Nursing Elites

1. A female client with anxiety disorder is being taught about alprazolam by a nurse. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. This medication may increase your blood pressure
• B. Use a reliable form of contraception while taking this medication
• C. If a dose is missed, double the next dose of medication
• D. Do not eat aged cheeses while taking this medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alprazolam can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, so using a reliable form of contraception is essential to prevent unintended pregnancies. Choice A is incorrect because alprazolam typically does not increase blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect as doubling the next dose after a missed dose can lead to overdose and adverse effects. Choice D is unrelated to alprazolam and is not a concern when taking this medication.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient who has just returned from surgery. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Monitor the patient's pain level.
• B. Assess the patient's vital signs.
• C. Assess the surgical incision site.
• D. Position the patient in a high Fowler's position.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient's vital signs. Assessing vital signs is crucial as it helps to detect any early signs of complications such as bleeding, shock, or changes in oxygenation. Monitoring the patient's pain level (Choice A) is important but assessing vital signs takes precedence. While assessing the surgical incision site (Choice C) is essential, ensuring the patient's physiological stability through vital sign assessment is the priority. Positioning the patient in a high Fowler's position (Choice D) may be necessary for comfort but does not address the immediate need to assess the patient's condition post-surgery.

3. A patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication. What should the nurse assess for?

• A. Check for compartment syndrome
• B. Increase the pain medication
• C. Prepare the patient for surgery immediately
• D. Administer a sedative to calm the patient

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct answer: When a patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation and can lead to tissue damage. It is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Choice B is incorrect because simply increasing pain medication without identifying the cause of the unrelieved pain may mask symptoms of a serious issue like compartment syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as surgery would only be necessary if compartment syndrome is confirmed. Choice D is incorrect as administering a sedative does not address the underlying issue of unrelieved pain and may delay appropriate treatment.

4. A parent of a child who is terminally ill tells a nurse that she wants to take her child home. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Your provider will be here later today.
• B. I can give you information on what that would involve.
• C. I understand how you feel. I felt the same way when my sister was terminally ill.
• D. I think you should speak with social services about your request.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should offer to explain the process of taking the child home and provide resources for the parent's decision. Choice B is the best response as it shows willingness to support the parent by offering information on what taking the child home would involve. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the parent's request or provide the necessary information and support needed in this situation.

5. 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.

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