Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. Jugular venous distention
• B. Crackles in the lungs
• C. Shortness of breath
• D. Peripheral edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Shortness of breath is most concerning in a client with left-sided heart failure as it indicates pulmonary congestion, requiring immediate intervention. Jugular venous distention (Choice A) is a sign of increased central venous pressure but is not as concerning as pulmonary congestion. Crackles in the lungs (Choice B) are common in heart failure due to fluid accumulation but are not as immediately concerning as severe shortness of breath. Peripheral edema (Choice D) is a manifestation of fluid retention in the body but is less indicative of acute pulmonary distress compared to shortness of breath.

2. An adolescent's mother calls the clinic because the teen is having recurrent vomiting and has become combative in the last 2 days. The mother states that the teen takes vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and aspirin. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?

• A. Advise the mother to withhold all medications by mouth.
• B. Instruct the mother to take the teen to the emergency room.
• C. Recommend that the teen withhold food and fluids for 2 hours.
• D. Suggest that the adolescent breathe slowly and deeply.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the mother to take the teen to the emergency room. The symptoms described, including recurrent vomiting and becoming combative after taking vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and aspirin, indicate a potential overdose or a serious condition. Therefore, immediate medical evaluation in the emergency room is crucial. Advising to withhold all medications by mouth (Choice A) may delay necessary treatment. Recommending to withhold food and fluids (Choice C) is not appropriate in this urgent situation. Suggesting deep breathing (Choice D) does not address the seriousness of the symptoms and the need for immediate medical attention.

3. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with ascites and jaundice. Which clinical finding is most concerning?

• A. Peripheral edema
• B. Increased abdominal girth
• C. Confusion and altered mental status
• D. Yellowing of the skin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Confusion and altered mental status are the most concerning clinical findings in a client with cirrhosis because they may indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication that requires immediate intervention. Peripheral edema (choice A) and increased abdominal girth (choice B) are common manifestations of cirrhosis but are not as acutely concerning as signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Yellowing of the skin (choice D) is due to jaundice, which is already present in the client and does not directly indicate a worsening condition like confusion and altered mental status.

4. A client presents at the clinic with blepharitis. What instructions should the nurse provide for home care?

• A. Use bilateral eye patches while sleeping to prevent injury to the eyes.
• B. Wear sunglasses when outdoors to prevent photophobia.
• C. Apply cold compresses to reduce inflammation.
• D. Apply warm moist compresses then gently scrub eyelids with diluted baby shampoo.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Blepharitis is managed with warm moist compresses to help loosen debris and oils on the eyelids, followed by gentle scrubbing with a mild solution like diluted baby shampoo. This helps in controlling the condition. Choice A is incorrect as using eye patches while sleeping is not a standard recommendation for blepharitis. Choice B is incorrect as wearing sunglasses does not directly treat blepharitis but may help with light sensitivity. Choice C is incorrect as cold compresses are not typically used for blepharitis, as warm compresses are more effective in managing the condition.

5. The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Jugular venous distention
• C. Crackles in the lungs
• D. Peripheral edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Crackles in the lungs indicate pulmonary congestion in a client with left-sided heart failure and require immediate intervention to prevent respiratory failure. Crackles suggest fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and potentially respiratory distress. Shortness of breath, jugular venous distention, and peripheral edema are common manifestations of heart failure but do not directly indicate acute respiratory compromise like crackles in the lungs do.

Similar Questions