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. The client is four hours post-operative abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Which nursing intervention should be implemented for this client?

• A. Assist the client in ambulating
• B. Assess the client's bilateral pedal pulses
• C. Maintain a continuous IV heparin drip
• D. Provide clear liquids to the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's bilateral pedal pulses is essential in this situation as it helps in evaluating the peripheral perfusion and circulation in the lower extremities. This assessment is crucial to detect any signs of decreased blood flow or complications, such as arterial occlusion or thrombosis. Ambulating the client may be important in the postoperative period, but assessing pedal pulses takes priority to ensure adequate perfusion. Maintaining continuous IV heparin drip is not typically indicated immediately post-operatively for an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, as the risk of bleeding complications may outweigh the benefits. Providing a clear liquid diet is not a priority nursing intervention at this stage, as the focus should be on vascular assessment and postoperative monitoring.

3. In patients with heart failure, which type of diet is most recommended?

• A. High-sodium
• B. Low-sodium
• C. High-fat
• D. Low-carbohydrate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A low-sodium diet is most recommended for patients with heart failure. This type of diet helps manage fluid retention by reducing the amount of sodium in the body, which in turn decreases the workload on the heart. High-sodium diets can lead to fluid retention and worsen heart failure symptoms. High-fat and low-carbohydrate diets are not specifically recommended for heart failure patients as the focus is primarily on controlling sodium intake.

4. Who is the first individual in the combat health support chain to make medically substantiated decisions based on military occupational specialty-specific medical training?

• A. Physician
• B. Physician assistant
• C. Combat medic
• D. Combat lifesaver

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Physician assistant.' Physician assistants are trained to make medically substantiated decisions based on their specific medical training within the combat health support chain. Choice A, 'Physician,' is incorrect as they may be involved but are not typically the first in line for such decisions as physician assistants. Choice C, 'Combat medic,' is incorrect as they usually provide immediate medical care but may not be the first to make medically substantiated decisions. Choice D, 'Combat lifesaver,' is incorrect as they are trained to provide basic life-saving interventions but may not have the specialized medical training to make complex medical decisions.

5. The client has recently been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Which intervention should the nurse teach the client to reduce symptoms?

• A. Instruct the client to avoid drinking fluids with meals
• B. Explain the need to decrease intake of flatus-forming foods
• C. Teach the client how to perform gentle perianal care
• D. Encourage the client to see a psychologist

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Decreasing the intake of flatus-forming foods can help reduce symptoms of bloating and discomfort in IBS. This intervention focuses on dietary modifications that can positively impact the client's condition. Instructing the client to avoid drinking fluids with meals (choice A) may not directly address the underlying cause of IBS symptoms. Teaching perianal care (choice C) is important for hygiene but does not directly address IBS symptoms. Encouraging the client to see a psychologist (choice D) may be beneficial for managing stress or anxiety associated with IBS but does not directly target symptom reduction through dietary changes.

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