Nursing Elites

1. A nurse on a med-surg unit is providing care for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A surgeon who removed the wrong kidney during a surgical procedure refuses to take responsibility for her actions
• B. A client who has a new colostomy refuses to follow instructions from the ostomy therapist because she 'doesn’t like him'
• C. The family of a client who has a terminal illness asks that the provider not disclose the diagnosis to the client
• D. A client who has Crohn’s disease reports that his prescription drug plan will not cover his medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. It is an ethical dilemma when the family of a client with a terminal illness asks healthcare providers not to inform the client of their diagnosis. This situation poses a conflict between respecting the client's right to know the truth about their condition (autonomy and truth-telling principles) and honoring the family's wishes. Choices A, B, and D do not present ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves professional accountability and responsibility, Choice B involves a client's personal preference, and Choice D involves financial challenges.

2. The provider orders Lanoxin (digoxin) 0.125 mg PO and furosemide 40 mg every day. Which of these foods would the nurse reinforce for the client to eat at least daily?

• A. Spaghetti
• B. Watermelon
• C. Chicken
• D. Tomatoes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Watermelon.' Watermelon is high in potassium, which is important to counteract the potassium loss caused by furosemide. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion, so consuming potassium-rich foods like watermelon can help maintain electrolyte balance. Choices A, C, and D do not specifically address the need for potassium in this scenario and are not as beneficial for addressing the potential electrolyte imbalance caused by furosemide.

3. A client needs to maintain a positive nitrogen balance for wound healing. Which of the following food items should the nurse recommend as a good source of complete protein?

• A. Cheddar cheese
• B. White rice
• C. Apples
• D. Green beans

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cheddar cheese is the correct answer as it is a good source of complete protein that contains all essential amino acids required for maintaining a positive nitrogen balance for wound healing. Complete proteins provide all essential amino acids needed by the body. White rice, apples, and green beans do not offer complete proteins like cheddar cheese, making them inadequate choices for this purpose.

4. When preparing to apply dressing to a stage 2 pressure injury, which type of dressing should the nurse use?

• A. Hydrocolloid
• B. Gauze
• C. Transparent film
• D. Alginate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hydrocolloid. Hydrocolloid dressings are recommended for stage 2 pressure injuries as they help maintain a moist wound environment, which supports the healing process. Gauze (choice B) is not ideal for stage 2 pressure injuries as it can stick to the wound bed and disrupt the healing process. Transparent film dressings (choice C) are more suitable for superficial wounds or as a secondary dressing. Alginate dressings (choice D) are typically used for wounds with heavy exudate, which is not typically seen in stage 2 pressure injuries.

5. A client with asthma is prescribed a corticosteroid inhaler. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client to prevent a common side effect of this medication?

• A. Use the inhaler only when experiencing asthma symptoms.
• B. Rinse the mouth with water after using the inhaler.
• C. Increase fluid intake while using the inhaler.
• D. Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after using the inhaler.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for the client using a corticosteroid inhaler to prevent a common side effect is to rinse the mouth with water after using the inhaler. Corticosteroid inhalers can lead to oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth helps reduce the risk of developing oral thrush. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because using the inhaler only when experiencing symptoms, increasing fluid intake, or avoiding eating/drinking for 30 minutes after use are not directly related to preventing oral thrush, which is the common side effect associated with corticosteroid inhalers.

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