Nursing Elites

1. To manage the client’s constipation, which suggestions should the nurse provide? (Select all that apply)

• A. Decrease laxative use to every other day and use oil retention enemas as needed.
• B. Include oatmeal with stewed prunes for breakfast as often as possible.
• C. Increase fluid intake by keeping a water glass next to the recliner.
• D. Recommend seeking help with regular shopping and meal preparation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Increasing fluid intake is essential for managing constipation. Adequate hydration helps soften stool and promotes bowel movements. Choices A and B are incorrect as decreasing laxative use without medical advice and suggesting specific foods like oatmeal with stewed prunes may not be suitable for every individual with constipation. Choice D is also incorrect as while seeking help with meal preparation can indirectly aid in managing constipation, the immediate need is to increase fluid intake.

2. An adult male with a 6 cm thoracic aneurysm is being prepared for surgery. The nurse reports to the healthcare provider that the client’s blood pressure is 220/112 mmHg, so an antihypertensive agent is added to the client’s IV infusion. Which finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Reports a tearing, sharp pain between his shoulder blades
• B. Blood pressure reading of 200/100 mmHg 15 minutes later
• C. Rose-colored urine draining from the urinary catheter
• D. Sinus tachycardia with frequent premature ventricular beats (PVC)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A tearing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades may indicate aortic dissection, a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. This symptom is highly concerning in a patient with a thoracic aneurysm. Choice B is not as urgent as the pain symptom described in choice A. Choice C could indicate hematuria but is not as critical as the potential aortic dissection in choice A. Choice D, sinus tachycardia with PVCs, may be related to the patient's condition but is not as indicative of an immediate life-threatening situation as the tearing, sharp pain indicative of aortic dissection.

3. The nurse identifies the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a client who just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery. What action should the nurse implement immediately?

• A. Change the dressing using a compression bandage
• B. Test fluid on the dressing for glucose
• C. Document the findings in the electronic medical record
• D. Mark drainage area with a pen and continue to monitor

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement immediately upon identifying clear fluid on the surgical dressing post-lumbar surgery is to test the fluid for glucose. Clear fluid could indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, and testing for glucose can help confirm this. Changing the dressing using a compression bandage (Choice A) without further assessment could lead to complications. Documenting the findings (Choice C) is important but not as immediate as confirming the presence of CSF. Marking the drainage area with a pen and monitoring (Choice D) does not address the need for immediate confirmation of CSF leakage.

4. What nursing intervention is most important to implement after a client has completed a myelogram?

• A. Lie-sit-stand blood pressure measurement
• B. Abdominal assessment for distention and bowel sounds
• C. Neurovascular assessment of lower extremities
• D. Assessment of skin temperature and turgor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Neurovascular assessment of the lower extremities. After a myelogram, it is crucial to monitor the neurovascular status to detect any signs of complications such as impaired circulation or nerve damage. This assessment helps in identifying early signs of vascular compromise or neurological deficits. Choices A, B, and D are not the priority after a myelogram. Lie-sit-stand blood pressure measurement is not directly related to post-myelogram care. Abdominal assessment and skin assessment are important but not the priority immediately after this procedure.

5. During a well-child check-up, what respiratory assessment finding should the nurse anticipate in a 3-year-old?

• A. A resting respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute
• B. Bronchovesicular breath sounds in the peripheral lung fields
• C. Retractions in the intercostal spaces with each inspiration
• D. High-pitched whistling sounds over the bronchi

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A resting respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute is within the expected range for a 3-year-old child. This is considered normal in this age group as their respiratory rate is generally higher compared to adults. Bronchovesicular breath sounds in the peripheral lung fields are not an expected finding in a 3-year-old. Retractions in the intercostal spaces with each inspiration indicate increased work of breathing and are abnormal. High-pitched whistling sounds over the bronchi are characteristic of wheezing, which is not typically expected in a healthy 3-year-old during a routine check-up.

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