Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) and is assisting the client in completing the diet menu. Which beverage does the nurse instruct the client to select from the menu?

• A. Tea
• B. Cola
• C. Coffee
• D. Lemonade

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lemonade is the correct choice as it is caffeine-free, unlike tea, cola, and coffee, which contain caffeine that can potentially affect the client's heart rhythm. Caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may not be advisable for a client with a recent MI. Tea, cola, and coffee should be avoided due to their caffeine content, which can have stimulant effects on the heart and may not be beneficial for a client recovering from a myocardial infarction.

2. A client with a history of angina pectoris complains of substernal chest pain. The nurse checks the client's blood pressure and administers nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingually. Five minutes later, the client is still experiencing chest pain. What is the next appropriate nursing action?

• A. Administer another dose of nitroglycerin.
• B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• C. Have the client lie down and stay calm.
• D. Give the client aspirin 325 mg to chew.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: If chest pain persists after the first dose of nitroglycerin, it is appropriate to administer a second dose while continuing to monitor the client's response. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator commonly used to relieve angina symptoms by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the heart. Reassessing the client's response and providing a second dose may be necessary to achieve adequate pain relief and improve blood flow to the heart. Administering another dose of nitroglycerin is the next appropriate step in managing angina symptoms. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (Choice B) may be necessary if the client's condition worsens or if there are other concerning symptoms. Having the client lie down and stay calm (Choice C) is generally recommended but addressing the ongoing chest pain takes precedence. Giving the client aspirin 325 mg to chew (Choice D) is beneficial for suspected myocardial infarction but is not the immediate action indicated for persistent angina symptoms.

3. The healthcare professional is caring for a client who has just returned from a cardiac catheterization. The healthcare professional should prioritize which assessment?

• A. Monitoring the client's vital signs every 4 hours
• B. Assessing the puncture site for bleeding
• C. Encouraging the client to ambulate early to prevent complications
• D. Providing the client with fluids to flush out the contrast dye

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the puncture site for bleeding is a critical assessment after a cardiac catheterization procedure. This is essential to detect and address any potential complications promptly, such as hemorrhage or hematoma formation. Monitoring vital signs, encouraging early ambulation, and providing fluids to flush out contrast dye are important aspects of post-cardiac catheterization care, but assessing the puncture site for bleeding takes precedence due to the immediate risk of complications such as severe bleeding that require immediate intervention.

4. When teaching a client with a new prescription for spironolactone, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
• B. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice.
• C. Take the medication with food.
• D. Monitor for signs of hyperkalemia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to monitor for signs of hyperkalemia when taking spironolactone since it is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Hyperkalemia is a potential adverse effect due to the medication's mechanism of action. Advising the client to increase potassium-rich foods (Choice A) would be incorrect as it can further elevate potassium levels, which could lead to hyperkalemia. Avoiding grapefruit juice (Choice B) is not directly related to spironolactone use. Though taking the medication with food (Choice C) can help reduce gastrointestinal upset, it is not the most critical instruction when initiating spironolactone therapy.

5. The client is reinforcing teaching for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding?

• A. I will keep my legs elevated on pillows while resting.
• B. I will avoid crossing my legs when sitting.
• C. I will wear tight compression stockings to improve circulation.
• D. I will apply heat to my legs to relieve pain and improve circulation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Crossing the legs can further impede blood flow in clients with PAD, worsening symptoms. Avoiding leg crossing helps maintain adequate blood flow and reduces the risk of complications associated with peripheral artery disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because elevating the legs, wearing tight compression stockings, and applying heat can exacerbate symptoms in PAD by restricting blood flow or causing potential harm.

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