Nursing Elites

1. An older client with SIRS has a temperature of 101.8°F, a heart rate of 110 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute. Which additional finding is most important to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dL
• B. Elevated WBC count
• C. Blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg
• D. Oxygen saturation of 95%

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL indicates possible acute kidney injury, which can occur during severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Reporting this value promptly allows for interventions to prevent further renal damage. Elevated WBC count (choice B) is a common feature of SIRS and may not be as urgently indicative of immediate organ damage as high creatinine levels. A blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg (choice C) is relatively low but may be a typical finding in SIRS; however, renal function is critical in this context. Oxygen saturation of 95% (choice D) is within normal limits and is not as concerning as a high creatinine level in this scenario.

2. A client is prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes. What should the nurse emphasize in the client's teaching?

• A. Take the medication with meals to reduce the risk of GI upset.
• B. Report any muscle pain to the healthcare provider promptly.
• C. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
• D. Monitor blood sugar levels regularly to prevent hypoglycemia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid alcohol consumption while taking metformin. Alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis when combined with metformin. Choice A is incorrect because metformin is usually recommended to be taken with meals to reduce GI upset. Choice B is important but not the priority; muscle pain is more commonly associated with other diabetes medications. Choice D is incorrect because metformin typically does not cause hypoglycemia but rather helps control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.

3. The nurse is responsible for several elderly clients, including a client on bed rest with a skin tear and hematoma from a fall 2 days ago. What is the best care assignment for this client?

• A. Assign an RN to supervise a nursing assistant for skin care
• B. Assign a nursing assistant to help the client with self-care activities
• C. Delegate complete care to an unlicensed assistive personnel
• D. Supervise a nursing assistant for skin care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the best care assignment for the client with a skin tear and hematoma is to supervise a nursing assistant for skin care. This ensures proper wound care while utilizing the skills of the nursing assistant effectively. Assigning an RN to supervise the nursing assistant is appropriate as it provides the necessary expertise for wound care supervision. Delegating complete care to an unlicensed assistive personnel may not be suitable for a client with specific wound care needs. Helping the client with self-care activities may not directly address the urgent need for proper wound care in this situation.

4. A 17-year-old adolescent reports flu-like symptoms and is brought to the emergency room. What intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Assess the client's temperature.
• B. Place a mask on the client.
• C. Obtain a chest X-ray per protocol.
• D. Determine the client's blood pressure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place a mask on the client. This intervention is crucial in preventing the spread of infections like the flu, especially in a healthcare setting where the risk of transmission is high. Assessing the client's temperature (Choice A) can be important but is not the priority in this situation. Obtaining a chest X-ray (Choice C) and determining the client's blood pressure (Choice D) are not the immediate interventions needed for a 17-year-old reporting flu-like symptoms.

5. A client receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has lost weight and exhibits increasing edema. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Evaluate the patency of the arteriovenous (AV) graft.
• B. Instruct the client to continue a fluid-restricted diet.
• C. Recommend support stockings for venous return.
• D. Monitor the client's serum albumin levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who has lost weight and exhibits increasing edema, the nurse should prioritize evaluating the patency of the arteriovenous (AV) graft. This assessment is crucial to determine if hemodialysis can be resumed, addressing the client's presenting issues effectively. Instructing the client to continue a fluid-restricted diet (choice B) may not address the underlying issue related to the CAPD. Recommending support stockings for venous return (choice C) is not directly relevant to the situation described. Monitoring the client's serum albumin levels (choice D) may be important but does not directly address the immediate concern of weight loss and increasing edema in a CAPD client.

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