Nursing Elites

1. Postoperative orders for a client undergoing a mitral valve replacement include monitoring pulmonary artery pressure together with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with a pulmonary artery catheter. This action by the nurse will assess

• A. Right ventricular pressure
• B. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure
• C. Acid-Base balance
• D. Coronary artery stability

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is used to assess left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. This measurement provides valuable information on the filling pressure of the left ventricle. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because monitoring pulmonary capillary wedge pressure does not directly assess right ventricular pressure, acid-base balance, or coronary artery stability.

2. After accepting the position of school nurse in a public elementary school, what strategy is best for the nurse to use to obtain an overview understanding of the student body?

• A. Review all health records of the students currently enrolled in classes.
• B. Talk with the current members of the parent-teacher association.
• C. Send a survey form to parents of third-grade students.
• D. Conduct a windshield survey of the geographic areas served by the school.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Conducting a windshield survey is the best strategy for the nurse to obtain an overview understanding of the student body. This method allows the nurse to observe the community, its resources, potential health hazards, and demographic information. Reviewing health records (Choice A) would provide detailed health information but not an overview of the student body. Talking with the parent-teacher association (Choice B) may offer insights but not a comprehensive overview. Sending a survey form to parents (Choice C) may provide specific information but may not capture a broad understanding of the student body.

3. The nurse is caring for a 75-year-old client in congestive heart failure. Which finding suggests that digitalis levels should be reviewed?

• A. Extreme fatigue
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Intense itching
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Extreme fatigue can be a sign of digitalis toxicity, especially in older adults, and warrants a review of the client's medication levels and potential adjustment. Increased appetite, intense itching, and constipation are not typically associated with digitalis toxicity and do not directly indicate a need for a review of digitalis levels.

4. While assessing an Rh-positive newborn whose mother is Rh-negative, the nurse recognizes the risk for hyperbilirubinemia. Which of the following should be reported immediately?

• A. Jaundice evident at 26 hours
• B. Hematocrit of 55%
• C. Serum bilirubin of 12 mg/dL
• D. Positive Coombs test

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum bilirubin level of 12 mg/dL in a newborn is concerning and can indicate a significant risk of hyperbilirubinemia, which requires immediate medical intervention to prevent complications like kernicterus. Jaundice at 26 hours (Choice A) is a symptom, not a laboratory result, and needs monitoring but not an immediate report. Hematocrit of 55% (Choice B) may be elevated but is not indicative of hyperbilirubinemia. A positive Coombs test (Choice D) indicates the presence of antibodies on the newborn's red blood cells but does not directly correlate with the risk of hyperbilirubinemia.

5. A 6-month-old infant who is being treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip has been placed in a hip spica cast. The nurse should teach the parents to

• A. Gently rub the skin with a cotton swab to relieve itching
• B. Place the favorite books and push-pull toys in the crib
• C. Check every few hours for the next day or 2 for swelling in the baby's feet
• D. Turn the baby with the abduction stabilizer bar every 2 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to check every few hours for the next day or 2 for swelling in the baby's feet. Swelling in the baby's feet could indicate compromised circulation due to the cast, and frequent checks are necessary to ensure that there are no complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because rubbing the skin with a cotton swab, placing favorite items in the crib, and turning the baby with the abduction stabilizer bar do not address the potential issue of compromised circulation and swelling in the baby's feet.

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