Nursing Elites

1. The nurse prepares to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a newborn with a diagnosis of heart failure and notes that the apical rate is 140 beats per minute. Which nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Hold the medication
• B. Administer the digoxin
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Recheck the apical rate in 1 hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An apical rate of 140 bpm is within the normal range for a newborn. Digoxin is commonly used to treat heart failure by increasing the strength and efficiency of the heart's contractions. Since the heart rate is within the normal range, there is no need to hold the medication or notify the healthcare provider. Rechecking the apical rate in an hour is unnecessary as the heart rate is not alarming. Therefore, the appropriate nursing action is to administer the digoxin.

2. What is the best way to manage a patient's intake of dietary fiber?

• A. Increase intake gradually
• B. Increase intake suddenly
• C. Decrease intake abruptly
• D. Maintain a high intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best way to manage a patient's intake of dietary fiber is to increase it gradually. This approach helps prevent gastrointestinal discomfort that may arise from a sudden increase in fiber intake. Choice B is incorrect because increasing intake suddenly can lead to digestive issues. Choice C is incorrect as decreasing fiber intake abruptly may not be necessary and can impact overall health. Choice D is incorrect as maintaining a high intake without considering the patient's current intake level can also cause digestive problems.

3. The client has been diagnosed with hemorrhoids. Which statement from the client indicates that further teaching is needed?

• A. “I should increase fruits, bran, and fluids in my diet.”
• B. “I will use warm compresses and take sitz baths daily.”
• C. “I must take a laxative every night and have a stool daily.”
• D. “I can use an analgesic ointment or suppository for pain.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C indicates that further teaching is needed because taking a laxative every night and aiming to have a stool daily can lead to dependence and is not recommended for managing hemorrhoids. Choices A, B, and D are appropriate self-care measures for hemorrhoids, such as increasing fiber intake, using warm compresses/sitz baths, and using analgesic ointments or suppositories for pain relief.

4. Protecting the rights and privacy of the patient and their family is a part of which of the following steps for determining and fulfilling the nursing care needs of the patient?

• A. Evaluation
• B. Planning
• C. Implementation
• D. Assessment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nursing care, implementation involves putting the nursing care plan into action. This step includes safeguarding the rights and privacy of the patient and their family by providing care in a respectful and confidential manner. Evaluation (A) is about assessing the effectiveness of the care provided. Planning (B) is the stage where specific interventions are designed. Assessment (D) is the initial step where data is collected to identify the patient's needs.

5. The nurse instructs a client 5 days after a lumbar laminectomy with spinal fusion about how to move from a supine position to standing at the left side of the bed with a walker. Which of the following directions by the nurse is BEST?

• A. Raise the head of the bed so you are sitting straight up, bend your knees, and swing your legs to the side and then to the floor
• B. Rock your body from side to side, going further each time until you build up enough momentum to be lying on your right side, and then raise your trunk toward your toes
• C. Reach over to the left side rail with your right hand, pull your body onto its side, bend your upper leg so the foot is on the bed, and push down to elevate your trunk
• D. Focus on using your arms, the left elbow as a pivot with the left hand grasping the mattress edge and the right hand pushing on the mattress above the elbow, then slide your legs over the side of the mattress

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the best direction provided by the nurse. This method involves reaching over to the left side rail with the right hand, pulling the body onto its side, bending the upper leg so the foot is on the bed, and pushing down to elevate the trunk. This approach helps maintain spinal alignment while moving from a lying to a standing position, reducing strain on the back. Choices A, B, and D involve movements that are not suitable for a client recovering from a lumbar laminectomy with spinal fusion and could potentially cause harm or discomfort.

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