Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client with chronic liver disease. Which lab value is most concerning?

• A. Elevated AST and ALT levels
• B. Decreased albumin level
• C. Elevated bilirubin level
• D. Prolonged PT/INR

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with chronic liver disease, a prolonged PT/INR is the most concerning lab value. This finding indicates impaired liver function affecting the synthesis of clotting factors, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Elevated AST and ALT levels (Choice A) indicate liver cell damage but do not directly correlate with the risk of bleeding. A decreased albumin level (Choice B) is common in liver disease but is not the most concerning in terms of bleeding risk. Elevated bilirubin levels (Choice C) are seen in liver disease but do not directly reflect the risk of bleeding as PT/INR values do.

2. The nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which recommendation is most effective for lowering blood pressure?

• A. Increase intake of red meat
• B. Engage in regular physical activity
• C. Consume a high-sodium diet
• D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Engaging in regular physical activity is a highly effective recommendation for lowering blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular health. Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and manage weight, all of which contribute to reducing blood pressure levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing intake of red meat can lead to higher saturated fat consumption, which is detrimental to heart health. Consuming a high-sodium diet can exacerbate hypertension by increasing blood pressure. Limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day may lead to dehydration and is not a recommended approach for managing hypertension.

3. What is the most important action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter?

• A. Irrigate the catheter daily.
• B. Change the catheter every 72 hours.
• C. Apply antibiotic ointment at the insertion site.
• D. Ensure the catheter bag is always below bladder level.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is to ensure that the catheter bag is always below bladder level. This positioning helps prevent backflow of urine, reducing the risk of CAUTIs. Irrigating the catheter daily (Choice A) is unnecessary and can introduce pathogens. Changing the catheter every 72 hours (Choice B) is not recommended unless clinically indicated to prevent introducing new pathogens. Applying antibiotic ointment at the insertion site (Choice C) is not the most important action to prevent CAUTIs; proper hygiene and maintaining a closed system are more critical.

4. A nurse in a pediatric unit is preparing to administer medication to a child. What should the nurse do to ensure the correct dosage?

• A. Check the child's weight
• B. Verify the medication order with a pharmacist
• C. Consult the child's parents
• D. Double-check the dosage calculations with another nurse

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When administering medication to children, it is crucial to ensure the correct dosage to prevent dosing errors. Double-checking the dosage calculations with another nurse can help verify the accuracy of the prescribed dose, reducing the risk of medication errors. While checking the child's weight (Choice A) is important for dosage calculation, it alone may not ensure the correctness of the dosage. Verifying the medication order with a pharmacist (Choice B) is essential, but it may not directly address the accuracy of dosage calculations. Consulting the child's parents (Choice C) is not a standard practice for verifying medication dosages and should not be solely relied upon for ensuring the correct dosage.

5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving home oxygen therapy. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Use oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated
• B. Avoid wearing oxygen during physical activity
• C. Do not smoke while using oxygen
• D. Store oxygen tanks in a cool, dark place

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do not smoke while using oxygen.' Smoking while using oxygen can lead to a serious fire hazard, as oxygen supports combustion. This instruction is crucial to prevent potential harm to the client. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Using oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated can be harmful, avoiding wearing oxygen during physical activity may limit the client's mobility unnecessarily, and storing oxygen tanks in a cool, dark place, although important, is not as critical as the instruction to avoid smoking while using oxygen.

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