Nursing Elites

1. How can dehydration be assessed in an elderly patient?

• A. Checking skin turgor on the forearm
• B. Assessing for dry mucous membranes
• C. Checking for orthostatic hypotension
• D. Measuring daily weights

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing skin turgor by gently pinching the skin on the forearm is a reliable method to check for dehydration in elderly patients. When the skin is slow to return to its original position, it indicates dehydration. While assessing for dry mucous membranes is also important, checking skin turgor is a more direct method for dehydration assessment. Checking for orthostatic hypotension is more related to circulation status than dehydration. Measuring daily weights is helpful to monitor fluid balance but may not be as immediate or direct in detecting dehydration in elderly patients.

2. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for cimetidine. Which of the following laboratory findings should the healthcare provider identify as the priority to report to the provider?

• A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• B. WBC count 9,000/mm3
• C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 50 units/L
• D. Fasting glucose 105 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated AST level is indicative of liver damage, which is the priority finding to report to the provider when administering cimetidine. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of liver toxicity or damage. Monitoring liver function is crucial when using cimetidine, as it can sometimes lead to hepatotoxicity. The other laboratory findings are within normal ranges and not directly associated with cimetidine administration.

3. A school nurse is providing care for students in an elementary education facility. Which of the following interventions by the nurse addresses the primary level of prevention?

• A. Design interventions for a student's individual education plan (IEP).
• B. Teach students about healthy food choices.
• C. Perform first aid for minor injuries.
• D. Perform scoliosis screenings for students.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because teaching students about healthy food choices is a primary prevention strategy that aims to prevent future health issues by promoting healthy behaviors. Choice A, designing interventions for an individual education plan (IEP), is more related to addressing specific educational needs rather than preventing health issues. Choice C, performing first aid for minor injuries, is a form of secondary prevention aimed at reducing the impact of existing health problems. Choice D, performing scoliosis screenings for students, falls under secondary prevention by detecting health issues early rather than preventing them.

4. When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?

• A. Check for respiratory depression.
• B. Assess pain control.
• C. Check the infusion site for complications.
• D. Monitor the client's blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for respiratory depression first when assessing a client receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate. Respiratory depression is the most common life-threatening side effect associated with morphine administration. Monitoring respiratory status is crucial as it can quickly deteriorate, leading to serious complications or even respiratory arrest. Assessing pain control (choice B) is important but ensuring adequate ventilation takes precedence. Checking the infusion site for complications (choice C) and monitoring blood pressure (choice D) are also essential aspects of care but are secondary to evaluating respiratory status when administering morphine.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to admit a client to the PACU who received a competitive neuromuscular blocking agent. Which of the following items should the healthcare professional place at the client's bedside?

• A. Defibrillator machine
• B. Chest tube equipment
• C. Central venous catheter tray
• D. Bag-valve-mask device

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: A bag-valve-mask device is necessary in case of respiratory complications that may arise due to the effects of the neuromuscular blocking agent. The competitive nature of the agent can lead to muscle weakness, including respiratory muscles, necessitating immediate respiratory support. Placing a defibrillator machine, chest tube equipment, or central venous catheter tray at the client's bedside would not be the priority in this situation. While these items may be important in specific scenarios, ensuring the availability of a bag-valve-mask device is crucial to address potential airway and breathing issues promptly.

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