Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just undergone a thoracentesis. Which finding should be reported immediately?

• A. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side.
• B. Pain at the procedure site.
• C. Blood-tinged sputum.
• D. Shortness of breath.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Shortness of breath should be reported immediately as it may indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication of thoracentesis. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side, pain at the procedure site, and blood-tinged sputum are common findings post-thoracentesis and do not necessarily indicate immediate complications like a pneumothorax.

2. After receiving a report, the nurse receives the laboratory values for four clients. Which client requires the nurse’s immediate intervention? The client who is...

• A. Short of breath after a shower and has a hemoglobin of 8 grams
• B. Bleeding from a finger stick and has a prothrombin time of 30 seconds
• C. Febrile and has a WBC count of 14,000/mm3
• D. Trembling and has a glucose level of 50 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A glucose level of 50 mg/dL is indicative of hypoglycemia, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious consequences such as altered mental status, seizures, and even coma if not promptly addressed. The other options do not present immediate life-threatening conditions that require urgent intervention. Shortness of breath with a hemoglobin of 8 grams may indicate anemia but does not require immediate intervention. Bleeding from a finger stick with a prothrombin time of 30 seconds may suggest clotting issues, which are important but not as immediately critical as hypoglycemia. Being febrile with an elevated WBC count could indicate infection, which is concerning but not as urgently critical as hypoglycemia.

3. The nurse is caring for a 75-year-old male client who is beginning to form a decubitus ulcer at the coccyx. Which intervention will be most helpful in preventing further development of the decubitus ulcer?

• A. Encourage the client to eat foods high in protein
• B. Assess the client for daily range of motion exercises
• C. Teach the family how to perform sterile wound care
• D. Ensure the IV fluids are administered as prescribed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the client to eat foods high in protein is crucial in preventing further development of decubitus ulcers as high protein foods support tissue repair and skin integrity. Adequate protein intake is essential for wound healing. Assessing the client for daily range of motion exercises is important for preventing complications related to immobility, but it may not directly address the prevention of decubitus ulcers. Teaching the family how to perform sterile wound care is significant for wound management but may not be the most effective intervention to prevent further development of decubitus ulcers. Ensuring IV fluids are administered as prescribed is essential for maintaining hydration status but is not the most relevant intervention for preventing decubitus ulcers.

4. The client with hypertension is being taught about lifestyle changes. Which recommendation is most important to include?

• A. Increase sodium intake
• B. Engage in regular physical activity
• C. Consume a diet high in saturated fats
• D. Limit fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for managing hypertension as it helps lower blood pressure. Regular exercise can improve heart health, increase circulation, and contribute to overall well-being, all of which are beneficial for individuals with hypertension. Choice A, increasing sodium intake, is incorrect as reducing sodium is recommended for hypertension to help lower blood pressure. Choice C, consuming a diet high in saturated fats, is incorrect as a diet high in saturated fats can negatively impact blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Choice D, limiting fluid intake, is incorrect as maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall health and not directly related to hypertension management.

5. The healthcare provider reviews the laboratory results of a client whose serum pH is 7.38. What does this value imply about the client's homeostasis?

• A. Alkalosis
• B. Acidosis
• C. Normal serum pH
• D. Incompatible with life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A pH of 7.38 falls within the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating that the client’s acid-base balance is adequately maintained. Choices A and B are incorrect as alkalosis and acidosis refer to abnormal pH levels. Choice D is incorrect as a pH of 7.38 within the normal range is compatible with life.

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