Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with fluid overload?

• A. Monitor weight and assess for edema
• B. Monitor blood pressure and auscultate lung sounds
• C. Assess for jugular venous distention
• D. Monitor oxygen saturation and check for fluid retention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to assess a patient with fluid overload is by monitoring weight and assessing for edema. Weight monitoring helps in detecting fluid retention, and edema is a visible sign of excess fluid accumulation. Although monitoring blood pressure and auscultating lung sounds are important assessments in heart failure, they are not specific to fluid overload. Assessing for jugular venous distention is more indicative of right-sided heart failure rather than fluid overload. Monitoring oxygen saturation and checking for fluid retention are not primary assessments for fluid overload.

2. A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to assess first?

• A. A client who has sinus arrhythmia and is receiving cardiac monitoring.
• B. A client who has diabetes mellitus and a hemoglobin A1C of 6.8%.
• C. A client who has epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities.
• D. A client who has a hip fracture and a new onset of tachypnea.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. New onset of tachypnea indicates a potential respiratory complication that requires immediate attention. Assessing the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea first is crucial to address the respiratory issue and prevent further deterioration. Choices A, B, and C do not present immediate life-threatening complications that require urgent assessment compared to a new onset of tachypnea.

3. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with diarrhea?

• A. Provide oral fluids and monitor stool consistency
• B. Administer antidiarrheal medications and monitor hydration
• C. Monitor for electrolyte imbalances and provide antibiotics
• D. Provide a low-fiber diet and monitor weight

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a patient with diarrhea, the priority is to manage dehydration by providing oral fluids and monitoring stool consistency. Option B suggesting administering antidiarrheal medications is not recommended as it may prolong the infection by preventing the body from expelling the infectious agent. Option C is incorrect because antibiotics are not routinely indicated for diarrhea unless there is a specific bacterial infection. Option D is not the most appropriate initial intervention for managing diarrhea since a low-fiber diet may not provide adequate nutrition for the patient or help resolve the underlying cause of diarrhea.

4. Which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate in the medical record of a client with a pressure ulcer?

• A. Serum albumin level of 3 g/dL
• B. Braden scale score of 20
• C. Norton scale score of 18
• D. Hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum albumin level of 3 g/dL. A serum albumin level of 3 g/dL indicates poor nutrition, which is commonly seen in clients with pressure ulcers. Choice B, a Braden scale score of 20, is incorrect because a higher Braden scale score indicates a lower risk of developing pressure ulcers. Choice C, a Norton scale score of 18, is incorrect as it is a tool used to assess the risk of developing pressure ulcers, not a finding in a client with an existing pressure ulcer. Choice D, a hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL, is unrelated to pressure ulcers and does not directly reflect the nutritional status associated with this condition.

5. A nurse in a pediatric clinic is collecting data from a school-age child whose injuries are inconsistent with the parent's stated cause. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Provide teaching to the parents
• B. Report suspected abuse to the appropriate agency
• C. Document the injuries and monitor the child
• D. Counsel the parents privately

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases where a child's injuries are inconsistent with the parent's stated cause, it raises concerns about possible abuse. The correct action for the nurse in this situation is to report suspected abuse to the appropriate agency. This is a legal and ethical obligation for healthcare professionals when they suspect child abuse. Providing teaching to the parents (Choice A) may not address the immediate safety concerns of the child. Documenting the injuries and monitoring the child (Choice C) is important but reporting suspected abuse takes precedence to ensure the child's safety. Counseling the parents privately (Choice D) may not be effective if abuse is suspected, as the primary focus should be on protecting the child.

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