Nursing Elites

1. A young woman with multiple sclerosis just received several immunizations in preparation for moving into a college dormitory. Two days later, she reports to the nurse that she is experiencing increasing fatigue and visual problems. What teaching should the nurse provide?

• A. Immunizations can trigger a relapse of the disease, so get plenty of extra rest
• B. Visual problems are unrelated to the recent immunizations
• C. Increase fluid intake to reduce symptoms of fatigue
• D. Consult the healthcare provider immediately for steroid therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Immunizations can sometimes trigger relapses in multiple sclerosis due to the activation of the immune system. Extra rest can help manage these symptoms. Choice B is incorrect because visual problems can be associated with the immune response triggered by immunizations in individuals with multiple sclerosis. While increasing fluid intake is generally good advice, in this case, the nurse should focus on explaining the possible connection between the immunizations and the symptoms experienced. Choice D is not the immediate course of action; educating the patient on the potential link between immunizations and symptom exacerbation is more appropriate at this stage.

2. The nurse is teaching a group of women about osteoporosis and exercise. The nurse should emphasize the need for which type of regular activity?

• A. Weight-bearing exercise
• B. Aerobic exercise
• C. Low-impact exercises such as swimming
• D. Stretching and flexibility exercises

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercise helps build and maintain bone density, which is critical in preventing osteoporosis. Activities like aerobic exercises, stretching, and low-impact exercises such as swimming are beneficial for overall fitness but do not directly contribute to improving bone strength, making them less effective in preventing osteoporosis.

3. The nurse is managing the care of a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which interventions should the nurse delegate to the UAP?

• A. Report any client complaint of pain or discomfort
• B. Weigh the client and report any weight gain
• C. Note and report the client's food and liquid intake during meals and snacks
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The UAP can be tasked with reporting complaints, monitoring weight gain, and tracking food and fluid intake, all of which are important in managing a client with Cushing's syndrome. These tasks fall within the UAP's scope of practice. Reporting client complaints helps in early identification of complications, monitoring weight is crucial due to fluid retention in Cushing's syndrome, and tracking food and fluid intake assists in dietary management. Choices A, B, and C are all necessary components of care for a client with Cushing's syndrome, making option D the correct answer.

4. An elderly client reports new-onset confusion, nausea, dysuria, and urgency. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Initiate intravenous fluids
• B. Obtain a clean-catch midstream urine specimen
• C. Administer antibiotics
• D. Start a Foley catheter to obtain a sterile sample

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take in this scenario is to obtain a clean-catch midstream urine specimen. The client's symptoms of confusion, nausea, dysuria, and urgency are suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI). To confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative organism, a urine specimen should be collected before initiating any treatment. Initiating intravenous fluids (Choice A) may be necessary later based on the client's condition but is not the initial priority. Administering antibiotics (Choice C) should be done after confirming the diagnosis through urine culture. Starting a Foley catheter (Choice D) to obtain a sterile sample is more invasive and should not be the first step in the assessment and management of a suspected UTI.

5. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What should the nurse teach the client about lithium toxicity?

• A. Take the medication with meals to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
• B. Report any symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• C. Monitor lithium levels regularly and maintain hydration.
• D. Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while on lithium.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients taking lithium should avoid NSAIDs as they can increase lithium levels leading to toxicity. It is essential to monitor lithium levels regularly and maintain hydration to prevent toxicity. Reporting symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea is important, but the key teaching point regarding lithium toxicity is to avoid NSAIDs.

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