Nursing Elites

1. The client with a mechanical valve replacement understands the discharge teaching when the client makes which statement?

• A. ''I will need to take antibiotics before any type of invasive dental work''
• B. ''I will not have to take any more heart medication since I have a new valve''
• C. ''I will need to have this valve replaced in about 10 years''
• D. ''I should notify my healthcare provider if I hear a clicking sound near my heart''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Clients with mechanical valve replacements need to take prophylactic antibiotics before dental procedures to prevent endocarditis. Choice B is incorrect because even with a new valve, heart medications may still be necessary to manage the condition. Choice C is incorrect because mechanical valves typically do not need replacement as frequently as within 10 years. Choice D is incorrect because hearing a clicking sound near the heart could indicate valve malfunction, not just the need to notify the healthcare provider.

2. When gathering subjective data from a client, what intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Listen attentively
• B. Establish rapport
• C. List problems
• D. Clarify inferences

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Establishing rapport is the initial step the nurse should take when gathering subjective data from a client. Building trust and a good relationship with the client creates an environment where the client feels comfortable sharing accurate and honest information. Listening attentively is important but should come after rapport is established to enhance active listening. Listing problems and clarifying inferences are actions that occur later in the assessment process, after the nurse has established a good rapport and obtained a comprehensive understanding of the client's perspective. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

3. After receiving a report on an inpatient acute care unit, which client should the nurse assess first?

• A. The client with bowel obstruction due to a volvulus who is experiencing abdominal rigidity
• B. The client who had surgery yesterday and is experiencing a paralytic ileus with absent bowel sounds
• C. The client with an obstruction of the large intestine who is experiencing abdominal distention
• D. The client with a small bowel obstruction who has a nasogastric tube that is draining greenish fluid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Abdominal rigidity in a client with bowel obstruction due to a volvulus indicates possible complications and requires immediate assessment. Choice B is incorrect because although a paralytic ileus with absent bowel sounds is concerning, abdominal rigidity in a client with a volvulus takes priority. Choice C is incorrect as abdominal distention, though indicative of an obstruction, is not as urgent as the sign of abdominal rigidity. Choice D is incorrect as the drainage of greenish fluid from a nasogastric tube in a client with a small bowel obstruction, while concerning, does not present as immediate a threat as the abdominal rigidity in a client with a volvulus.

4. An older adult male is admitted with complications related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He reports progressive dyspnea that worsens on exertion, and his weakness has increased over the past month. The nurse notes that he has dependent edema in both lower legs. Based on these assessment findings, which dietary instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Restrict daily fluid intake
• B. Eat meals at the same time daily
• C. Maintain a low-protein diet
• D. Limit the intake of high-calorie foods

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dependent edema in both lower legs is a sign of fluid overload, which can exacerbate dyspnea in patients with COPD. Restricting daily fluid intake can help reduce the edema and alleviate breathing difficulties. A low-protein diet is not necessary unless there are specific renal concerns. Eating meals at the same time daily or limiting high-calorie foods is not directly associated with addressing fluid overload and dyspnea in COPD patients.

5. To evaluate the client's therapeutic response to lactulose for signs of hepatic encephalopathy, which assessment should the nurse obtain?

• A. Level of consciousness
• B. Percussion of abdomen
• C. Serum electrolytes
• D. Blood glucose

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Level of consciousness. Monitoring the client's level of consciousness is essential in evaluating the effectiveness of lactulose in treating hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose helps reduce blood ammonia levels by promoting the excretion of ammonia in the stool, thereby improving the client's mental status. Assessing the client's level of consciousness helps determine if the medication is effectively managing hepatic encephalopathy symptoms. Choices B, percussion of the abdomen, and D, blood glucose, are not directly related to evaluating the therapeutic response to lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy. Choice C, serum electrolytes, while important in overall patient care, is not the primary assessment to determine lactulose's effectiveness in treating hepatic encephalopathy.

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