Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of pneumonia who has been febrile for 24 hours. Which data is most important for the nurse to obtain in determining the client's fluid status?

• A. Daily intake and output
• B. Skin turgor
• C. Daily weight
• D. Vital signs every 4 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Daily weight is the most important data for the nurse to obtain in determining the client's fluid status in this scenario. During febrile episodes, assessing daily weight is crucial as it can indicate fluid retention or loss. While monitoring intake and output is important for assessing fluid balance, daily weight provides a more comprehensive picture of fluid status over time. Skin turgor is more indicative of hydration status than overall fluid status, and vital signs, although essential, do not directly assess fluid status as effectively as daily weight.

2. A client who has a new prescription for warfarin (Coumadin) asks the nurse how the medication works. What explanation should the nurse provide?

• A. It dissolves blood clots
• B. It prevents the blood from clotting
• C. It thins the blood
• D. It decreases the risk of infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It prevents the blood from clotting.' Warfarin works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots. Choice A is incorrect because warfarin does not dissolve existing blood clots but prevents new ones from forming. Choice C is partially correct but not as specific as choice B in explaining how warfarin works. Choice D is unrelated to the mechanism of action of warfarin and is incorrect.

3. The nurse offers diet teaching to a female college student who was diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia following her voluntary adoption of a lacto-vegetarian diet. What nutrients should the nurse suggest this client eat to best meet her nutritional needs while allowing her to adhere to a lacto-vegetarian diet?

• A. Drink whole milk instead of skim milk to enhance the body's production of amino acids
• B. Take vitamin K 10mg PO daily to enhance production of red blood cells
• C. Increase amounts of dark yellow vegetables such as carrots to fortify iron stores
• D. Combine several legumes and grains such as beans and rice to form complete proteins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Combining legumes and grains ensures the client receives all essential amino acids to form complete proteins, which is crucial in a vegetarian diet. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. Option A is not necessary as there are plant-based sources of essential amino acids in a lacto-vegetarian diet. Option B suggests vitamin K, which is not directly related to enhancing red blood cell production. Option C mentions increasing dark yellow vegetables, which are sources of non-heme iron, but combining legumes and grains is more effective in addressing the protein needs of a lacto-vegetarian.

4. The nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection to a 6-month-old child. Which injection site is best for the nurse to use?

• A. Vastus lateralis
• B. Deltoid
• C. Ventrogluteal
• D. Dorsogluteal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The vastus lateralis is the preferred site for IM injections in infants due to muscle development. In infants under 1 year old, the vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh is often used for IM injections due to its size and development. The deltoid muscle is typically used for adults, and the ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal sites are more commonly used for older children and adults. Therefore, the best choice for administering an IM injection to a 6-month-old child is the vastus lateralis.

5. A client with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) is admitted with fluid volume overload. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours
• B. Presence of a cough
• C. Edema in the lower extremities
• D. Shortness of breath

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D - Shortness of breath.' In a client with congestive heart failure experiencing fluid volume overload, shortness of breath is a critical finding that indicates possible pulmonary congestion and worsening heart failure. This symptom requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and C are common findings in clients with CHF but are not as urgent as shortness of breath. Weight gain may indicate fluid retention, cough can be due to pulmonary congestion, and edema in lower extremities is a common manifestation of CHF, but none of these findings are as concerning as shortness of breath in this scenario.

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