Nursing Elites

1. In a patient with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which of the following symptoms would be expected?

• A. Chest pain.
• B. Shortness of breath.
• C. Coughing up blood.
• D. Cyanosis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a common symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to the risk of a pulmonary embolism. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. If a portion of the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath. Chest pain is more commonly associated with conditions like a heart attack or pulmonary embolism itself. Coughing up blood is a symptom more indicative of conditions such as pulmonary embolism or lung cancer. Cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to poor oxygenation, can be seen in severe cases of pulmonary embolism but is not a typical symptom of DVT.

2. A client in the emergency department is severely dehydrated and is prescribed 3 L of intravenous fluid over 6 hours. At what rate (mL/hr) should the nurse set the intravenous pump to infuse the fluids? (Record your answer using a whole number.)

• A. 500 mL/hr
• B. 400 mL/hr
• C. 550 mL/hr
• D. 600 mL/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the rate of the intravenous pump, divide the total volume of fluid (3 L = 3000 mL) by the total time in hours (6 hours), which equals 500 mL/hr. The correct answer is A. Choice B (400 mL/hr) is incorrect as it would result in a slower infusion rate. Choice C (550 mL/hr) and Choice D (600 mL/hr) are incorrect as they would result in a faster infusion rate, exceeding the prescribed amount of fluid to be infused over 6 hours.

3. A client with chronic kidney disease starts on hemodialysis. During the first dialysis treatment, the client's blood pressure drops from 150/90 to 80/30. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Stop the dialysis treatment
• B. Administer 5% albumin IV
• C. Monitor blood pressure every 45 minutes
• D. Lower the head of the chair and elevate feet

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The initial action the nurse should take when a client's blood pressure drops significantly during hemodialysis is to lower the head of the chair and elevate the feet. This position adjustment helps improve blood flow to the brain and vital organs, assisting in stabilizing blood pressure. Stopping the dialysis treatment immediately may not be necessary if the blood pressure can be managed effectively by position changes. Administering 5% albumin IV is not the first-line intervention for hypotension during dialysis. Monitoring blood pressure every 45 minutes is important but not the immediate action needed to address the significant drop in blood pressure observed during the dialysis session.

4. The client is scheduled to begin continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Which of the following statements by the client indicates that more teaching is required?

• A. I will need to limit my intake of protein.
• B. I can skip a dialysis session if I feel tired.
• C. I should increase my intake of potassium-rich foods.
• D. I can eat whatever I want, as long as I take my medications.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Skipping a dialysis session can lead to serious complications as it disrupts the treatment schedule and can result in the accumulation of waste products and fluid in the body. The client must understand the importance of adhering to the prescribed dialysis regimen to maintain optimal health. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because limiting protein intake, increasing potassium-rich foods, and taking medications do not pose the same risk as skipping dialysis sessions. These aspects are important in the management of peritoneal dialysis but do not outweigh the critical need for regular dialysis sessions to prevent complications.

5. When a patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin, which laboratory values will this patient's nurse monitor closely?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and liver function tests
• B. Complete blood count and electrolytes
• C. Serum calcium and magnesium
• D. Serum glucose and lipids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin, such as cefazolin, the nurse should closely monitor laboratory values that indicate renal and hepatic function. This includes checking the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels to assess kidney function. Additionally, monitoring liver function tests, such as AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and bilirubin, is essential as cephalosporins can affect liver enzymes. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically address the parameters that are most pertinent when administering high doses of cephalosporins.

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