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 nurse is assessing a client with hallux valgus. What is another term for this assessment finding?

• A. Thoracic deformity
• B. A bunion
• C. A corn
• D. Metacarpal involvement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hallux valgus is commonly known as a bunion, which is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. A) Thoracic deformity is unrelated to hallux valgus. C) A corn is a thickened area of skin on the foot, not synonymous with hallux valgus. D) Metacarpal involvement refers to the hand, not the foot where hallux valgus occurs.

3. A nurse is preparing a community presentation about repetitive motion injuries. Which of the following occupations should the nurse identify as increasing a client's risk for carpal tunnel syndrome?

• A. Elementary school teacher
• B. Nursing assistant
• C. Assembly line worker
• D. Truck driver

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

4. What is one of the earliest signs of fat embolism syndrome?

• A. Paresthesia
• B. Severe pain in the affected limb unrelieved by medication
• C. Edema
• D. Hypoxemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypoxemia is one of the earliest signs of fat embolism syndrome. In fat embolism syndrome, fat globules enter the bloodstream and can obstruct blood flow in the lungs, leading to hypoxemia. Paresthesia, severe pain unrelieved by medication, and edema are not typically among the earliest signs of fat embolism syndrome.

5. The nurse is teaching a client with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis about home safety. Which statement should the nurse include?

• A. "My grandfather always had problems with his arthritis, and he would tell me that it is better to be more stoic and not let pain interrupt your life"?
• B. "There are many adaptive devices such as grab bars, reaching tools, grasping devices, and adaptive silverware available that may help you."?
• C. "Place throw rugs throughout your home. You will enjoy how pretty they are, and you can use them to cover up power cords, so you do not trip on them."?
• D. "Lack of home safety may be an issue of compliance. Are you being compliant with your medication?"?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. This statement is the most appropriate because it focuses on providing practical solutions to enhance the client's safety at home while managing rheumatoid arthritis. Adaptive devices like grab bars, reaching tools, grasping devices, and adaptive silverware can help the client maintain independence and prevent accidents. Choice A is incorrect as it does not provide practical advice on home safety but rather a personal anecdote. Choice C is incorrect as throw rugs can pose a tripping hazard instead of enhancing safety. Choice D is also incorrect as it does not directly address home safety measures but rather shifts the focus to medication compliance.

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