B) are not typically necessary after the first dose of lisinopril unless specific symptoms are present. Encouraging foods high in potassium (choice D) is not directly related to the immediate concern of postural hypotension associated with lisinopril.

Similar Questions