Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider should recognize which of the following as an indication of dehydration in an elderly client?

• A. Skin turgor
• B. Dry mucous membranes
• C. Elevated temperature
• D. Increased pulse pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a classic sign of dehydration, especially in elderly individuals. Dehydration can lead to decreased moisture in the mucous membranes, making them dry. Skin turgor, although commonly assessed for dehydration in younger individuals, may be less reliable in the elderly due to changes in skin elasticity. Elevated temperature is more indicative of an infection or other conditions. Increased pulse pressure is not typically associated with dehydration in the elderly.

2. The parents of a child on phenytoin (Dilantin) have received discharge instructions from the nurse. Which of the following statements suggests that the teaching was effective?

• A. We will call the healthcare provider if the child develops acne.
• B. Our child should brush and floss carefully after every meal.
• C. We will skip the next dose if vomiting or fever occurs.
• D. When our child is seizure-free for 6 months, we can stop the medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing carefully after every meal, is essential for children on phenytoin to prevent gingival hyperplasia, a common side effect. Choice A is incorrect because acne is not a common side effect of phenytoin and does not require immediate healthcare provider notification. Choice C is incorrect because vomiting or fever should not prompt skipping a dose without consulting the healthcare provider first. Choice D is incorrect because discontinuing phenytoin should never be done abruptly or without healthcare provider guidance, even if the child is seizure-free for 6 months.

3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has COPD. Which of the following instructions by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. Drink carbonated beverages.
• B. Decrease fiber intake.
• C. Use bronchodilators after meals.
• D. Increase protein intake.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to increase protein intake. This is appropriate because increasing protein intake can help maintain muscle mass and strength in clients with COPD. Option A, 'Drink carbonated beverages,' is incorrect as carbonated beverages can exacerbate COPD symptoms. Option B, 'Decrease fiber intake,' is also incorrect as fiber is important for digestion and should not be decreased unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. Option C, 'Use bronchodilators after meals,' is incorrect because bronchodilators are typically used before meals to help open the airways for better breathing, not after meals.

4. A client has viral pneumonia affecting 2/3 of the right lung. What would be the best position to teach the client to lie in every other hour during the first 12 hours after admission?

• A. Side-lying on the left with the head elevated 10 degrees
• B. Side-lying on the left with the head elevated 35 degrees
• C. Side-lying on the right with the head elevated 10 degrees
• D. Side-lying on the right with the head elevated 35 degrees

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct position for a client with viral pneumonia affecting 2/3 of the right lung is side-lying on the left with the head elevated 10 degrees. This position helps maximize lung expansion and oxygenation in cases of pneumonia affecting the right lung. Choice B is incorrect as excessive elevation can put pressure on the lung, and choices C and D are incorrect as side-lying on the right would not be beneficial for a client with pneumonia in the right lung.

5. To prevent unnecessary hypoxia during suctioning of a tracheostomy, what must the nurse do?

• A. Apply suction for no more than 10 seconds
• B. Maintain a sterile technique
• C. Lubricate 3 to 4 inches of the catheter tip
• D. Withdraw the catheter in a circular motion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To prevent unnecessary hypoxia during suctioning of a tracheostomy, the nurse must apply suction for no more than 10 seconds. Prolonged suctioning can lead to hypoxia by removing too much oxygen from the patient. Maintaining a sterile technique (choice B) is important to prevent infection but does not directly relate to preventing hypoxia. Lubricating the catheter tip (choice C) helps with the insertion process but does not specifically address hypoxia prevention. Withdrawing the catheter in a circular motion (choice D) is not a standard practice during tracheostomy suctioning and does not contribute to preventing hypoxia.

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