Nursing Elites

1. A client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus is being taught by a nurse about insulin administration. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Store unopened vials of insulin in the refrigerator, not the freezer.
• B. Rotate injection sites within the same region to prevent tissue damage.
• C. Administer insulin at a 90-degree angle for subcutaneous injections.
• D. Avoid massaging the injection site after administering insulin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to rotate injection sites within the same region to prevent tissue damage. By rotating sites, the client can prevent lipodystrophy, which is a condition characterized by the loss or change in body fat at the site of repeated injections. This practice also helps to ensure proper insulin absorption. Storing unopened vials of insulin in the refrigerator (Choice A) is correct, not in the freezer, as freezing can damage the insulin. Administering insulin at a 90-degree angle (Choice C) is more appropriate for subcutaneous injections, while a 45-degree angle is used for intramuscular injections. Massaging the injection site after administering insulin (Choice D) is not recommended as it can affect insulin absorption rates.

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

• A. Serum calcium level of 8 mg/dL.
• B. Urine output of 60 mL/hr.
• C. Heart rate of 110/min.
• D. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A heart rate of 110/min is elevated and may indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication following a thyroidectomy. Elevated heart rate can be a sign of hypocalcemia due to the close relationship between calcium levels and cardiac function. Option A, serum calcium level of 8 mg/dL, is within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and would not be a cause for concern post-thyroidectomy. Option B, urine output of 60 mL/hr, is within the normal range for urine output and not typically a priority finding post-thyroidectomy. Option D, a temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F), is slightly elevated but not a critical finding post-thyroidectomy unless accompanied by other symptoms.

3. A client has thrombocytopenia. What action should the nurse include?

• A. Encourage the client to floss daily.
• B. Remove fresh flowers from the client's room.
• C. Provide the client with a stool softener.
• D. Avoid serving raw vegetables.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse when caring for a client with thrombocytopenia is to provide the client with a stool softener. Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a low platelet count, leading to increased bleeding tendencies. Providing a stool softener helps prevent constipation, reducing the likelihood of straining during bowel movements and subsequent bleeding. Encouraging the client to floss daily (choice A) is unrelated to managing thrombocytopenia. Removing fresh flowers from the client's room (choice B) pertains more to infection control than addressing thrombocytopenia. Avoiding serving raw vegetables (choice D) is not directly associated with managing thrombocytopenia symptoms.

4. What is the most important nursing assessment for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Check for leg pain
• B. Perform Homan's sign test
• C. Monitor for redness
• D. Assess for warmth and swelling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing assessment for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to check for leg pain. Leg pain is a cardinal symptom of DVT and is often the initial indicator of a blood clot. While assessing for warmth, swelling, and redness are also important in DVT evaluation, leg pain is the most crucial as it can prompt further diagnostic testing and interventions. Performing Homan's sign test is no longer recommended due to its low specificity and potential to dislodge a clot, causing complications. Monitoring for redness is important but may not always be present in DVT cases. Assessing for warmth and swelling is relevant but still secondary to the assessment of leg pain in suspected DVT cases.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic heart failure. Which of the following findings indicates that the client is experiencing fluid overload?

• A. Increased urine output
• B. Bounding peripheral pulses
• C. Weight loss
• D. Decreased heart rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In clients with chronic heart failure, bounding peripheral pulses are a classic sign of fluid overload. This occurs due to increased volume in the arterial system, causing a forceful pulse. Increased urine output (Choice A) is often seen in clients with fluid volume deficit, not overload. Weight loss (Choice C) is also inconsistent with fluid overload as it suggests a fluid deficit. Decreased heart rate (Choice D) is more commonly associated with conditions like bradycardia, hypothyroidism, or the use of certain medications, but not specifically indicative of fluid overload in chronic heart failure.

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