Nursing Elites

1. During a screening on a patient with a recent cast on the left lower extremity, which of the following statements should the nurse be most concerned about?

• A. The patient reports, "I didn't keep my extremity elevated as the doctor asked me to."?
• B. The patient reports, "I have been having pain in my left calf."?
• C. The patient reports, "My left leg has really been itching."?
• D. The patient reports, "The arthritis in my wrists is flaring up when I put weight on my crutches."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pain in the left calf could indicate a potential neurovascular complication related to the casted extremity. It could suggest issues such as compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. Option A is not as concerning since not elevating the extremity may lead to swelling but is not an immediate concern. Option C indicates itching, which is common with casts and not as concerning as potential neurovascular issues. Option D, regarding arthritis in the wrists, is unrelated to the lower extremity issue being screened for.

2. Which client is at risk for hypomagnesemia?

• A. Client with a history of heart disease
• B. Client taking magnesium-based antacids
• C. Client with a parathyroid disorder
• D. Client admitted with alcohol abuse

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the client admitted with alcohol abuse. Alcoholics tend to have poor nutrition due to decreased food intake, which is a common source of magnesium. Additionally, alcohol suppresses the release of ADH, leading to diuresis and magnesium loss. Choice A is incorrect because a history of heart disease does not directly increase the risk of hypomagnesemia. Choice B is incorrect as taking magnesium-based antacids would not put the client at risk for hypomagnesemia; in fact, it would help prevent it. Choice C is also incorrect as a parathyroid disorder is not typically associated with an increased risk of hypomagnesemia.

3. Which of the following needs immediate medical attention and emergency intervention? The client who:

• A. complains of sharp pain upon taking a deep breath and excessive coughing.
• B. exhibits yellow, productive sputum, low-grade fever, and crackles.
• C. has a shift of the trachea to the left, with no breath sounds on the right.
• D. has asthma and complains of an inability to catch her breath after exercise.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is indicative of a tension pneumothorax, which is considered a medical emergency. The respiratory system is severely compromised, and venous return to the heart is affected. The mediastinal shift is to the unaffected side, indicating a critical situation that requires immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration. This condition can rapidly progress to a life-threatening state, necessitating prompt medical attention. Choices A, B, and D do not present with life-threatening conditions requiring emergency intervention. Choice A mentions symptoms of pleurisy, which may be painful but not immediately life-threatening. Choice B describes symptoms of bronchitis, which may require medical attention but not of an emergent nature. Choice D reflects a common complaint in asthma but does not suggest an immediate life-threatening situation unless severe respiratory distress is present.

4. What is appropriate care for a client with neutropenia?

• A. Avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables.
• B. Having a private room.
• C. Wearing a mask when out of the room.
• D. Practicing routine hand washing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client has neutropenia, they have low white blood cell levels, which increases the risk of infections due to a weakened immune system. Wearing a mask when out of the room is crucial to reduce the risk of exposure to respiratory infections. Avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables is also necessary as they may contain harmful pathogens. Having a private room helps minimize exposure to pathogens and ensures that visitors are carefully screened for any signs of illness. Routine hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of infections in the healthcare setting, but the most direct measure to protect the client from potential infections is wearing a mask when out of the room.

5. A nurse is working in a pediatric clinic, and a 25-year-old mother comes in with a 4-week-old baby. The mother is stressed out about the loss of sleep, and the baby exhibits signs of colic. Which of the following techniques should the nurse teach the mother?

• A. Distraction of the infant with a red object
• B. Prone positioning techniques
• C. Tapping reflex techniques
• D. Neural warmth techniques

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Neural warmth techniques involve the caregiver providing a warm, soothing touch to the baby, which can help to lower the baby's agitation level and promote relaxation. This technique is beneficial for calming colicky babies. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because distraction with a red object, prone positioning, and tapping reflex techniques are not effective methods for managing colic in infants. Red object distraction is not a proven technique for soothing colicky babies. Prone positioning is not recommended for infants due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Tapping reflex techniques are not recognized as effective interventions for colic.

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