Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client with cirrhosis who has developed ascites. What is the most important intervention to include in the care plan?

• A. Restrict sodium intake
• B. Encourage high-protein meals
• C. Increase fluid intake
• D. Administer diuretics as prescribed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer diuretics as prescribed. Diuretics are often prescribed to help manage fluid accumulation in ascites, which is a common complication of cirrhosis. Restricting sodium intake (Choice A) is essential in managing ascites, but administering diuretics takes precedence in the care plan. Encouraging high-protein meals (Choice B) and increasing fluid intake (Choice C) are not the primary interventions for managing ascites in cirrhosis.

2. A client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is receiving digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?

• A. Check blood pressure.
• B. Assess heart rate.
• C. Monitor respiratory rate.
• D. Measure oxygen saturation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to evaluate the heart rate as digoxin can cause bradycardia. While checking blood pressure, monitoring respiratory rate, and measuring oxygen saturation are important assessments in the care of a client with chronic heart failure, assessing the heart rate is particularly critical due to the medication's potential impact on heart rhythm.

3. The client with a new colostomy is being taught about colostomy care. Which statement by the client indicates effective learning?

• A. I will change my colostomy bag every day.
• B. I should eat a low-fiber diet.
• C. I need to inspect the stoma daily for color and swelling.
• D. I can skip my colostomy care if I feel well.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because inspecting the stoma daily is crucial in identifying any early signs of complications or infections. Choice A is incorrect because changing the colostomy bag daily is not necessary unless there is a specific reason to do so. Choice B is incorrect as a low-fiber diet is not usually recommended for colostomy care. Choice D is incorrect because colostomy care should be performed regularly regardless of how the client feels.

4. The client with newly diagnosed peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is being taught about lifestyle modifications. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Increase the intake of spicy foods
• B. Avoid the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• C. Drink coffee in moderation
• D. Eat large meals at bedtime

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction to include when teaching a client with newly diagnosed PUD about lifestyle modifications is to avoid the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs can exacerbate peptic ulcer disease by causing further irritation of the gastric mucosa. Increasing the intake of spicy foods (choice A) can aggravate the condition by irritating the stomach lining. Drinking coffee (choice C) can stimulate gastric acid secretion, which may worsen the symptoms of PUD. Eating large meals at bedtime (choice D) can also exacerbate PUD by increasing gastric acid production when the body is at rest, potentially leading to discomfort and symptoms.

5. A client is receiving dexamethasone (Decadron). What symptoms should the nurse recognize as Cushingoid side effects?

• A. Moon face, slow wound healing, muscle wasting, sodium and water retention
• B. Tachycardia, hypertension, weight loss, heat intolerance, nervousness, restlessness, tremor
• C. Bradycardia, weight gain, cold intolerance, myxedema facies and periorbital edema
• D. Hyperpigmentation, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, dehydration, hypotension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cushingoid side effects are characteristic of excess corticosteroid use, such as dexamethasone. These include moon face (rounding of the face), slow wound healing, muscle wasting, and sodium and water retention. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with Cushingoid side effects. Tachycardia, hypertension, weight loss, heat intolerance, nervousness, restlessness, tremor (Option B) are not typical of Cushingoid effects, while bradycardia, weight gain, cold intolerance, myxedema facies, and periorbital edema (Option C) are more indicative of hypothyroidism. Hyperpigmentation, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, dehydration, and hypotension (Option D) are not classical features of Cushingoid side effects.

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