Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a history of hypertension. Which assessment finding would be most concerning?

• A. Blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg
• B. Irregular heart rate
• C. Shortness of breath
• D. Headache

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Shortness of breath in a client with a history of hypertension is a critical assessment finding as it may indicate heart failure, pulmonary edema, or other severe complications. The development of shortness of breath suggests that the client's condition may be rapidly deteriorating and requires immediate medical attention. Elevated blood pressure (150/90 mmHg) is concerning but not as acute as the potential complications associated with shortness of breath. An irregular heart rate and headache can also be symptoms of hypertension, but in this scenario, shortness of breath poses a higher risk of severe cardiovascular or respiratory issues.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a history of congestive heart failure. Which assessment finding would be most concerning?

• A. Shortness of breath on exertion
• B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in a week
• C. Orthopnea
• D. Crackles in the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Crackles in the lungs are concerning because they indicate pulmonary congestion, a serious complication of congestive heart failure. The presence of crackles suggests fluid accumulation in the lungs, requiring immediate attention to prevent respiratory distress and worsening heart failure. While shortness of breath on exertion, weight gain, and orthopnea are common signs and symptoms of heart failure, crackles specifically point to acute pulmonary edema or worsening congestion, making them the most concerning finding in this scenario.

3. A client is admitted to the hospital in the terminal stage of cancer. The nurse enters the client’s room to administer medications and finds the client crying. The appropriate nursing action is to:

• A. Sit and hold the client’s hand
• B. Ask why the client is crying
• C. Leave the room to give the client privacy
• D. Administer the medications and leave

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In end-of-life care, providing comfort and emotional support is essential. Sitting with the client, holding their hand, and offering a compassionate presence can help the client feel supported during a difficult time. Asking why the client is crying may not always be necessary as the focus should be on providing comfort rather than probing for information. Leaving the room to provide privacy or just administering medications and leaving may neglect the client's emotional needs and miss an opportunity to provide holistic care.

4. The client is being taught about the use of syringes and needles for home administration of medications. Which action by the client indicates an understanding of standard precautions?

• A. Remove the needle after discarding used syringes
• B. Wear gloves while disposing of the needle and syringe
• C. Wear a face mask during medication administration
• D. Wash hands before handling the needle and syringe

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Washing hands before handling the needle and syringe is a critical step in infection control and adherence to standard precautions. Clean hands help prevent the transfer of microorganisms and reduce the risk of infection. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to standard precautions. Removing the needle after discarding used syringes (Choice A) can increase the risk of needlestick injuries. Wearing gloves while disposing of the needle and syringe (Choice B) is important for personal protection but does not specifically address standard precautions. Wearing a face mask during medication administration (Choice C) is not directly related to handling syringes and needles, which are more pertinent to standard precautions.

5. The LPN is preparing discharge instructions for a client who has begun to demonstrate signs of early Alzheimer's disease. The client lives alone. The client's adult children live nearby. According to the prescribed medication regimen, the client is to take medications six times throughout the day. What is the priority nursing intervention to assist the client with taking the medication?

• A. Contact the client's children and ask them to hire a private duty aide who will provide round-the-clock care.
• B. Develop a chart for the client, listing the times the medication should be taken.
• C. Contact the primary health care provider and discuss the possibility of simplifying the medication regimen.
• D. Instruct the client and client's children to put medications in a weekly pill organizer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention in this scenario is to contact the primary health care provider and discuss the possibility of simplifying the medication regimen. Simplifying the medication regimen is crucial for a client with early Alzheimer's disease to ensure they can manage their medications independently and safely. This intervention focuses on optimizing the client's ability to adhere to the prescribed medication schedule. Choices A and D involve external assistance and may not address the core issue of simplifying the regimen. Choice B, while helpful, does not directly address the need to simplify the regimen to enhance the client's medication management.

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