Nursing Elites

1. A patient's chart indicates a history of meningitis. Which of the following would you NOT expect to see with this patient if this condition were acute?

• A. Increased appetite
• B. Vomiting
• C. Fever
• D. Poor tolerance of light

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Increased appetite.' In cases of acute meningitis, loss of appetite would be expected rather than an increase. Meningitis is often caused by an infectious agent that colonizes or infects various sites in the body, leading to systemic symptoms. Common symptoms of acute meningitis include fever, vomiting, and poor tolerance of light due to meningeal irritation. The inflammatory response in the meninges can result in symptoms like photophobia. Increased appetite is not typically associated with acute meningitis. Therefore, choice A is the least likely symptom to be observed in a patient with acute meningitis. Choices B, C, and D are symptoms commonly seen in acute meningitis due to the inflammatory process affecting the central nervous system and meninges.

2. A client had a closed reduction of a fractured right wrist followed by the application of a fiberglass cast 12 hours ago. Which finding requires immediate attention?

• A. Capillary refill of fingers on right hand is 3 seconds
• B. Skin warm to touch and normally colored
• C. Client reports prickling sensation in the right hand
• D. Slight swelling of fingers of right hand

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A prickling sensation in the right hand is indicative of compartment syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to tissue damage and impaired circulation. Immediate attention is required to prevent complications. Capillary refill of 3 seconds, warm and normally colored skin, and slight swelling of fingers are expected findings after a closed reduction and casting. These findings do not typically indicate a critical issue and can be managed with routine monitoring.

3. The nurse provides discharge instructions to a patient who was hospitalized for pneumonia. Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates a good understanding of the instructions?

• A. I will call the doctor if I still feel tired after a week.
• B. I will continue to do the deep breathing and coughing exercises at home.
• C. I will continue to do the deep breathing and coughing exercises at home.
• D. I'll cancel my chest x-ray appointment if Im feeling better in a couple weeks

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients should continue to cough and deep breathe after discharge. Fatigue is expected for several weeks. The Pneumovax and influenza vaccines can be given at the same time in different arms. Explain that a follow-up chest x-ray needs to be done in 6 to 8 weeks to evaluate resolution of pneumonia.

4. Which assessment finding would the nurse need to report most quickly to the health care provider regarding a patient with acute pancreatitis?

• A. Nausea and vomiting
• B. Hypotonic bowel sounds
• C. Abdominal tenderness and guarding
• D. Muscle twitching and finger numbness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is muscle twitching and finger numbness. These symptoms indicate hypocalcemia, which can lead to tetany if not promptly addressed with calcium gluconate administration. Nausea and vomiting, hypotonic bowel sounds, and abdominal tenderness and guarding are important findings in acute pancreatitis but do not require the same urgent intervention as hypocalcemia to prevent potential severe complications.

5. To detect possible complications in a patient with severe cirrhosis who has bleeding esophageal varices, it is most important for the nurse to monitor

• A. bilirubin levels.
• B. ammonia levels.
• C. potassium levels.
• D. prothrombin time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with severe cirrhosis and bleeding esophageal varices, monitoring ammonia levels is crucial. Severe liver dysfunction impairs the metabolism of protein in the GI tract, leading to increased ammonia levels. Elevated ammonia levels can result in hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication. Monitoring bilirubin levels is important for assessing liver function and jaundice but may not directly reflect the risk of complications from bleeding esophageal varices. Potassium levels are important but not the most critical in this scenario. Prothrombin time is essential for evaluating coagulation status but does not directly relate to the risk of complications from bleeding esophageal varices in this patient.

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