Nursing Elites

1. How should pain be assessed in a non-verbal patient?

• A. Observe facial expressions
• B. Use the Wong-Baker faces scale
• C. Assess heart rate
• D. Ask the patient to rate their pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Observing facial expressions is essential in assessing pain levels in non-verbal patients. Non-verbal cues, such as facial grimacing, furrowed brows, or clenched jaws, can provide valuable information about the patient's pain experience. Using the Wong-Baker faces scale or assessing heart rate may not be as effective in non-verbal patients as they are unable to communicate their pain through these methods. Asking the patient to rate their pain is also not suitable for non-verbal patients as they may not have the ability to verbally communicate their pain levels.

2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has been receiving lithium carbonate for the past 12 months. The nurse notes a lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. Which of the following orders from the provider should the nurse expect?

• A. Withhold the next dose.
• B. Increase the dosage.
• C. Discontinue the medication.
• D. Administer the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering the medication is appropriate for a stable lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. A level of 0.8 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range for lithium, indicating that the client is receiving an adequate dose to maintain therapeutic effects. Withholding the next dose, increasing the dosage, or discontinuing the medication would not be indicated at this lithium level as it is within the desired range for therapeutic benefit. Therefore, the correct action would be to continue administering the medication to ensure the client maintains the therapeutic level of lithium.

3. A client has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid foods high in potassium while taking this medication.
• B. This medication may cause your blood pressure to increase.
• C. This medication can cause you to retain fluids.
• D. Take this medication with meals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking furosemide is to take the medication with meals. This helps prevent gastrointestinal upset and improves medication tolerance. Option A is incorrect because furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium depletion, so avoiding foods high in potassium is not necessary. Option B is incorrect as furosemide typically lowers blood pressure. Option C is incorrect because furosemide is a diuretic that promotes fluid loss rather than retention.

4. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased level of consciousness
• B. Inability to identify common objects
• C. Poor problem-solving ability
• D. Preoccupation with somatic disturbances

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In schizophrenia, clients often display an inability to identify common objects due to cognitive impairment. This is known as associative agnosia, where individuals struggle to recognize familiar objects, faces, or sounds. Choices A, C, and D are not typically associated with schizophrenia. Decreased level of consciousness is more indicative of conditions like head trauma or drug overdose. Poor problem-solving ability may be seen in various mental health disorders but is not specific to schizophrenia. Preoccupation with somatic disturbances is more commonly seen in somatic symptom disorders or somatic delusions, not a typical finding in schizophrenia.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased bilirubin levels
• B. Decreased albumin levels
• C. Increased prothrombin time
• D. Decreased serum glucose levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Increased bilirubin levels are expected in clients with cirrhosis due to impaired liver function. Elevated bilirubin levels are commonly seen in cirrhosis as the liver's ability to process bilirubin is compromised. Decreased albumin levels and increased prothrombin time are also associated with cirrhosis, but the most specific finding related to liver dysfunction among the choices provided is increased bilirubin levels. Decreased serum glucose levels are not typically associated with cirrhosis.

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