Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is planning care for a client who has a new prescription for a low-sodium diet. Which of the following foods should the healthcare professional recommend?

• A. Canned soup
• B. Fresh fruit
• C. Pickles
• D. Soy sauce

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fresh fruit is naturally low in sodium and is a suitable choice for a low-sodium diet. It provides essential nutrients without adding significant amounts of sodium, making it a healthy option for individuals following a low-sodium diet. Canned soup, pickles, and soy sauce are high in sodium content and should be avoided by individuals on a low-sodium diet. Canned soups are often loaded with added salt, pickles are preserved in brine containing high sodium levels, and soy sauce is a condiment with a high sodium content.

2. A client with meningitis is being assessed by a healthcare provider. Which of the following findings should the provider expect?

• A. Negative Brudzinski’s sign.
• B. Flaccid neck muscles.
• C. Petechial rash.
• D. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A petechial rash is a characteristic finding in clients with meningitis, indicating small, pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin. This rash results from the infection's impact on the blood vessels. Petechiae are important to recognize as they can help differentiate meningitis from other conditions with similar symptoms. Brudzinski’s sign, neck stiffness, and positive Kernig’s sign are more common physical exam findings in meningitis. Flaccid neck muscles and hypoactive deep tendon reflexes are not typically associated with meningitis.

3. A client reports difficulty sleeping at night, which interferes with daily functioning. Which intervention should the nurse suggest to this client?

• A. Avoid beverages containing caffeine
• B. Take a sleep medication regularly at bedtime
• C. Watch television for 30 minutes in bed to relax before falling asleep
• D. Advise the client to take several naps during the day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid beverages containing caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep, making it difficult for the client to fall asleep at night. Taking sleep medication regularly (choice B) may not address the root cause of the sleep difficulty and can lead to dependency. Watching television in bed (choice C) can actually stimulate the brain and hinder relaxation before sleep. Advising the client to take several naps during the day (choice D) can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle further. Therefore, recommending the avoidance of caffeine-containing beverages is the most appropriate intervention to help the client improve their ability to sleep at night and function better during the day.

4. When assessing a client with diabetes mellitus experiencing DKA, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Tremors
• B. Urine retention
• C. Kussmaul respirations
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a type of deep and labored breathing pattern associated with severe metabolic acidosis, commonly observed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, resulting in Kussmaul respirations. This helps eliminate excess carbon dioxide and reduce the acidity of the blood. Tremors (Choice A) are not typically associated with DKA. Urine retention (Choice B) is not a common finding in DKA; in fact, clients with DKA often have polyuria due to the osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels. Bradypnea (Choice D), which is abnormally slow breathing rate, is not a characteristic finding in DKA where the respiratory rate is usually increased to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

5. A client has a new diagnosis of hypertension and is being taught about dietary management. Which of the following statements should be included by the healthcare provider?

• A. Increase your intake of sodium-rich foods.
• B. Decrease your intake of sodium-rich foods.
• C. Avoid foods that contain lactose.
• D. Increase your intake of dairy products.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Decrease your intake of sodium-rich foods.' When managing hypertension, reducing the intake of sodium-rich foods is essential. Excessive sodium can contribute to increased blood pressure, which is why limiting its consumption is crucial to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing sodium intake would exacerbate hypertension, avoiding lactose is unrelated to managing hypertension, and increasing dairy product intake does not specifically address the issue of sodium intake in hypertension management.

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