Nursing Elites

1. In assessing cancer risk, which woman is at greatest risk of developing breast cancer?

• A. A 35-year-old multipara who never breastfed.
• B. A 50-year-old whose mother had unilateral breast cancer.
• C. A 55-year-old whose mother-in-law had bilateral breast cancer.
• D. A 20-year-old whose menarche occurred at age 9.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because family history of breast cancer, specifically in the mother, is a significant risk factor for developing breast cancer. The age of 50 is also a risk factor for breast cancer. Choice A is less likely as breastfeeding can actually reduce the risk of breast cancer. Choice C is less relevant since the risk is higher with a direct family member. Choice D, although early menarche is a risk factor, the age of the individual is much lower compared to the other age-related risk factors.

2. A patient has begun taking spironolactone (Aldactone) in addition to a thiazide diuretic. With the addition of the spironolactone, the nurse will counsel this patient to

• A. not take a potassium supplement daily.
• B. recognize that abdominal cramping is a common side effect.
• C. report decreased urine output to the provider.
• D. take these medications in the morning.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When combining a potassium-sparing diuretic like spironolactone with a thiazide diuretic, there is an increased risk of hyperkalemia, especially in patients with poor renal function. Therefore, the patient should be educated to report any decrease in urine output, which could indicate a potential issue with kidney function. Choice A is incorrect because taking additional potassium supplements can further increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Choice B is incorrect as abdominal cramping is not a common side effect of spironolactone. Choice D is incorrect because the timing of medication administration is not directly related to the addition of spironolactone and thiazide diuretic; there is no specific recommendation to take these medications only at bedtime.

3. A client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has cool and pale feet with diminished pulses. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Keep the legs elevated above the level of the heart.
• B. Encourage the client to exercise daily.
• C. Apply warm compresses to the affected area.
• D. Apply ice packs to the affected area.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), there is decreased blood flow to the extremities. Applying warm compresses helps dilate blood vessels, improve circulation, and relieve symptoms. Elevating the legs above the heart level may further compromise blood flow. Encouraging daily exercise is important in PAD management but may not be appropriate when the client has cool, pale feet with diminished pulses. Applying ice packs can worsen vasoconstriction and further reduce blood flow, exacerbating symptoms in PAD.

4. A client diagnosed with a history of asthma and bronchitis arrives at the clinic with shortness of breath, productive cough with thickened, tenacious mucus, and the inability to walk up a flight of stairs without experiencing breathlessness. Which action is most important for the nurses to instruct the client about self-care?

• A. Call the clinic if undesirable side effects of medications occur
• B. Avoid crowded enclosed areas to reduce pathogen exposure
• C. Increase the daily intake of oral fluids to liquefy secretions
• D. Teach anxiety reduction methods for feelings of suffocation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing the daily intake of oral fluids is crucial for clients with asthma and bronchitis as it helps to liquefy thickened mucus, making it easier to clear the airways and manage symptoms. This self-care measure can improve the client's ability to breathe more effectively. Choice A is not the most immediate concern when addressing thickened mucus and breathing difficulties. While avoiding crowded areas is beneficial to prevent respiratory infections, it is not directly related to managing thickened secretions. Teaching anxiety reduction methods is important for overall well-being, but it does not directly address the physiological issue of thickened mucus in the airways.

5. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who is receiving prednisone 5 mg PO daily for a rash due to contact with poison ivy. Which symptoms should the nurse tell the client to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Rapid weight gain
• B. Abdominal striae
• C. Moon faces
• D. Gastric irritation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rapid weight gain can indicate fluid retention, which is a serious side effect of prednisone and should be reported.

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