Nursing Elites

1. How should the nurse assess for cyanosis in a client with dark skin who is in respiratory distress?

• A. Abnormal skin color changes in a client with dark skin cannot be determined
• B. Blanching the soles of the feet in a client with dark skin reveals cyanosis
• C. The lips and mucus membranes of a client with dark skin are dusky in color
• D. Cyanosis in a client with dark skin is seen in the sclera

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Observing the lips and mucous membranes provides a reliable indicator of cyanosis in clients with dark skin tones. Choice A is incorrect because cyanosis can be assessed in clients with dark skin by observing other body areas. Choice B is incorrect as blanching the soles of the feet is not a relevant method for assessing cyanosis. Choice D is incorrect as cyanosis is not typically seen in the sclera in clients with dark skin.

2. A client undergoing chemotherapy reports a sudden onset of severe back pain. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer pain medication as prescribed
• B. Assess the pain's nature and intensity
• C. Encourage the client to rest and apply a hot pack
• D. Notify the physician immediately

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse is to assess the nature and intensity of the pain. This initial assessment is crucial in determining the underlying cause of the pain, whether it is related to the chemotherapy or another issue. Understanding the pain's characteristics will guide the nurse in implementing appropriate interventions and seeking timely medical assistance if needed. Administering pain medication without a thorough assessment may mask important symptoms and delay necessary treatment. Encouraging rest and hot pack application may be appropriate interventions but should come after assessing the pain. Notifying the physician immediately can be important but should follow the initial assessment to provide comprehensive information to the healthcare provider.

3. A client is receiving a blood transfusion and reports chills and back pain. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Continue the transfusion at a slower rate
• B. Administer an antipyretic
• C. Stop the transfusion immediately
• D. Notify the healthcare provider

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client receiving a blood transfusion reports chills and back pain, it indicates a possible transfusion reaction. The nurse's priority action is to stop the transfusion immediately. Continuing the transfusion at a slower rate (Choice A) can exacerbate the reaction. Administering an antipyretic (Choice B) may help with fever but does not address the underlying issue of a transfusion reaction. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice D) is important but should not delay the immediate action of stopping the transfusion to ensure the client's safety.

4. Which of the following are key parameters that produce blood pressure? (Select ONE that does not apply)

• A. Heart rate
• B. Stroke volume
• C. Peripheral resistance
• D. Neuroendocrine hormones

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Heart rate, stroke volume, and peripheral resistance are indeed key parameters that directly influence blood pressure. Heart rate refers to the number of times the heart beats per minute, affecting how much blood is pumped. Stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped by the heart in one contraction. Peripheral resistance is the resistance of the arteries to blood flow, impacting the pressure needed to push blood through. Neuroendocrine hormones, while they can indirectly influence blood pressure regulation by affecting factors like blood volume and vascular tone, are not direct final parameters that produce blood pressure.

5. The nurse is assessing a client who has been receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for several days. Which complication should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypoglycemia. When a client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with a high glucose content, the risk of hypoglycemia is significant due to sudden increases in insulin release in response to the glucose load. The nurse should monitor for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia such as shakiness, sweating, palpitations, and confusion. Hyperglycemia (choice A) is not typically a complication of TPN as the high glucose content is more likely to cause hypoglycemia. Hyponatremia (choice C) and hypokalemia (choice D) are electrolyte imbalances that can occur in clients receiving TPN, but hypoglycemia is the more common and immediate concern that the nurse should monitor for.

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