Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client with suspected meningitis, which finding is indicative of meningeal irritation?

• A. Brudzinski's sign
• B. Positive Babinski reflex
• C. Kernig's sign
• D. Both A and C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Both Brudzinski's sign and Kernig's sign are classic signs of meningeal irritation, commonly associated with meningitis. Brudzinski's sign is positive when flexing the neck causes involuntary flexion of the hips and knees due to irritation of the meninges. Kernig's sign is positive when there is pain and resistance with knee extension after hip flexion, indicating meningeal irritation or inflammation. The Babinski reflex, mentioned in choice B, is a test used to assess upper motor neuron damage and is not specific to meningitis. Therefore, choices A and C are the correct options as they are indicative of meningeal irritation in a suspected case of meningitis.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication with a meal.
• B. Take the medication at bedtime.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Take the medication with an antacid.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) is to take the medication on an empty stomach. This ensures optimal absorption of levothyroxine. Taking it with a meal can interfere with absorption due to food interactions. Taking it at bedtime may lead to inconsistent absorption as it should be taken at the same time every day in the morning. Taking it with an antacid can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, making it less effective.

3. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Bowel sounds active in all quadrants.
• B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg.
• C. Rigid, board-like abdomen.
• D. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A rigid, board-like abdomen is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease that can lead to sepsis and requires immediate intervention. This finding indicates a potential emergency situation that needs urgent medical attention to prevent further complications.

4. The client with a history of heart failure is taking furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Serum sodium.
• B. Serum potassium.
• C. Serum calcium.
• D. Serum magnesium.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, causing hypokalemia. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias associated with low potassium levels.

5. The nurse is planning care for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which intervention should the nurse include to reduce the risk of bleeding?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection.
• B. Limit the client's dietary protein intake.
• C. Administer vitamin K as prescribed.
• D. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Administering vitamin K as prescribed can help reduce the risk of bleeding in clients with cirrhosis by promoting clotting factor production. Cirrhosis often leads to impaired liver function, affecting the synthesis of clotting factors. Vitamin K supplementation helps in the production of these essential clotting factors, thus reducing the risk of bleeding in clients with cirrhosis. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice A) is important for overall care but not directly related to reducing the risk of bleeding in cirrhosis. Limiting dietary protein intake (Choice B) may be necessary in some cases of cirrhosis but does not directly address the risk of bleeding. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice D) is beneficial for various aspects of health but does not specifically target the risk of bleeding in cirrhosis.

Similar Questions