Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for the client recovering from intestinal surgery. Which assessment finding would require immediate intervention?

• A. Presence of thin pink drainage in the Jackson Pratt
• B. Guarding when the nurse touches the abdomen
• C. Tenderness around the surgical site during palpation
• D. Complaints of chills and feeling feverish

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Complaints of chills and feeling feverish may indicate infection, which requires immediate intervention. This finding suggests a systemic response to infection, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Options A, B, and C are common postoperative findings and may not necessarily require immediate intervention unless accompanied by other concerning signs or symptoms.

2. A client is transferred from the emergency department to the locked psychiatric unit after attempting suicide by taking 200 acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets. The client is now awake and alert but refuses to speak with the nurse. In this situation, the nurse’s first priority is to:

• A. Establish a rapport to foster trust
• B. Place the client in full restraints
• C. Try to communicate with the client in writing
• D. Ensure safety by initiating suicide precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's highest priority should be to ensure the client's safety by initiating suicide precautions. Given the history of a suicide attempt by taking a large number of acetaminophen tablets, there is a high risk of further self-harm. Placing the client in full restraints without assessing the situation properly may escalate anxiety and hinder therapeutic communication. Trying to communicate with the client in writing could be an option but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Establishing rapport is essential for building trust and therapeutic relationship, but safety concerns must be addressed first in this critical situation.

3. Which question should the healthcare provider ask when assessing the client for an endocrine dysfunction?

• A. “Have you noticed any pain in your legs when walking?”
• B. “Have you had any unexplained weight loss?”
• C. “Have you noticed any change in your bowel movements?”
• D. “Have you experienced any joint pain or discomfort?”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: “Have you had any unexplained weight loss?” Unexplained weight loss can be a significant symptom of various endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Weight changes are often closely linked to endocrine dysfunction due to the hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism. Choices A, C, and D are less specific to endocrine dysfunction. Pain in the legs, changes in bowel movements, and joint pain or discomfort are symptoms that can be related to various health conditions but are not as indicative of endocrine disorders as unexplained weight loss.

4. Which potential complication should the nurse assess for in the client with infective endocarditis who has embolization of vegetative lesions from the mitral valve?

• A. Pulmonary embolism
• B. Decreased urine output
• C. Hemoptysis
• D. Deep vein thrombosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Decreased urine output.' Embolization of vegetative lesions from the mitral valve can cause renal infarction, leading to a decrease in urine output. This complication is due to the obstruction of blood flow to the kidneys. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because embolization from the mitral valve typically does not directly cause pulmonary embolism, hemoptysis, or deep vein thrombosis.

5. In a routine sputum analysis, which of the following indicates proper nursing action before sputum collection?

• A. Secure a clean container
• B. Discard the container if the outside becomes dirty
• C. Rinse the client's mouth with Listerine before collection
• D. Tell the client that 4 tablespoons of sputum are needed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to secure a clean container before sputum collection. This is essential to prevent contamination of the specimen, ensuring accurate test results and avoiding the introduction of external particles or bacteria. Choice B is incorrect because discarding the container if the outside becomes dirty is not necessary; the cleanliness of the inside is crucial. Choice C is incorrect as rinsing the client's mouth with Listerine before collection may introduce unwanted substances that can affect the test results. Choice D is incorrect as the amount of sputum required can vary depending on the test, and specifying a specific amount without medical guidance is not appropriate.

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