Nursing Elites

1. The nurse caring for a hospitalized older client with a left hip fracture as a result of a fall at home notices different assessment findings. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Pain rated 7/10 on the pain scale.
• B. Mild swelling at the fracture site.
• C. Small amount of bleeding from the surgical site.
• D. Left extremity capillary refill greater than 5 seconds.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A left extremity capillary refill greater than 5 seconds indicates poor blood flow to the extremity, which is a sign of compromised circulation. This finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse to prevent complications such as tissue damage or necrosis. Choices A, B, and C are important assessments but do not indicate an immediate need for intervention like the delayed capillary refill in choice D.

2. A client with chronic heart failure is being discharged with a new prescription for furosemide. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
• B. Restrict your fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
• C. Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium.
• D. Weigh yourself once a week.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to increase their intake of potassium-rich foods. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss due to increased urinary excretion. Potassium-rich foods can help prevent hypokalemia, a potential side effect of furosemide. Restricting fluid intake (choice B) may not be suitable for all patients with heart failure, and a general restriction of 1 liter per day is not typically recommended. Avoiding salt substitutes containing potassium (choice C) is not a priority teaching point in this scenario. Weighing oneself once a week (choice D) is important for monitoring fluid status, but increasing potassium-rich foods is more directly related to the potential side effects of furosemide.

3. What assessment findings should lead the nurse to suspect Down syndrome in a newborn?

• A. Hypertonia and dark skin
• B. Low-set ears and a simian crease
• C. Inner epicanthal folds and a high, domed forehead
• D. Long, thin fingers and excessive hair

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Low-set ears and a simian crease.' These are key physical characteristics commonly seen in newborns with Down syndrome. Low-set ears, along with a simian crease (a single palmar crease), are indicative of Down syndrome. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hypertonia, dark skin, inner epicanthal folds, a high, domed forehead, long, thin fingers, and excessive hair are not specific features associated with Down syndrome in newborns. Therefore, the presence of low-set ears and a simian crease should raise suspicion for Down syndrome and prompt further evaluation.

4. When speaking to young parents, the nurse states that lead poisoning is one of the most common preventable health problems affecting children. What condition occurs when the level of lead ingested exceeds the amount that can be absorbed by the bone?

• A. Malnutrition
• B. Anemia
• C. Bone pain
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anemia. When the amount of lead ingested exceeds the amount that can be absorbed by the bone, it leads to anemia. Malnutrition (Choice A) is a state of inadequate nutrition, not directly related to lead poisoning. Bone pain (Choice C) is a symptom of lead poisoning due to its effects on bones but not directly related to lead ingestion exceeding absorption. Diarrhea (Choice D) is not a direct consequence of lead ingestion exceeding absorption by bones.

5. An 82-year-old female client with type 2 diabetes and degenerative arthritis complains to the nurse that she has a hard time cutting her toenails. What should the nurse recommend?

• A. Seek routine nail care with a podiatrist.
• B. Encourage monthly pedicures at a nail salon.
• C. Soak feet for 10 minutes before cutting nails.
• D. Ask a family member to cut toenails.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For an 82-year-old female client with type 2 diabetes and degenerative arthritis, the nurse should recommend seeking routine nail care with a podiatrist. This is crucial to ensure proper and safe toenail care, reducing the risk of injury and infection, which is especially important for diabetic clients. Encouraging monthly pedicures at a nail salon (choice B) may not address the underlying issues related to diabetes and arthritis. Soaking feet for 10 minutes before cutting nails (choice C) may help soften the nails but does not address the difficulty the client faces in cutting them. Asking a family member to cut toenails (choice D) may not guarantee the expertise needed for proper diabetic foot care, which a podiatrist can provide.

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