Nursing Elites

1. 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: Prothrombin time (PT) of 30 seconds

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.

2. What intervention is most important to teach the client about identifying the onset of dehydration?

• A. Measuring abdominal girth
• B. Converting ounces to milliliters
• C. Obtaining and charting daily weight
• D. Selecting food items with high water content

Correct answer: C: Obtaining and charting daily weight

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Obtaining and charting daily weight. Monitoring daily weight is crucial in identifying the onset of dehydration as weight loss can be an early sign. Measuring abdominal girth (choice A) is not the most reliable method for detecting dehydration. Converting ounces to milliliters (choice B) and selecting food items with high water content (choice D) may be important for overall hydration but are not the most critical interventions for identifying the onset of dehydration.

3. 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: Maintain the client on strict bed rest

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.

4. A client who has a head injury is transported to the emergency department. Which assessment does the emergency department nurse perform immediately?

• A. Pupil response
• B. Motor function
• C. Respiratory status
• D. Short-term memory

Correct answer: Respiratory status

Rationale: In a client with a head injury, assessing the respiratory status is the priority as airway and breathing are essential for life. Immediate attention to respiratory status is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation. While assessing pupil response and motor function are also important in head injuries, ensuring the client's ability to breathe takes precedence. Short-term memory assessment is not a priority in the emergent phase of care for a client with a head injury.

5. While taking the history of an older adult client, which assessment finding alerts the nurse that the client needs further assessment for fluid or electrolyte imbalance?

• A. “I am often cold and need to wear a sweater.”
• B. “I seem to urinate more when I drink coffee.”
• C. “In the summer, I feel thirsty more often.”
• D. “My rings seem to be tighter this week.”

Correct answer: “My rings seem to be tighter this week.”

Rationale: The correct answer is 'My rings seem to be tighter this week.' This assessment finding indicates possible fluid retention, which can be a sign of fluid or electrolyte imbalance in an older adult. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically point towards fluid or electrolyte imbalance. Feeling cold, increased urination with coffee consumption, and feeling thirsty in the summer are not direct indicators of fluid or electrolyte imbalance in this context.

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