Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing the lab results of a client with liver disease. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Elevated bilirubin levels
• B. Low albumin levels
• C. Elevated ammonia levels
• D. Low hemoglobin levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevated ammonia levels in a client with liver disease can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, requiring immediate intervention. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that can cause cognitive impairment and altered mental status. Elevated bilirubin levels (Choice A) are common in liver disease but do not require immediate intervention. Low albumin levels (Choice B) and low hemoglobin levels (Choice D) are also common in liver disease but do not pose an immediate threat compared to elevated ammonia levels.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative day 1 following abdominal surgery. What is the nurse's priority action to prevent complications?

• A. Encourage the patient to perform incentive spirometry.
• B. Assist the patient in ambulating around the unit.
• C. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the patient to perform incentive spirometry. Incentive spirometry helps prevent respiratory complications, such as atelectasis, by promoting deep breathing and optimal lung expansion. Ambulating, repositioning, and administering pain medication are important interventions but do not take precedence over preventing respiratory complications in the immediate postoperative period.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing the medical records of a client who has a pressure ulcer. Which of the following findings should the professional expect?

• A. Albumin level of 3
• B. Hemoglobin of 12
• C. Normal skin moisture
• D. No signs of infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Albumin level of 3. A low albumin level indicates poor nutrition, which can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers. Choice B, Hemoglobin of 12, is within the normal range and is not directly associated with pressure ulcers. Choice C, Normal skin moisture, does not provide specific information related to pressure ulcers. Choice D, No signs of infection, while important, is not a direct finding associated with pressure ulcers.

4. A nurse is assigned to care for a client with unstable blood pressure. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Monitor the client every two hours.
• B. Continuously monitor the client's vital signs.
• C. Wait for the healthcare provider to provide instructions.
• D. Ask the healthcare provider for specific instructions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the case of a client with unstable blood pressure, the priority action for the nurse is to continuously monitor the client's vital signs. This allows for immediate detection of any fluctuations in blood pressure and timely intervention if necessary. Choice A, monitoring every two hours, may not provide real-time information needed for prompt intervention. Choices C and D suggest waiting for instructions from the healthcare provider, which could cause a delay in addressing the unstable blood pressure, potentially leading to adverse outcomes. Therefore, the most appropriate initial action is to continuously monitor the client's vital signs.

5. A client with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order has requested resuscitation during a family visit. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Follow the client's wishes and start resuscitation.
• B. Explain that the DNR must be honored.
• C. Ignore the client's request.
• D. Consult with the family regarding the decision.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nurses have a legal and ethical obligation to honor a client's do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, regardless of any request for resuscitation during a family visit. It is crucial for the nurse to explain to the client that the DNR order must be respected. Choice A is incorrect because starting resuscitation against the client's documented wishes goes against the principle of autonomy. Choice C is inappropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and legal directives. Choice D is not the best option as the nurse should prioritize honoring the client's decision as per the DNR order.

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