Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is providing care for a client with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Encourage the client to ambulate
• B. Apply a warm compress to the left leg
• C. Elevate the client's left leg
• D. Administer a prescribed anticoagulant

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevating the affected leg promotes venous return and reduces swelling, which is a priority intervention for a client with suspected DVT. This action helps prevent the thrombus from dislodging and causing further complications. Encouraging ambulation may dislodge the clot, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Applying a warm compress can increase blood flow to the area, potentially dislodging the clot. Administering anticoagulants is essential but should not be the first action as elevation helps to reduce the risk of complications associated with DVT.

2. A client is being discharged following a cystectomy and urinary diversion. What is the most important instruction for the nurse to provide?

• A. Avoid lifting heavy objects for six weeks.
• B. Report any signs of cloudy urine output.
• C. Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
• D. Monitor for signs of infection at the surgical site.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important instruction for the nurse to provide to a client following a cystectomy and urinary diversion is to report any signs of cloudy urine output. Cloudy urine may indicate infection, which is a serious concern in clients with a urinary diversion. Instructing the client to report any signs of infection immediately is crucial to prevent complications. Avoiding heavy lifting is important for postoperative recovery but not as critical as identifying a potential infection. Drinking an adequate amount of water is generally beneficial for health but not the most crucial instruction in this scenario. While monitoring for signs of infection at the surgical site is essential, cloudy urine is a more specific and immediate indicator of a potential problem in clients with urinary diversions.

3. A male client with heart failure presents with shortness of breath, audible wheezing, and pink frothy sputum. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Consult with the charge nurse regarding morphine prescription.
• B. Administer the dose of morphine sulfate as prescribed.
• C. Withhold morphine until dyspnea resolves.
• D. Review the need for the prescription with the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer the dose of morphine sulfate as prescribed. In heart failure, morphine helps reduce anxiety, preload, and afterload on the heart, improving oxygenation. The client's symptoms indicate acute decompensated heart failure, and morphine should be administered promptly to relieve distress. Consulting the charge nurse (Choice A) or withholding morphine (Choice C) would delay necessary treatment. Reviewing the prescription with the healthcare provider (Choice D) is not needed in this acute situation.

4. A client is receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for treatment of bronchial cancer. Which of the following should take priority in planning care?

• A. Esophagitis
• B. Leukopenia
• C. Fatigue
• D. Skin irritation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Leukopenia. Leukopenia, or a low white blood cell count, is a critical concern in clients undergoing radiation therapy due to the increased risk of infection. While esophagitis, fatigue, and skin irritation are also potential side effects of radiation therapy, leukopenia poses a higher risk as it compromises the body's ability to fight infections effectively.

5. When a pediatric client is taking the beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol, what signs of overdose should the nurse instruct the parents to report?

• A. Seizures
• B. Increased respiratory rate
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Irritability

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a pediatric client is taking propranolol, the nurse should instruct the parents to report signs of overdose, including bradycardia. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that can lead to dangerously slow heart rate as a sign of overdose. While increased respiratory rate, seizures, and irritability may occur in some cases, bradycardia is the most critical symptom indicating an overdose of this medication.

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