Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client with rheumatoid arthritis who is taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor?

• A. Potassium
• B. Hemoglobin
• C. Serum creatinine
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client with rheumatoid arthritis is taking NSAIDs, the nurse should monitor serum creatinine levels. NSAIDs can potentially cause kidney damage, so monitoring creatinine levels helps assess for renal impairment. While monitoring hemoglobin, potassium, and white blood cell count may also be relevant in some cases, serum creatinine is the priority due to the risk of renal complications associated with NSAID use.

2. Which of the following statements reflects appropriate teaching to prevent injury in a client with rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Use heat applications to relieve swelling and stiffness.
• B. Take warm showers before activity.
• C. Use cold packs to relieve joint pain.
• D. Take prescribed anti-inflammatory medications with meals.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Using cold packs to relieve joint pain is appropriate for clients with rheumatoid arthritis as cold therapy is more effective at reducing inflammation and pain in these conditions. Heat applications may exacerbate the symptoms by increasing swelling. Taking warm showers before activity may provide comfort but does not directly address joint pain or prevent injury. While anti-inflammatory medications are commonly prescribed, they are not directly related to preventing injury in clients with rheumatoid arthritis.

3. The nurse has received funding to design a health promotion project for African American women who are at risk for developing breast cancer. Which resource is most important in designing this program?

• A. Participation of community leaders in planning the program
• B. Latest research on breast cancer risk factors
• C. Partnership with local healthcare providers
• D. Health surveys of African American women in the community

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important resource in designing a health promotion project for African American women at risk for breast cancer is the participation of community leaders in planning the program. Involving community leaders helps ensure that the program is culturally relevant, addresses the specific needs of the target population, and fosters trust and engagement. While the latest research on breast cancer risk factors, partnership with local healthcare providers, and health surveys of African American women are valuable resources, they are not as crucial as community involvement for tailoring the program effectively.

4. A client is admitted with a suspected gastrointestinal bleed. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Bright red blood in the vomit.
• B. Elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
• C. Coffee ground emesis.
• D. Dark, tarry stools.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dark, tarry stools indicate the presence of digested blood in the gastrointestinal tract, signifying a higher gastrointestinal bleed. This finding requires immediate intervention due to the potential severity of the bleed. Bright red blood in the vomit may indicate active bleeding but is not as concerning as digested blood. Elevated blood pressure and heart rate are common responses to bleeding but do not provide direct evidence of the source or severity of the bleed. Coffee ground emesis is indicative of partially digested blood and is a concern but not as urgent as dark, tarry stools.

5. The nurse is caring for a client in atrial fibrillation. The atrial heart rate is 250, and the ventricular rate is controlled at 75. Which of the following findings is cause for the most concern?

• A. Diminished bowel sounds
• B. Loss of appetite
• C. A cold, pale lower leg
• D. Tachypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A cold, pale lower leg is cause for the most concern as it could indicate compromised blood circulation, potentially leading to serious complications like ischemia or thrombosis. Diminished bowel sounds, loss of appetite, and tachypnea are not directly related to the client's condition in atrial fibrillation and the heart rate discrepancy.

Similar Questions