Nursing Elites

1. The physician orders risperidone (Risperdal) for a client with Alzheimer's disease. The nurse anticipates administering this medication to help decrease which of the following behaviors?

• A. Sleep disturbances
• B. Concomitant depression
• C. Agitation and assaultiveness
• D. Confusion and withdrawal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Agitation and assaultiveness. Risperidone is commonly prescribed for clients with Alzheimer's disease to reduce symptoms of agitation and aggressive behavior. This medication helps in managing challenging behaviors often seen in individuals with Alzheimer's. Choice A, sleep disturbances, is incorrect as risperidone is not primarily indicated for treating sleep issues in Alzheimer's patients. Choice B, concomitant depression, is also incorrect as risperidone is not the first-line treatment for depression in Alzheimer's disease. Choice D, confusion and withdrawal, is incorrect as risperidone does not directly target these symptoms in Alzheimer's patients.

2. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following findings should the provider report?

• A. White blood cell count of 8,000/mm³
• B. Potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L
• C. Creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL
• D. Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, which may affect the client's ability to undergo surgery. The other laboratory values (white blood cell count, potassium level, and hemoglobin level) are within normal ranges and do not directly impact the client's readiness for surgery.

3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about a clear liquid diet. What should the client avoid?

• A. Lemon-lime sports drinks
• B. Orange sherbet
• C. Black coffee
• D. Ginger ale

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Ginger ale. A clear liquid diet includes fluids that are see-through and easily digestible. Ginger ale is a carbonated beverage that is allowed on a clear liquid diet. Orange sherbet, choice B, is not suitable for a clear liquid diet as it contains dairy products and solid particles, which are not transparent. Lemon-lime sports drinks, choice A, may contain added colorings or particles that are not allowed on a clear liquid diet. Black coffee, choice C, is also not recommended on a clear liquid diet as it is not a clear liquid and contains substances that may be hard to digest.

4. While performing assessments on newborns in the nursery, which finding should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. A two-day old newborn with a respiratory rate of 70.
• B. A 16-hour old newborn who has not passed meconium yet.
• C. A two-day old newborn with a small amount of blood-tinged vaginal discharge.
• D. A 16-hour old newborn with a blood glucose of 45 mg/dL.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 70 in a two-day old newborn is above the normal range and should be reported to the provider. This finding may indicate respiratory distress or another underlying issue that needs prompt attention. Choices B, C, and D are within normal limits for newborns and do not require immediate reporting to the provider.

5. What is a key nursing action for a client with a wound infection?

• A. Change the dressing daily
• B. Perform a wound culture before applying antibiotics
• C. Cleanse the wound with alcohol-based solutions
• D. Apply a wet-to-dry dressing to the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing a wound culture before applying antibiotics is crucial for determining the specific type of infection present and selecting the most effective antibiotic treatment. Changing the dressing daily (Choice A) is a routine wound care practice but may not address the root cause of the infection. Cleansing the wound with alcohol-based solutions (Choice C) can be too harsh and delay wound healing. Applying a wet-to-dry dressing (Choice D) is an outdated practice that can cause trauma to the wound bed and hinder the healing process.

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