Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is obtaining the admission history for a client with suspected peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Which subjective data reported by the client supports this diagnosis?

• A. Frequent use of chewable and liquid antacids for indigestion
• B. Severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea after eating spicy foods
• C. Upper mid-abdominal gnawing and burning pain
• D. Marked weight loss and appetite over the last 3 to 4 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Upper mid-abdominal gnawing and burning pain.' This symptom is a classic presentation of peptic ulcer disease. Antacids (choice A) may provide relief but do not confirm the diagnosis. Severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea (choice B) are more suggestive of other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Weight loss and appetite changes (choice D) are non-specific and could be related to various health issues.

2. Which of the following lab values would be most concerning in a patient receiving heparin therapy?

• A. Elevated hemoglobin levels.
• B. Low platelet count.
• C. High potassium levels.
• D. Low sodium levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A low platelet count is most concerning in patients receiving heparin therapy due to the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Heparin can sometimes cause a drop in platelet count, leading to a potentially serious condition where blood does not clot as it should. This can result in excessive bleeding or clot formation in blood vessels. Elevated hemoglobin levels, high potassium levels, and low sodium levels are not typically associated with heparin therapy and are less likely to cause immediate concerns or complications in this context.

3. After teaching a client with early polycystic kidney disease (PKD) about nutritional therapy, the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take a laxative every night before going to bed.
• B. I must increase my intake of dietary fiber and fluids.
• C. I shall only use salt when I am cooking my own food.
• D. I’ll eat white bread to minimize gastrointestinal gas.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer. Clients with PKD often experience constipation, which can be managed by increasing their intake of dietary fiber and fluids. This helps promote bowel regularity. Laxatives should be used cautiously and not as a routine solution. Choice A is incorrect as regular laxative use is not recommended. Choice C is incorrect as a low-salt diet is typically advised for clients with PKD, not just limiting salt while cooking. Choice D is incorrect as white bread is low in fiber and not beneficial for managing constipation, which is common in PKD.

4. A client has just returned to the nursing unit after bronchoscopy. To which intervention should the nurse give priority?

• A. Assessing the client for the return of the gag reflex
• B. Administering pain medication
• C. Encouraging copious fluid intake
• D. Ambulating the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After bronchoscopy, the priority intervention for the nurse is to assess the client for the return of the gag reflex. This assessment is crucial to ensure the client's safety and prevent aspiration. Keeping the client on nothing-by-mouth status until the gag reflex returns is essential. Administering pain medication, encouraging fluid intake, and ambulating the client are important interventions but assessing the gag reflex takes precedence due to the risk of aspiration post-bronchoscopy.

5. A client with chronic renal failure is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) to treat anemia. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypertension.
• B. Hypotension.
• C. Infection.
• D. Edema.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a medication used to treat anemia in clients with chronic renal failure. One common side effect of this medication is hypertension. Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client for signs and symptoms of hypertension while on this medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hypotension is not typically associated with epoetin alfa administration. Infection is not a direct side effect of epoetin alfa. Edema is also not a common side effect of this medication.

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