Nursing Elites

1. The nurse assesses distended neck veins in a client sitting in a chair to eat. What intervention is the nurse's priority?

• A. Document the observation in the chart.
• B. Measure urine specific gravity and volume.
• C. Assess the pulse and blood pressure.
• D. Assess the client's deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the pulse and blood pressure. Distended neck veins can indicate fluid volume overload or heart failure, which can lead to hemodynamic instability. Assessing the pulse and blood pressure will provide immediate information on the client's cardiovascular status. Documenting the observation in the chart (choice A) is important but not the priority when immediate assessment is needed. Measuring urine specific gravity and volume (choice B) is important for assessing renal function but is not the priority in this situation. Assessing the client's deep tendon reflexes (choice D) is not relevant to addressing distended neck veins in a client sitting to eat.

2. The nurse teaches a client who is newly diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Which instruction does the nurse include to minimize complications of this disease?

• A. "Rest is the best medicine at this time. Do not start an exercise program."?
• B. "You are a man; therefore, there is nothing you can do to minimize your risks."?
• C. "You should talk to your provider about medications to help you quit smoking."?
• D. "Decreasing the carbohydrates in your diet will help you lose weight."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to talk to their provider about medications to help quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, and quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Choice A is incorrect because exercise is beneficial for managing coronary artery disease, but should be started gradually and under guidance. Choice B is incorrect and inappropriate as it undermines the client's ability to take control of their health. Choice D is incorrect because while a balanced diet is important, specifically targeting carbohydrates alone may not be the most effective or healthy approach for managing coronary artery disease.

3. The nurse is caring for a client who has had surgery the previous day. The client tells the nurse, "Breathing in using this thing (incentive spirometer) is a ridiculous waste of time."? What is the nurse's best response?

• A. "The spirometer will help you cough effectively."?
• B. "The spirometer will help your lungs expand."?
• C. "The spirometer will help prevent blood clots."?
• D. "The spirometer will improve blood flow in your lungs."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, '"The spirometer will help your lungs expand."?' Incentive spirometry is used postoperatively to help prevent atelectasis by expanding the lungs and improving lung function. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of the spirometer is not to help cough effectively. Choice C is incorrect because while deep breathing with the spirometer can indirectly help prevent blood clots by improving lung function, its primary purpose is not to prevent blood clots directly. Choice D is incorrect because although using the spirometer can improve ventilation and oxygenation, its main purpose is not to improve blood flow in the lungs.

4. The nurse is planning care for a client with epilepsy. Which precautions does the nurse implement to ensure the safety of the client while in the hospital? (Select one that doesn't apply.)

• A. Have suction equipment at the bedside
• B. Keep bed rails up at all times
• C. Ensure that the client has IV access
• D. Maintain the client on strict bed rest

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a client with epilepsy, it is essential to avoid restraining them with strict bed rest as it can lead to complications like muscle atrophy, thrombosis, and pressure ulcers. Having suction equipment at the bedside is important in case of seizures to prevent aspiration. Keeping bed rails up can prevent falls during a seizure. Ensuring that the client has IV access is crucial for administering medications such as antiepileptic drugs or emergency medications if needed. Therefore, maintaining the client on strict bed rest is not a recommended precaution for a client with epilepsy.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing a client before surgery. Which assessments contraindicate the client from having surgery as scheduled? (Select one that does not apply.)

• A. Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
• B. International normalized ratio (INR) of 4
• C. Prothrombin time (PT) of 30 seconds
• D. Positive pregnancy test

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Prothrombin time (PT) of 30 seconds. A low potassium level (choice A) and an elevated INR (choice B) indicate potential bleeding risks during surgery. A positive pregnancy test (choice D) in a female client can lead to complications during surgery. However, a Prothrombin time of 30 seconds is within the normal range and does not contraindicate the client from having surgery as scheduled.

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