Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning care for a school-age child who is 4 hr postoperative following perforated appendicitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Offer small amounts of clear liquids 6 hr following surgery.
• B. Give cromolyn nebulizer solution every 6 hr.
• C. Apply a warm compress to the operative site every 4 hr.
• D. Administer analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hr.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hours is crucial to ensure adequate pain control in the immediate postoperative period. Choice A is incorrect because clear liquids are typically initiated gradually and advanced as tolerated but not specifically at 6 hours post-surgery. Choice B is incorrect as cromolyn nebulizer solution is not indicated for postoperative pain management in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as applying a warm compress may not be appropriate for the operative site after appendicitis surgery and can potentially increase the risk of infection.

2. Which intervention should be included for a client with heart failure?

• A. Encourage increased fluid intake
• B. Weigh the client daily to monitor fluid balance
• C. Restrict fluid intake during meals
• D. Limit daily activity to prevent fatigue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weighing the client daily to monitor fluid balance is crucial for clients with heart failure. This intervention helps assess for fluid retention or depletion, providing valuable information for managing the condition effectively. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice A) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can worsen fluid overload. Restricting fluid intake during meals (Choice C) may lead to dehydration, which is harmful for clients with heart failure. Limiting daily activity (Choice D) is not recommended as appropriate activity levels should be encouraged for overall well-being, under guidance to prevent excessive fatigue.

3. A client with a new prescription for prednisone for the treatment of Addison's disease needs teaching. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food
• B. Avoid taking aspirin
• C. Schedule a bone density test
• D. Expect increased appetite

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to schedule a bone density test. Prednisone can lead to reduced bone density, making regular monitoring crucial for clients on long-term therapy. Instructing the client to take the medication with food (choice A) or avoid taking aspirin (choice B) are not directly related to prednisone therapy for Addison's disease. While prednisone can cause increased appetite, it is not the priority instruction in this scenario, compared to monitoring bone density (choice D).

4. When should a nurse suction a client with a tracheostomy?

• A. Every 6 hours, regardless of distress signs
• B. When the client's respiratory rate drops below 10
• C. When the client shows signs of irritability
• D. When the client begins to cough or show signs of airway blockage

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the client when they show signs of irritability. Signs of irritability, such as restlessness or agitation, can indicate the need for suctioning in a client with a tracheostomy. This early indicator suggests that there may be an accumulation of secretions affecting the client's airway. Suctioning should be performed promptly to maintain a clear airway and prevent complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because suctioning should be based on clinical signs and symptoms indicating the need for intervention, rather than a fixed schedule or specific vital sign parameters.

5. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
• B. Sodium level of 135 mEq/L
• C. Magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L
• D. Calcium level of 8.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L is within the normal range, but monitoring potassium levels is crucial for clients taking furosemide. Furosemide can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to adverse effects such as cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium and calcium levels are not typically affected by furosemide, so they are not the priority findings to report to the provider in this case.

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