Nursing Elites

1. A young adult was hit in the temporal area with a baseball bat and is being monitored for signs of a closed head injury. Which finding indicates a developing epidural hematoma?

• A. Nausea and vomiting.
• B. Altered consciousness within the first 24 hours after injury.
• C. Severe headache and blurred vision.
• D. Loss of motor function on the affected side.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Altered consciousness within the first 24 hours after a temporal injury is a classic sign of epidural hematoma, which is a neurosurgical emergency. This finding occurs due to the rapid expansion of the hematoma, causing compression of the brain. Nausea and vomiting (choice A) are more commonly associated with other types of head injuries, such as concussion. Severe headache and blurred vision (choice C) are symptoms seen in various head injuries but are not specific to epidural hematomas. Loss of motor function on the affected side (choice D) is more indicative of a different type of head injury, such as a contusion or intracerebral hematoma.

2. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed anticoagulants. What should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Monitor for signs of bleeding, such as bruising.
• B. Monitor the client’s vital signs every hour.
• C. Monitor for pain in the affected limb.
• D. Assess for signs of pulmonary embolism, such as sudden shortness of breath.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In clients with DVT, assessing for pulmonary embolism is crucial as a clot in the lungs can be life-threatening. Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain are key signs of a pulmonary embolism. While monitoring for signs of bleeding is important due to anticoagulant therapy, the immediate concern is detecting a potential pulmonary embolism. Monitoring vital signs and pain in the affected limb are relevant aspects of care but are not as urgent as assessing for pulmonary embolism in this scenario.

3. A client with tuberculosis (TB) is being discharged on isoniazid and rifampin. What instruction should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Complete the full course of antibiotics.
• B. Notify the healthcare provider if you experience tingling in your fingers.
• C. Use a disposable mask when in contact with others.
• D. Monitor liver function tests monthly.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to use a disposable mask when in contact with others. TB is highly contagious, and wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of the disease to others. Choice A is important but not the priority as using a mask directly impacts public health. Choice B is related to a potential side effect of isoniazid, peripheral neuropathy, but immediate healthcare provider notification is not required. Choice D is relevant due to the potential hepatotoxicity of isoniazid and rifampin, but it is not the priority instruction in this scenario.

4. A client with a colostomy is being discharged. What teaching is most important for the nurse to provide?

• A. Change the ostomy bag daily to prevent skin irritation.
• B. Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as broccoli.
• C. Empty the ostomy pouch when it is one-third full.
• D. Use a skin barrier to protect the surrounding skin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important teaching for a client with a colostomy is to empty the ostomy pouch when it is one-third full. This practice helps prevent leakage and skin irritation by maintaining the proper seal of the pouching system. Changing the ostomy bag daily (Choice A) is not necessary unless it leaks or becomes loose. Avoiding gas-producing foods (Choice B) is essential for some clients but is not the most important teaching. Using a skin barrier (Choice D) is important but not as crucial as emptying the ostomy pouch at the right time to prevent complications.

5. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with chronic venous insufficiency. Which recommendation should the nurse include to help prevent complications?

• A. Use a heating pad on the legs
• B. Wear compression stockings
• C. Massage the legs daily
• D. Elevate legs for 10 minutes every hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation for a client with chronic venous insufficiency to prevent complications is to wear compression stockings. Compression stockings help improve venous circulation and prevent the worsening of symptoms. While elevating the legs is also beneficial, the priority intervention in preventing complications is wearing compression stockings. Using a heating pad on the legs can actually worsen the condition by dilating blood vessels, and massaging the legs daily can potentially damage fragile skin in clients with chronic venous insufficiency.

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