Nursing Elites

1. What are the early signs of heart failure in a patient?

• A. Shortness of breath and weight gain
• B. Fatigue and chest pain
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Cough and elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shortness of breath and weight gain. Early signs of heart failure typically manifest as shortness of breath due to fluid accumulation in the lungs and weight gain due to fluid retention in the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Fatigue and chest pain are symptoms commonly associated with heart conditions but are not specific early signs of heart failure. Nausea and vomiting are not typically early signs of heart failure. Cough can be a symptom of heart failure, but it is usually associated with other symptoms like shortness of breath rather than being an isolated early sign. Elevated blood pressure is not an early sign of heart failure; in fact, heart failure is more commonly associated with low blood pressure.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Hyperactive reflexes.
• B. Strong, bounding pulse.
• C. Decreased bowel sounds.
• D. Increased deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased bowel sounds. In hypokalemia, decreased bowel sounds are common due to slowed peristalsis. Hyperactive reflexes (choice A) and increased deep tendon reflexes (choice D) are more indicative of hyperkalemia. A strong, bounding pulse (choice B) is not typically associated with hypokalemia.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer the TPN through a peripheral IV catheter.
• B. Check the client's capillary blood glucose level every 4 hours.
• C. Heat the TPN solution to room temperature before administering.
• D. Weigh the client every 3 days.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's capillary blood glucose level every 4 hours. Clients receiving TPN are at risk for hyperglycemia, so regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential to detect and manage hyperglycemia promptly. Administering TPN through a peripheral IV catheter (Choice A) is incorrect as TPN should be given through a central venous catheter to prevent complications. Heating the TPN solution to room temperature (Choice C) is unnecessary and not a standard practice. Weighing the client every 3 days (Choice D) is important for monitoring fluid status but is not the priority action when caring for a client receiving TPN.

4. What is the first priority for a patient in respiratory distress?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Assess airway patency
• C. Monitor oxygen saturation
• D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen. In a patient experiencing respiratory distress, the primary concern is ensuring an adequate oxygen supply to the body. By administering oxygen, you can help improve oxygenation, which is crucial for the patient's overall well-being. Assessing airway patency is important but administering oxygen takes precedence as it directly addresses the oxygenation concern. Monitoring oxygen saturation is also essential, but the immediate action should be to provide oxygen. Calling for assistance can be important but is not the first priority when dealing with a patient in respiratory distress.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has hypertension and is receiving enalapril. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Persistent cough
• C. Constipation
• D. Sweating

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Persistent cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause a persistent cough as a common side effect. This symptom should be reported to the healthcare provider to evaluate if a medication adjustment is needed. Choices A, C, and D are not typically associated with enalapril use and are less likely to be directly related to the medication. Increased heart rate, constipation, and sweating are not commonly linked to enalapril, so they are not the priority findings to report in this case.

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