Nursing Elites

1. Three hours following a right carotid endarterectomy, the nurse notes a moderate amount of bloody drainage on the client’s dressing. Which additional assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Sore throat when swallowing
• B. Tongue deviation to the left
• C. Palpable temporal pulses
• D. Temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tongue deviation to the left is the correct answer. It could indicate a complication such as nerve injury or hematoma, which requires immediate attention. A sore throat when swallowing may be expected postoperatively but does not indicate an immediate complication. Palpable temporal pulses are a normal finding and do not require immediate intervention. A temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C) is slightly elevated but does not suggest a critical issue related to the surgery.

2. In what order should the nurse perform the steps of a surgical hand scrub prior to entering the operating room?

• A. Rinse from the fingertips to the elbow
• B. Scrape under the nails with a nail pick
• C. Use a soapy brush to scrub the hands
• D. Cleanse the arm with a lathered brush

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order for performing a surgical hand scrub is to first scrape under the nails with a nail pick, then scrub the hands using a soapy brush, cleanse the arms, and finally rinse. This sequence ensures thorough cleaning and minimizes the risk of contamination. Choice A is incorrect because rinsing should be the final step, not the first. Choice C is incorrect as scrubbing the hands comes after scraping under the nails. Choice D is incorrect as cleansing the arms should follow hand scrubbing, not precede it.

3. A client with a BMI of 60.2 kg/m² is admitted to the intensive care unit 3 weeks after gastric bypass with gastric rupture and impending multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). What should the nurse prepare to implement first?

• A. Mechanical ventilation
• B. Platelet transfusion
• C. Loop diuretic therapy
• D. Cyanocobalamin administration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this critical situation with gastric rupture and impending MODS, the priority intervention should be mechanical ventilation. This client is at risk of respiratory compromise due to the severity of the condition. Platelet transfusion (Choice B) is not the priority as there is no indication of significant bleeding. Loop diuretic therapy (Choice C) and cyanocobalamin administration (Choice D) are not the immediate priorities in this scenario and would not address the urgent need for respiratory support.

4. A young adult client was admitted 36 hours ago for a head injury that occurred as a result of a motorcycle accident. In the last 4 hours, the client’s urine output has increased to over 200 ml/hour. Before reporting the finding to the healthcare provider, which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Obtain capillary blood samples for glucose every 2 hours
• B. Measure oral secretions suctioned during the last 4 hours
• C. Evaluate the urine osmolality and serum osmolality values
• D. Obtain blood pressure and assess for dependent edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to evaluate the urine osmolality and serum osmolality values. The increased urine output following a head injury could indicate diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by excessive urination and extreme thirst. Evaluating osmolality is crucial for diagnosing diabetes insipidus. Choice A is incorrect because obtaining capillary blood samples for glucose every 2 hours is not the priority in this situation. Choice B is irrelevant to the client's current symptom of increased urine output. Choice D is also not the most appropriate intervention as the focus should be on assessing for a potential endocrine issue related to the increased urine output.

5. A female client is admitted for a diabetic crisis resulting from inadequate dietary practices. After stabilization, the nurse talks to the client about her prescribed diet. What client characteristic is most important for successful adherence to the diabetic diet?

• A. Understands the importance of timing insulin administration 30 minutes before eating
• B. Frequently includes fruits and vegetables in meals and snacks
• C. Has access to someone who can assist with meal preparation and monitoring
• D. Demonstrates willingness to consistently follow the prescribed diet

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial characteristic for successful adherence to a diabetic diet is the client's willingness to consistently follow the prescribed diet plan. Option A, understanding insulin timing, is important for treatment but not directly related to dietary adherence. Option B, consuming fruits and vegetables, is a healthy practice but does not ensure adherence to a specific diabetic diet. Option C, having assistance with meal preparation, is beneficial but not as essential as the client's personal commitment to adhering to the diet consistently.

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