Nursing Elites

1. When admitting a 5-month-old who has vomited 9 times in the past 6 hours, what should the healthcare provider observe for signs of which overall imbalance?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Increased serum hemoglobin levels
• D. Decreased serum potassium levels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a 5-month-old infant vomits multiple times, there is a risk of developing metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of stomach acid. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by elevated pH and bicarbonate levels. It is caused by the loss of hydrogen ions from the body, often through vomiting. Metabolic acidosis (choice A) is unlikely in this scenario because it is more commonly associated with conditions like renal failure or diabetic ketoacidosis. Choice C, increased serum hemoglobin levels, is not typically a direct consequence of vomiting. Choice D, decreased serum potassium levels, may occur with vomiting but is not the primary concern when a patient is vomiting excessively.

2. A male Native American presents to the clinic with complaints of frequent abdominal cramping and nausea. He states that he has chronic constipation and had not had a bowel movement in five days, despite trying several home remedies. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Evaluate the stool samples for the presence of blood
• B. Assess for the presence of an impaction
• C. Determine which home remedies were used
• D. Obtain a list of prescribed medications

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing for impaction is crucial as it is a common cause of constipation and abdominal discomfort. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of chronic constipation and no bowel movement for five days despite trying home remedies indicate a potential impaction that needs to be assessed. Evaluating stool samples for blood, determining the home remedies used, or obtaining a list of prescribed medications, while potentially relevant, are not as urgent as assessing for impaction in this situation.

3. A nurse on a med-surg unit is providing care for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A surgeon who removed the wrong kidney during a surgical procedure refuses to take responsibility for her actions
• B. A client who has a new colostomy refuses to follow instructions from the ostomy therapist because she 'doesn’t like him'
• C. The family of a client who has a terminal illness asks that the provider not disclose the diagnosis to the client
• D. A client who has Crohn’s disease reports that his prescription drug plan will not cover his medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. It is an ethical dilemma when the family of a client with a terminal illness asks healthcare providers not to inform the client of their diagnosis. This situation poses a conflict between respecting the client's right to know the truth about their condition (autonomy and truth-telling principles) and honoring the family's wishes. Choices A, B, and D do not present ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves professional accountability and responsibility, Choice B involves a client's personal preference, and Choice D involves financial challenges.

4. When assessing a client's IV for infiltration, which finding would be unexpected for the nurse?

• A. The area around the infusion site feels warm to the touch.
• B. The infusion site is swollen and cool to the touch.
• C. The infusion line does not flush properly.
• D. There is no blood return in the infusion line.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Warmth around the infusion site is not an expected finding with infiltration. Infiltration typically presents with swelling and coolness due to the fluid leaking into the surrounding tissue. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because swelling, coolness, and difficulty flushing the line, as well as lack of blood return, are commonly associated with infiltration.

5. A caregiver is talking with the caregivers of a 10-year-old child who is concerned that their child is becoming secretive, including closing the door when showering and dressing. Which of the following responses should the caregiver make?

• A. “Perhaps you should try to find out what is happening behind those closed doors.”
• B. “Suggest that the door be left ajar for safety reasons.”
• C. “At this age, children tend to become modest and value their privacy.”
• D. “You should establish a disciplinary plan to stop this behavior.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is C: “At this age, children tend to become modest and value their privacy.” During the developmental stage around 10 years old, children often start to value their privacy more and exhibit behaviors like closing doors when showering or dressing. It is a normal part of growing up and developing a sense of modesty. Choice A is incorrect as it suggests prying into the child's privacy, which may be counterproductive and invasive. Choice B is not the best response as it focuses on safety but fails to address the child's developmental stage and need for privacy. Choice D is also incorrect as it advocates for discipline without recognizing the normal developmental behavior of children at this age.

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