Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum albumin of 3.5 g/dL.
• B. Prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds.
• C. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL.
• D. Serum ammonia level of 180 mcg/dL.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the serum ammonia level of 180 mcg/dL. An elevated serum ammonia level indicates hepatic dysfunction and can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Options A, B, and C are within normal ranges or slightly abnormal values for clients with cirrhosis and do not pose an immediate threat. Serum albumin levels may indicate malnutrition, prothrombin time may reflect liver synthetic function, and hemoglobin levels can be affected by various factors but do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.

2. The nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to a client with dysphagia. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Crush the medication and mix it with applesauce.
• B. Have the client drink a full glass of water with the medication.
• C. Administer the medication with a small amount of pudding.
• D. Place the medication at the back of the client's tongue.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when administering oral medication to a client with dysphagia is to administer the medication with a small amount of pudding. This method helps prevent aspiration in clients with dysphagia by ensuring easier swallowing. Crushing the medication and mixing it with applesauce (Choice A) might alter the medication's efficacy. Having the client drink a full glass of water with the medication (Choice B) may not be suitable for a client with dysphagia as it can increase the risk of aspiration. Placing the medication at the back of the client's tongue (Choice D) can also lead to aspiration and is not recommended.

3. During a follow-up visit, a client with diabetes reports difficulty maintaining a healthy diet. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Provide the client with meal planning resources
• B. Explore the client's dietary habits and challenges
• C. Refer the client to a nutritionist
• D. Educate the client on the importance of a healthy diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with diabetes reports difficulty in maintaining a healthy diet, the initial action should be to explore the client's dietary habits and challenges. By doing so, the nurse can identify specific issues and barriers the client faces, which is crucial in developing a personalized and effective intervention plan. Providing meal planning resources (Choice A) can be beneficial later but should come after understanding the client's unique situation. Referring the client to a nutritionist (Choice C) may be necessary in some cases but should follow an assessment of the client's current challenges. Simply educating the client on the importance of a healthy diet (Choice D) does not address the specific difficulties the client is facing and may not lead to sustainable behavior change.

4. A client with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted with cirrhosis. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Jaundice.
• B. Ascites.
• C. Peripheral edema.
• D. Spider angiomas.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema in a client with cirrhosis can indicate fluid overload and worsening liver function, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent further complications such as respiratory distress, cardiac issues, or renal impairment. Jaundice (choice A) is a common manifestation of cirrhosis but may not require immediate intervention unless severe. Ascites (choice B) is also a common complication of cirrhosis that may require intervention but is not as urgent as addressing peripheral edema. Spider angiomas (choice D) are typically benign skin lesions associated with cirrhosis but do not require immediate intervention unless bleeding or rupture occurs.

5. The nurse determines that a client's body weight is 105% above the standardized height-weight scale. Which related factor should the nurse include in the nursing problem, 'Imbalanced nutrition: More than body requirements'?

• A. Hypertension.
• B. Diabetes mellitus.
• C. Inadequate lifestyle changes in diet and exercise.
• D. Increased risk of chronic illnesses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Inadequate lifestyle changes in diet and exercise.' When a client's weight exceeds the standardized height-weight scale significantly, it indicates an imbalance between nutrition intake and energy expenditure, leading to 'Imbalanced nutrition: More than body requirements.' Inadequate lifestyle changes in diet and exercise directly contribute to this imbalance by promoting excessive caloric intake and reduced physical activity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while conditions like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and increased risk of chronic illnesses may be consequences of imbalanced nutrition, they are not the direct related factor that should be included in formulating the nursing problem.

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