Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client 2 hours postoperatively after a femoral popliteal bypass. The upper leg dressing becomes saturated with blood. The nurse's first action should be to

• A. Wrap the leg with elastic bandages
• B. Apply pressure at the bleeding site
• C. Reinforce the dressing and elevate the leg
• D. Remove the dressings and re-dress the incision

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario where the upper leg dressing becomes saturated with blood post-femoral popliteal bypass, the nurse's first action should be to apply pressure at the bleeding site. Applying pressure is essential to control hemorrhage and prevent further blood loss. Choice A is incorrect as wrapping the leg with elastic bandages would not address the immediate issue of controlling the bleeding. Choice C is incorrect because reinforcing the dressing and elevating the leg should come after controlling the bleeding. Choice D is incorrect as removing the dressings and re-dressing the incision should only be done after the bleeding is under control to prevent excessive blood loss.

2. A primigravida in the third trimester is hospitalized for preeclampsia. The nurse determines that the client's blood pressure is increasing. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Check the protein level in urine
• B. Have the client turn to the left side
• C. Take the temperature
• D. Monitor the urine output

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases of preeclampsia with increasing blood pressure, the priority action for the nurse is to have the client turn to the left side. This position helps improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus, reducing the risk of complications. Checking the protein level in urine (Choice A) is important for assessing preeclampsia but not the immediate priority when blood pressure is increasing. Taking the temperature (Choice C) is not directly related to addressing increased blood pressure in preeclampsia. Monitoring urine output (Choice D) is essential but not the first action to take when blood pressure is rising.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following should the nurse recommend to the client as an appropriate sweetener?

• A. Corn syrup
• B. Natural honey
• C. Nonnutritive sugar substitute
• D. Agave nectar

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nonnutritive sugar substitutes are suitable for individuals with diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, as they do not affect blood glucose levels. Corn syrup and agave nectar contain high levels of sugar that can spike blood glucose levels, making them unsuitable for diabetes management. While natural honey is a natural sweetener, it can still impact blood sugar levels and is not the optimal choice for individuals with diabetes.

4. In a client with chronic kidney disease having a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L, which assessment is the most critical for the nurse to perform?

• A. Neurological status
• B. Cardiac status
• C. Respiratory status
• D. Gastrointestinal status

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Assessing cardiac status is crucial in hyperkalemia as high potassium levels can result in life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the heart rhythm and ECG findings is essential to prevent cardiac complications. Neurological status, respiratory status, and gastrointestinal status are important assessments too, but in the context of hyperkalemia, cardiac status takes precedence due to the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with a history of peptic ulcer disease. Which of these findings would be most concerning to the nurse?

• A. A heart rate of 72 beats per minute
• B. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL
• C. The client reports black, tarry stools
• D. The client reports nausea and vomiting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Black, tarry stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease. This finding suggests active bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, requiring immediate attention. A normal heart rate of 72 beats per minute (choice A) is within the expected range. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL (choice B) is also within normal limits. Nausea and vomiting (choice D) are common symptoms associated with peptic ulcer disease but may not necessarily indicate active bleeding like black, tarry stools.

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