Nursing Elites

1. The urinary drainage of a client with continuous bladder irrigation is becoming increasingly red. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Increase the irrigation rate
• B. Lower the head of the bed
• C. Milk the catheter tubing
• D. Evaluate for fluid overload

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increasing the irrigation rate can help clear any blood clots and reduce the redness in the urinary drainage. This intervention aims to improve the flushing of the bladder and potentially resolve the issue. Lowering the head of the bed would not directly address the red urinary drainage. Milking the catheter tubing is not recommended as it can cause trauma to the catheter or bladder, leading to further complications. While evaluating for fluid overload is an important nursing consideration, it does not directly address the immediate concern of redness in the urinary drainage, which requires a focused intervention to clear any blockages or clots in the system.

2. When caring for a client with diabetes insipidus (DI), it is most important for the nurse to include frequent assessment for which conditions in the client’s plan of care?

• A. Dry mucous membranes, hypotension
• B. Decreased appetite, headache
• C. Nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness
• D. Elevated blood pressure, petechiae

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes and hypotension are key indicators of dehydration in clients with diabetes insipidus. The excessive urination associated with DI can lead to fluid loss, resulting in dehydration. Therefore, monitoring for signs such as dry mucous membranes and hypotension is crucial to assess the client's hydration status. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to the characteristic symptoms of DI and are less relevant in the context of this condition. Decreased appetite and headache (Choice B) are nonspecific symptoms that may occur in various conditions. Nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness (Choice C) are not typical manifestations of DI. Elevated blood pressure and petechiae (Choice D) are not commonly associated with DI; instead, hypotension is more commonly observed due to volume depletion.

3. The nurse is providing care for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which intervention is most appropriate to include in the care plan?

• A. Instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing
• B. Recommend a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet
• C. Limit physical activity to prevent shortness of breath
• D. Encourage the client to drink large amounts of fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing helps improve ventilation and reduce shortness of breath in COPD clients. This technique involves inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips. Choice B is incorrect because a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet is not recommended for individuals with COPD as it can lead to weight gain and worsen respiratory function. Choice C is incorrect as limiting physical activity can lead to deconditioning and worsen COPD symptoms. Regular, moderate exercise is beneficial for individuals with COPD. Choice D is incorrect as excessive fluid intake can strain the heart in COPD clients. It is important to maintain adequate but not excessive fluid intake to prevent dehydration and maintain optimal lung function.

4. A 14-year-old male client with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at T-10 is admitted for rehabilitation. During the morning assessment, the nurse determines that the adolescent's face is flushed, his forehead is sweating, his heart rate is 54 beats/min, and his blood pressure is 198/118. What action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Determine if the urinary bladder is distended
• B. Irrigate the indwelling urinary catheter
• C. Review the temperature graph for the last day
• D. Administer an antihypertensive agent

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening emergency that can be triggered by a distended bladder in clients with spinal cord injuries at T-6 or above. The priority action is to determine if the urinary bladder is distended as this could be the cause of the symptoms observed in the adolescent. Flushing, sweating, bradycardia, and severe hypertension are classic signs of autonomic dysreflexia. Irrigating the urinary catheter, reviewing temperature graphs, or administering an antihypertensive agent are not the initial actions to take when suspecting autonomic dysreflexia.

5. A 70-year-old client is admitted to the hospital after 24 hours of acute diarrhea. To determine fluid status, which initial data is most important for the nurse to obtain?

• A. Usual and current weight
• B. Color and amount of urine
• C. Number and frequency of stools
• D. Intake and output 24 hours prior to admission

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Usual and current weight. Weight changes are the most direct indicator of fluid status in a patient with acute diarrhea. Monitoring weight loss or gain can provide crucial information about fluid balance. Option B, color and amount of urine, though important for assessing renal function, is not as direct an indicator of fluid status as weight. Option C, number and frequency of stools, is relevant for assessing the severity of diarrhea but does not provide direct information on fluid status. Option D, intake and output 24 hours prior to admission, does not reflect the current fluid status and may not be accurate in a rapidly changing condition like acute diarrhea.

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