Nursing Elites

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

• A. Increased fiber intake
• B. Suppression of the urge to defecate
• C. Ambulation twice a day
• D. Daily laxative use

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Suppression of the urge to defecate.' Suppressing the urge to defecate can lead to constipation, especially in postoperative clients. It is essential to encourage clients to respond to the urge to defecate to prevent constipation. Increased fiber intake (Choice A) is beneficial for preventing constipation. Ambulation (Choice C) helps promote bowel motility and can reduce the risk of constipation. Daily laxative use (Choice D) may contribute to laxative dependence but is not the behavior most directly associated with increasing the risk of constipation in this scenario.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has breast cancer and has been receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. WBC 3,000/mm3
• B. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
• C. Platelets 250,000/mm3
• D. aPTT 30 seconds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A WBC count of 3,000/mm3 indicates neutropenia, a dangerous complication of chemotherapy that increases the risk of infection and requires immediate attention. Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy and can lead to life-threatening infections. Reporting a low WBC count is crucial to ensure timely intervention. Choices B, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not pose immediate risks to the client undergoing chemotherapy.

3. A client has been prescribed trazodone. Which of the following should be monitored?

• A. Blood glucose levels
• B. Liver function
• C. Mood changes
• D. Heart rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Correct. Trazodone is an antidepressant that can impact mood and behavior. Monitoring for changes in mood or behavior is crucial to assess the effectiveness and potential side effects of the medication. Monitoring blood glucose levels is not typically associated with trazodone use. While trazodone can affect liver function in some cases, monitoring liver function is not the primary concern compared to assessing mood changes. Trazodone can cause changes in heart rate in some patients, but the priority monitoring in this case should be related to its effects on mood.

4. A nurse is assessing a male adolescent client who has heart failure. Based on the client’s chart, which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Withhold spironolactone
• B. Administer ferrous sulfate
• C. Administer furosemide
• D. Withhold digoxin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer furosemide. Furosemide is a diuretic commonly used in heart failure to manage fluid retention, helping alleviate symptoms like edema and shortness of breath. Withholding spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, could lead to electrolyte imbalances. Administering ferrous sulfate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia, not heart failure. Withholding digoxin, a medication used in heart failure to improve heart function, can worsen the client's condition.

5. A client who is at 32 weeks gestation and has a history of cardiac disease is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following positions should the nurse place the client in to best promote optimal cardiac output?

• A. The chest
• B. Standing
• C. Supine
• D. Left lateral

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the left lateral position. Placing the client in the left lateral position promotes optimal cardiac output during pregnancy by reducing pressure on the inferior vena cava, improving blood flow to the heart and fetus. Choice A, 'The chest,' is incorrect as it does not describe a position that benefits cardiac output. Choice B, 'Standing,' is incorrect as it does not alleviate pressure on the vena cava. Choice C, 'Supine,' is contraindicated in pregnancy, especially in clients with cardiac disease, as it can compress the vena cava and decrease cardiac output.

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