Nursing Elites

1. When assessing constipation in elders, which action should be the nurse's priority?

• A. Obtain a complete blood count
• B. Obtain a health and dietary history
• C. Refer to a provider for a physical examination
• D. Measure height and weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain a health and dietary history when assessing constipation in elders. This action is crucial as it helps the nurse identify potential causes and contributing factors to constipation in elderly clients. Obtaining a complete blood count (choice A) may be necessary at some point, but it is not the priority in this situation. Referring to a provider for a physical examination (choice C) and measuring height and weight (choice D) are important but are not the priority actions when assessing constipation.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Which of these statements made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will monitor my blood glucose levels regularly and keep a record to show my healthcare provider.
• B. I will follow my meal plan and exercise regularly to help manage my blood sugar levels.
• C. I will stop taking my medications if my blood sugar levels are normal.
• D. I will continue to take my medications even if I feel better.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C indicates a need for further teaching because stopping medications when blood sugar levels are normal can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels if the individual does not understand the importance of medication adherence in managing diabetes. Choices A, B, and D are correct statements that demonstrate good understanding of managing diabetes, such as monitoring blood glucose levels, following a meal plan, exercising regularly, and adhering to medication even when feeling better.

3. A client has been diagnosed with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Which information is most important for the nurse to reinforce with the client?

• A. It is a condition in which one or more tumors, called gastrinomas, form in the pancreas or in the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).
• B. It is critical to promptly report any findings of peptic ulcers to your health care provider.
• C. Treatment consists of medications to reduce acid and heal any peptic ulcers and, if possible, surgery to remove any tumors.
• D. The average age at diagnosis is 50 years, and peptic ulcers may occur in unusual areas of the stomach or intestine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prompt reporting of peptic ulcers is crucial in managing Zollinger-Ellison syndrome to prevent complications and guide treatment. While choices A, C, and D provide relevant information about the condition and its treatment, the most important aspect in the client's care is the prompt reporting of peptic ulcers. This is because untreated peptic ulcers in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can lead to serious complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation. Therefore, ensuring timely communication with the healthcare provider is essential for effective management of the condition.

4. A nurse is to collect a sputum specimen for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) from a client. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Ask the client to cough sputum into a container
• B. Have the client take several deep breaths
• C. Provide an appropriate specimen container
• D. Assist with oral hygiene

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assisting with oral hygiene is the essential initial step before collecting a sputum specimen for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) to prevent contamination of the sample. Ensuring the client's mouth is clean reduces the risk of introducing unwanted bacteria into the specimen. Asking the client to cough sputum into a container, having the client take deep breaths, and providing a specimen container are important steps in the specimen collection process, but they should follow ensuring proper oral hygiene.

5. A client with heart failure has a prescription for digoxin. The nurse is aware that sufficient potassium should be included in the diet because hypokalemia in combination with this medication:

• A. Can predispose to dysrhythmias
• B. May lead to oliguria
• C. May cause irritability and anxiety
• D. Sometimes alters consciousness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia increases the risk of dysrhythmias when taking digoxin, making potassium intake crucial. Digoxin toxicity is more likely in patients with low potassium levels, leading to an increased risk of dysrhythmias. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypokalemia in combination with digoxin is primarily associated with dysrhythmias rather than oliguria, irritability, anxiety, or alteration of consciousness.

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