Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who is receiving heparin therapy. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Localized warmth
• B. Calf pain
• C. Swelling in the affected leg
• D. Hematuria

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hematuria is a sign of bleeding, which is a potential complication of heparin therapy. Immediate intervention is required to manage the bleeding and adjust the heparin dosage if necessary. Localized warmth, calf pain, and swelling in the affected leg are common findings in clients with DVT and receiving heparin therapy. While these symptoms should be monitored, hematuria indicates a more serious issue requiring immediate attention.

2. A client has altered renal function and is being treated at home. The nurse recognizes that the most accurate indicator of fluid balance during the weekly visits is?

• A. Difference in the intake and output
• B. Changes in the mucous membranes
• C. Skin turgor
• D. Weekly weight

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In clients with altered renal function being treated at home, weekly weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance. Fluid retention or loss can significantly affect weight, making it a reliable measure. Choices A, B, and C are not as accurate indicators of fluid balance as weekly weight. Intake and output differences can vary in accuracy and may not capture all aspects of fluid balance. Changes in mucous membranes and skin turgor can be influenced by factors other than fluid balance, making them less precise indicators.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube following surgery. The nurse should intervene if which of the following is observed?

• A. The chest tube is securely taped at the insertion site.
• B. The water seal chamber is filled to the correct level.
• C. The chest drainage system is below chest level.
• D. There are no air leaks in the system.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The chest drainage system should always be kept below chest level to ensure proper drainage. Having the system above chest level can result in ineffective drainage. Choices A, B, and D are all correct actions to maintain the integrity and functionality of the chest tube system. Securing the chest tube at the insertion site, maintaining the water seal chamber at the correct level, and ensuring there are no air leaks are all essential components of caring for a client with a chest tube post-surgery.

4. A client with adrenal insufficiency is admitted to the ICU with acute adrenal crisis. The client's vital signs include heart rate 138 bpm and BP 80/60. What is the nurse's first intervention?

• A. Obtain an analgesic prescription.
• B. Administer an IV fluid bolus.
• C. Administer PRN antipyretic.
• D. Cover the client with a cooling blanket.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first intervention for a client with adrenal crisis and hypotension is to administer an IV fluid bolus. In adrenal crisis, the body is deficient in cortisol, leading to hypotension. Fluid resuscitation helps stabilize the blood pressure. Obtaining an analgesic prescription (Choice A) is not the priority in this situation. Administering a PRN antipyretic (Choice C) is not indicated as the client's vital signs do not suggest fever. Covering the client with a cooling blanket (Choice D) is not appropriate for addressing hypotension in adrenal crisis.

5. A client is admitted with an epidural hematoma after a skateboarding accident. How should the nurse differentiate the vascular source of intracranial bleeding?

• A. Monitor for clear fluid leakage from the nose.
• B. Assess for rapid onset of decreased level of consciousness.
• C. Check for bruising around the head and neck.
• D. Assess for changes in pupil size and reactivity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An epidural hematoma is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms, including decreased level of consciousness, due to arterial bleeding, which differentiates it from other types of intracranial hemorrhage. Monitoring for clear fluid leakage from the nose (choice A) is more indicative of a basilar skull fracture and cerebrospinal fluid leak. Checking for bruising around the head and neck (choice C) is more suggestive of soft tissue injuries or facial fractures. Assessing for changes in pupil size and reactivity (choice D) is essential in evaluating traumatic brain injuries, but it is not specific to differentiating the vascular source of intracranial bleeding in an epidural hematoma.

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