Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client who has just been admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which finding is most important for the LPN/LVN to report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Elevated serum lipase level
• B. Severe abdominal pain
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypotension is a critical finding that should be reported immediately in a client with acute pancreatitis as it may indicate severe complications such as hemorrhage or shock. While elevated serum lipase level, severe abdominal pain, and nausea/vomiting are common manifestations of acute pancreatitis, hypotension is a more urgent sign requiring immediate attention to prevent further deterioration. Hypotension can be a sign of significant fluid loss, hemorrhage, or sepsis, which are potentially life-threatening conditions that need prompt intervention. Elevated serum lipase levels, severe abdominal pain, and nausea/vomiting are important in the assessment of pancreatitis but do not indicate the same level of immediate danger as hypotension does.

2. A young adult client is receiving instruction from a healthcare provider about health promotion and illness prevention. Which of the following statements indicates understanding?

• A. “I had my immunizations as a child, so I’m protected in that area.”
• B. “It is important to schedule routine health care visits even if I am feeling well.”
• C. “I will go to an urgent care center for my routine medical care.”
• D. “There’s no reason to seek help if I am feeling stressed as it’s just part of life.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Scheduling routine health care visits, even when feeling well, is crucial for early detection and prevention of health issues. This proactive approach allows healthcare providers to monitor overall health, provide preventive care, and address any emerging health concerns promptly. Choice A is incorrect because past immunizations do not cover all potential diseases; regular check-ups are still necessary. Choice C is incorrect as urgent care centers are not designed for routine medical care. Choice D is incorrect as seeking help for stress is important for mental well-being and should not be dismissed as a normal part of life.

3. A client is grieving the loss of her partner and expresses thoughts of not seeing the point of living anymore. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Recommend that the client seek spiritual guidance
• B. Request additional support from the client's family
• C. Tell the client that this is a normal response to grief
• D. Ask the client if she plans to harm herself

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client expresses feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, it is crucial for the nurse to assess for suicidal ideation. Asking the client directly if she plans to harm herself is essential to determine the level of risk and ensure appropriate interventions are implemented. Recommending spiritual guidance (Choice A) may not address the immediate safety concerns related to suicidal ideation. Requesting additional support from the client's family (Choice B) is not as direct in addressing the client's safety. While stating that the client's response is a normal part of grief (Choice C) may provide validation, it does not address the potential risk of harm to the client.

4. A client with a history of severe anxiety is scheduled for surgery. Which preoperative medication is the most appropriate for the LPN/LVN to administer to this client?

• A. Lorazepam (Ativan)
• B. Morphine sulfate
• C. Meperidine (Demerol)
• D. Promethazine (Phenergan)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lorazepam (Ativan) is the most appropriate preoperative medication for a client with severe anxiety. Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class and is commonly used to manage anxiety before surgical procedures due to its anxiolytic properties. Morphine sulfate and Meperidine (Demerol) are opioid analgesics, not typically indicated for preoperative anxiety. Promethazine (Phenergan) is an antihistamine used for nausea and vomiting, not anxiety management.

5. A client reports having insomnia. Which of the following interventions is appropriate for the nurse to recommend?

• A. Exercise 1 hour before bedtime.
• B. Eat a light carbohydrate snack before bedtime.
• C. Drink a cup of hot cocoa before bedtime.
• D. Take a 30-minute nap daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Eating a light carbohydrate snack before bedtime is a suitable intervention for insomnia because it can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote sleep. Exercising close to bedtime may actually disrupt sleep patterns due to increased alertness and body temperature. Drinking hot cocoa before bedtime, which contains caffeine, may interfere with falling asleep. Taking a nap during the day can make it harder to fall asleep at night and may worsen insomnia. Therefore, the best recommendation among the choices provided is to eat a light carbohydrate snack before bedtime.

Similar Questions