Nursing Elites

1. A patient has recently been prescribed Zidovudine (Retrovir). The patient has AIDS. Which of the following side effects should the patient specifically watch out for?

• A. Weakness and SOB
• B. Fever and anemia
• C. Hypertension and SOB
• D. Fever and hypertension

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fever and anemia.' Zidovudine (Retrovir) is known to cause anemia as a side effect due to its impact on the bone marrow. Fever is also a common side effect associated with Zidovudine use. Therefore, the patient should watch out for these specific side effects. Choice A (Weakness and SOB) is incorrect as shortness of breath (SOB) is not a commonly reported side effect of Zidovudine. Choice C (Hypertension and SOB) and Choice D (Fever and hypertension) are unrelated to the known side effects of Zidovudine, making them incorrect.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with full-thickness burns to the left arm and trunk. What is the priority for this client?

• A. Pain management
• B. Airway assessment
• C. Fluid volume status monitoring
• D. Risk for infection prevention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Correct! With full-thickness burns, there is a significant risk of fluid loss through the burn wound and fluid shift, leading to hypovolemia and shock. Monitoring and maintaining the client's fluid volume status is crucial to prevent complications like hypovolemic shock. Pain management (Option A) is essential but not the priority in this situation. While airway assessment (Option B) is crucial, it is typically assessed first in clients with respiratory distress. Preventing infection (Option D) is important but managing fluid volume status takes precedence in the initial care of a client with full-thickness burns.

3. During a screening on a patient with a recent cast on the left lower extremity, which of the following statements should the nurse be most concerned about?

• A. The patient reports, "I didn't keep my extremity elevated as the doctor asked me to."?
• B. The patient reports, "I have been having pain in my left calf."?
• C. The patient reports, "My left leg has really been itching."?
• D. The patient reports, "The arthritis in my wrists is flaring up when I put weight on my crutches."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pain in the left calf could indicate a potential neurovascular complication related to the casted extremity. It could suggest issues such as compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. Option A is not as concerning since not elevating the extremity may lead to swelling but is not an immediate concern. Option C indicates itching, which is common with casts and not as concerning as potential neurovascular issues. Option D, regarding arthritis in the wrists, is unrelated to the lower extremity issue being screened for.

4. A client with sickle cell disease is worried about passing the disease on to children. Which of the following statements by the PN is most appropriate for this client?

• A. "You should discuss the inheritance risk with your physician."?
• B. "Sickle cell disease is genetically based and might be passed on to children."?
• C. "Sickle cell disease is genetically based and is not passed on to children."?
• D. "Sickle cell disease is caused by an infection and cannot be passed on to children."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A client with sickle cell disease has a genetic condition that can be passed on to their offspring. The most appropriate statement for the PN to provide is to acknowledge this fact and inform the client that sickle cell disease is genetically based and might be passed on to children. This empowers the client with accurate information. Choice A has been refined to emphasize discussing the inheritance risk, making it a better option than the vague original choice. Choices C and D provide incorrect information. Sickle cell disease is indeed genetically based and can be inherited.

5. A client comes to the clinic for assessment of his physical status and guidelines for starting a weight-reduction diet. The client's weight is 216 pounds and his height is 66 inches. The nurse identifies the BMI (body mass index) as:

• A. within normal limits, so a weight-reduction diet is unnecessary
• B. lower than normal, so education about nutrient-dense foods is needed
• C. indicating obesity because the BMI is 35
• D. indicating overweight status because the BMI is 27

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Obesity is defined by a BMI of 30 or more with no co-morbid conditions. It is calculated by utilizing a chart or nomogram that plots height and weight. This client's BMI is 35, indicating obesity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the client's BMI is above 30, which falls under the obesity category. Therefore, a weight-reduction diet and increased physical activity are necessary to address the client's weight status and promote overall health.

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