Nursing Elites

1. A patient with chronic kidney disease has been prescribed a low-protein diet. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Encourage the patient to eat small, frequent meals.
• B. Monitor the patient's intake and output.
• C. Educate the patient on the benefits of a low-protein diet.
• D. Monitor the patient's protein intake closely.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's protein intake closely. In patients with chronic kidney disease on a low-protein diet, monitoring protein intake is crucial to prevent complications such as malnutrition or inadequate nutrient intake. Encouraging small, frequent meals (Choice A) can be beneficial but is not the priority over monitoring protein intake. Monitoring intake and output (Choice B) is important but does not directly address the specific focus on protein intake. Educating the patient on the benefits of a low-protein diet (Choice C) is essential but not as immediate as monitoring the actual protein intake.

2. A nurse manager assigns a new nurse to care for a client with unstable blood pressure. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Ask the charge nurse for assistance.
• B. Recheck the blood pressure before calling for help.
• C. Monitor the client's blood pressure closely.
• D. Administer antihypertensive medication immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to recheck the blood pressure before calling for help. When caring for a client with unstable blood pressure, the nurse's priority is to ensure an accurate assessment. Rechecking the blood pressure will confirm the instability and guide further actions. Asking the charge nurse for assistance (Choice A) is important but should come after assessing the situation. Monitoring the client's blood pressure closely (Choice C) is essential, but the immediate action should be to recheck and confirm the current status. Administering antihypertensive medication immediately (Choice D) without a confirmed assessment can be dangerous and is not the initial priority.

3. A healthcare professional is caring for a client with impaired mobility. Which of the following support devices should the healthcare professional plan to use to prevent the client from developing plantar flexion contractures?

• A. Sheepskin heel pad
• B. Footboard
• C. Trochanter roll
• D. Abduction pillow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A footboard is the correct choice to prevent plantar flexion contractures by maintaining proper alignment of the feet. Plantar flexion contractures involve the foot pointing downward, and a footboard helps keep the foot in a neutral position. Choice A, the sheepskin heel pad, is used for pressure ulcer prevention and comfort but does not specifically address plantar flexion contractures. Choice C, the trochanter roll, is used for hip positioning, not foot alignment. Choice D, the abduction pillow, is used to maintain proper positioning of the legs but does not directly address plantar flexion contractures.

4. When administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient, what is the nurse's priority assessment?

• A. Monitor the patient's electrolyte levels.
• B. Assess the patient's blood pressure regularly.
• C. Monitor the patient's heart rate every 4 hours.
• D. Check the patient's urine output hourly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's blood pressure regularly. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial when administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient as it helps in evaluating the patient's fluid status. Changes in blood pressure can indicate the effectiveness of the fluid therapy, the patient's response to treatment, and the possibility of complications such as fluid overload or hypovolemia. Monitoring electrolyte levels (Choice A) is essential but not the priority when assessing a dehydrated patient receiving IV fluids. Heart rate (Choice C) should be monitored more frequently than every 4 hours in such a situation. Checking urine output (Choice D) is important but not as critical as assessing blood pressure in this scenario.

5. A nurse is caring for a patient with an infection. Which laboratory result is most important to monitor?

• A. White blood cell count (WBC)
• B. C-reactive protein (CRP)
• C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: White blood cell count (WBC). Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial when caring for a patient with an infection as it helps assess the body's response to the infection. An elevated white blood cell count often indicates an active infection or inflammation, while a decreasing count may signal improvement or potential complications. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are nonspecific markers of inflammation and not as specific to monitoring infection progression as the white blood cell count. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and blood volume, but they are not the primary indicators for monitoring infection.

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