Nursing Elites

1. Twenty minutes after a continuous epidural anesthetic is administered, a laboring client's blood pressure drops from 120/80 to 90/60. What action should the healthcare provider take?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider or anesthesiologist immediately.
• B. Continue to assess the blood pressure every 5 minutes.
• C. Place the woman in a lateral position.
• D. Turn off the continuous epidural.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing the woman in a lateral position is the appropriate action to improve venous return and cardiac output, helping to stabilize the blood pressure. This position can alleviate pressure on the inferior vena cava, reducing the risk of hypotension associated with epidural anesthesia. Turning off the continuous epidural would not be the initial action as it may not be necessary and could lead to inadequate pain relief for the client. Notifying the healthcare provider or anesthesiologist immediately is premature and should be done after attempting non-invasive interventions. Continuing to assess the blood pressure every 5 minutes is important, but placing the woman in a lateral position should be the first intervention to address the hypotension.

2. In caring for a 4-year-old boy recently diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which characteristic of the disease is most important for the nurse to focus on during the initial teaching?

• A. Lower legs become progressively weaker, causing a waddling, unsteady gait.
• B. Growth and development have been abnormal since birth.
• C. Muscular strength can be regained with physical exercise and therapy.
• D. Respiratory dysfunction and aspiration are prime concerns at this stage of the disease.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a key characteristic is the progressive weakness in the lower legs, leading to a waddling, unsteady gait. The nurse should focus on teaching about this aspect as it helps in understanding the disease's progression and managing the symptoms effectively.

3. A client in active labor is admitted with preeclampsia. Which assessment finding is most significant in planning this client's care?

• A. Patellar reflex 4+
• B. Blood pressure 158/80
• C. Four-hour urine output 240 ml
• D. Respirations 12/minute

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Patellar reflex 4+'. Hyperreflexia is a sign of severe preeclampsia and increases the risk of seizures, indicating the need for immediate intervention. Monitoring and addressing this finding are crucial in managing the client's condition and preventing complications.

4. What should the nurse recommend to a woman with mastitis?

• A. Apply heat to the affected area.
• B. Apply cold compresses to the affected area.
• C. Use a breast pump to express milk.
• D. Continue breastfeeding as usual.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should recommend applying heat to the affected area for a woman with mastitis. Heat can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with mastitis by improving blood flow to the area and promoting healing.

5. A child with leukemia is admitted for chemotherapy, and the nursing diagnosis 'altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting' is identified. Which intervention should the nurse include in this child’s plan of care?

• A. Allow the child to eat any food desired and tolerated.
• B. Provide small, frequent meals that are high in protein and calories.
• C. Offer the child preferred foods and avoid foods that are not well-tolerated.
• D. Consult with a dietitian to provide appropriate nutritional support.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In children with leukemia undergoing chemotherapy, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are common issues leading to altered nutrition. Providing small, frequent meals that are high in protein and calories is essential to address these symptoms and meet the child's nutritional needs effectively. This approach helps in managing the side effects of treatment and supporting the child's nutritional requirements during this challenging time.

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