Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate 90/min
• B. Serosanguineous drainage in the surgical drain
• C. Temperature 38.6°C (101.5°F)
• D. Urinary output 60 mL/hr

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A temperature of 38.6°C (101.5°F) is above the normal range and indicates a fever, which is a concerning finding postoperatively. Fever can be a sign of infection, so the nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and D are within expected parameters for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery and do not require immediate reporting. A heart rate of 90/min, serosanguineous drainage in the surgical drain, and a urinary output of 60 mL/hr are all common postoperative findings that do not raise immediate concerns.

2. A client in active labor has ruptured membranes. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Apply a fetal heart rate monitor.
• B. Initiate fundal massage.
• C. Administer oxytocin IV.
• D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client in active labor has ruptured membranes, the priority action for the nurse is to apply a fetal heart rate monitor. This is crucial for continuous monitoring of the baby's heart rate and ensuring fetal well-being. Initiating fundal massage may be indicated for uterine atony after delivery, not for ruptured membranes during labor. Administering oxytocin IV could be appropriate in some cases to augment labor, but it is not the immediate priority after ruptured membranes. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not necessary solely based on ruptured membranes; it may be indicated for specific situations like epidural anesthesia where the client cannot void.

3. A client at 10 weeks of gestation reports frequent nausea and vomiting. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Eat high-protein foods.
• B. Lie down after meals.
• C. Drink water with meals.
• D. Eat dry carbohydrates before getting out of bed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During early pregnancy, nausea and vomiting are common. Instructing the client to eat dry carbohydrates like crackers before getting out of bed can help alleviate these symptoms. This recommendation helps prevent an empty stomach, which can worsen nausea. High-protein foods (Choice A) may be harder to digest and could exacerbate nausea. Lying down after meals (Choice B) may increase gastric reflux and worsen symptoms. Drinking water with meals (Choice C) may make the client feel fuller, potentially worsening nausea.

4. How should signs of dehydration in an elderly patient be assessed?

• A. Monitor skin turgor
• B. Check for dry mucous membranes
• C. Monitor for sunken eyes
• D. Check capillary refill

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring skin turgor is a reliable method to assess dehydration in elderly patients. Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity or the skin's ability to return to its normal position after being pinched. In dehydration, the skin loses its elasticity, becoming less flexible and slower to return to its original state. Checking for dry mucous membranes (Choice B), monitoring for sunken eyes (Choice C), and checking capillary refill (Choice D) are all relevant assessments in dehydration but are not as specific or sensitive as monitoring skin turgor. Dry mucous membranes and sunken eyes are indicators of dehydration, while capillary refill is more related to circulatory status and less specific to dehydration.

5. A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a client with chronic heart failure. What dietary recommendation should the nurse make?

• A. Follow a 3g sodium diet.
• B. Drink at least 3 liters of fluid per day.
• C. Place the client's lower extremities on two pillows.
• D. Maintain the client's oxygen saturation at 89%.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Follow a 3g sodium diet. For clients with chronic heart failure, limiting sodium intake is crucial to prevent fluid retention and exacerbation of heart failure symptoms. High sodium intake can lead to fluid buildup, causing the heart to work harder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Drinking excessive fluid can worsen fluid retention in heart failure, elevating the workload of the heart. Placing the client's lower extremities on two pillows is a positioning intervention to alleviate edema, not a dietary recommendation. Maintaining oxygen saturation at 89% is more related to respiratory status rather than dietary management of chronic heart failure.

Similar Questions