Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with rheumatoid arthritis one day after shoulder surgery. What would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately?

• A. The client refused her pain medication this morning and is doing physical therapy.
• B. The client reports a minor headache and states she takes an over-the-counter pain pill at home.
• C. The client reports intermittent flatus and minor abdominal discomfort.
• D. The client has paresthesia in her fingers and intense increasing pain in her shoulder.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with rheumatoid arthritis one day after shoulder surgery, paresthesia in the fingers and intense increasing pain in the shoulder could indicate nerve compression or damage, which are serious post-operative complications. This situation requires immediate attention from the provider to prevent further complications and ensure appropriate management. The other options, such as refusing pain medication, reporting a minor headache, or experiencing minor abdominal discomfort, are important but not as urgent or indicative of potential serious complications as paresthesia in the fingers and intense increasing pain in the shoulder.

2. A client arrives speaking only Spanish. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Give the client a tour of the unit
• B. Verify the reason for admission
• C. Request a medical interpreter
• D. Call the chaplain for support

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

3. A client is diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). What symptoms is the first to occur?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Raynaud's phenomenon
• C. Intense wrinkle
• D. Joint pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

4. A client sustained a crushing injury to his right arm during a car accident. He arrives to the emergency room complaining of numbness in his right hand. He has no other injuries. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Assess the right radial pulse
• B. Call the provider
• C. Administer pain medication
• D. Assess the right pedal pulse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing the radial pulse checks for adequate circulation and potential complications.

5. Which of the following nonpharmacological methods cannot be used to manage the chronic pain of a client with rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Adequate rest
• B. Heat for 20-30 minutes
• C. Hot showers
• D. Ice for 2 hours at a time

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

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