Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. Ammonia 75 mcg/dL
• B. Sodium 142 mEq/L
• C. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
• D. Bilirubin 2.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An elevated bilirubin level in clients with cirrhosis indicates worsening liver function and potential complications. It is crucial to report this finding promptly as it may require immediate medical intervention. Elevated ammonia levels (choice A) are also concerning in cirrhosis, indicating hepatic encephalopathy, but bilirubin levels are more specific to liver function in this context. Choices B and C are within normal ranges and are not typically of immediate concern in cirrhosis.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 day postoperative following a bowel resection. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Urine output of 40 mL/hr.
• B. Heart rate of 88/min.
• C. Wound drainage of 25 mL in 24 hours.
• D. Abdominal distention and rigidity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Abdominal distention and rigidity may indicate a postoperative complication, such as bowel obstruction or peritonitis, and should be reported to the provider. While monitoring urine output, heart rate, and wound drainage are essential postoperative assessments, they are not as concerning as abdominal distention and rigidity, which could signal a more urgent issue requiring immediate attention.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease and demonstrates confusion and wandering behavior. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Place the client in a well-lit area to reduce wandering.
• B. Use physical restraints to prevent wandering.
• C. Ensure that the client wears an identification bracelet at all times.
• D. Keep the client's bed in the lowest position.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with Alzheimer's disease who demonstrates confusion and wandering behavior is to ensure that the client wears an identification bracelet at all times. This helps prevent wandering and ensures the client's safety. Placing the client in a well-lit area may be beneficial for orientation but does not directly address wandering behavior. Using physical restraints is not recommended as it can lead to agitation and other complications. Keeping the client's bed in the lowest position is important for fall prevention but does not specifically address the issue of wandering behavior.

4. A nurse is teaching a prenatal class about infections. Which statement by a participant indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I can clean the cat's litter box during pregnancy.
• B. I can visit someone with the flu after receiving the vaccine.
• C. I should take antibiotics for viral infections.
• D. I should wash my hands after gardening.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. This statement indicates a need for further teaching because antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. It is important to educate the participant that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral ones. Choices A, B, and D are correct statements that promote good hygiene practices and infection prevention during pregnancy.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Clay-colored stools.
• B. Hypertension.
• C. Stridor.
• D. Elevated temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clay-colored stools are a classic finding in a client with cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can lead to impaired bile flow, resulting in pale or clay-colored stools due to a lack of bilirubin in the stool. Hypertension, stridor, and elevated temperature are not typically associated with cirrhosis. Hypertension may occur in cirrhosis but is not a consistent finding, stridor is more commonly associated with upper airway obstruction, and elevated temperature may indicate an infection rather than a direct result of cirrhosis.

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