Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is performing a focused assessment on a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased breath sounds
• B. Flushed skin
• C. Nasal flaring
• D. Decreased respiratory rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flushed skin. Flushed skin is a common finding in clients with COPD who are experiencing dyspnea. Increased breath sounds (choice A) are not typically associated with COPD; they may indicate conditions like pneumonia. Nasal flaring (choice C) is more commonly seen in respiratory distress in pediatric patients. Decreased respiratory rate (choice D) is not a typical finding in COPD and could indicate respiratory depression.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a narcotic medication. What should the nurse do with the unused portion after administration?

• A. Store it in the medication cart for later use
• B. Discard it with a witness present
• C. Return it to the pharmacy
• D. Report it to the provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take with the unused portion of a narcotic medication after administration is to discard it with a witness present. This procedure is necessary to comply with controlled substance regulations and prevent diversion or misuse of the medication. Storing it in the medication cart for later use is inappropriate as it can lead to unauthorized access. Returning it to the pharmacy is not recommended as the medication has already been dispensed. Reporting it to the provider is not the standard procedure for disposing of controlled substances.

3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new diagnosis of hypertension. What instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Reduce sodium intake to 4 grams per day
• B. Avoid foods high in potassium
• C. Take prescribed antihypertensive medications daily
• D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Take prescribed antihypertensive medications daily.' When providing discharge teaching to a client with hypertension, one of the key instructions is to ensure the consistent intake of prescribed antihypertensive medications. This is crucial for controlling blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of complications associated with hypertension. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because reducing sodium intake, avoiding foods high in potassium, and limiting fluid intake are important dietary modifications for various health conditions, but they are not the priority when it comes to managing hypertension. The primary focus should be on medication adherence to effectively manage hypertension.

4. A nurse is reviewing the lab report of a client who has been experiencing a fever for the last 3 days. What lab result indicates the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD)?

• A. Decreased BUN levels
• B. Increased hematocrit
• C. Increased white blood cell count
• D. Decreased hematocrit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased hematocrit. Increased hematocrit indicates hemoconcentration, which is a sign of fluid volume deficit. When there is a decrease in fluid volume in the body, the blood becomes more concentrated, leading to an increase in hematocrit levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because decreased BUN levels, increased white blood cell count, and decreased hematocrit are not indicative of fluid volume deficit.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with an NG tube. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Flush the tube with 100 mL of water
• B. Verify tube placement
• C. Elevate the head of the bed
• D. Measure the residual gastric volume

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the priority action the nurse should take before administering enteral feedings. This step ensures that the NG tube is correctly positioned, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Flushing the tube with water, elevating the head of the bed, and measuring residual gastric volume are important steps in enteral feeding administration but come after verifying tube placement. Flushing the tube with water helps clear the tubing, elevating the head of the bed reduces the risk of aspiration, and measuring residual gastric volume helps assess the client's tolerance to feedings.

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