Nursing Elites

1. What are the key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that a nurse should monitor for?

• A. Monitor for changes in level of consciousness
• B. Check for pupil dilation
• C. Assess for bradycardia
• D. Monitor for vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Monitor for changes in the level of consciousness.' Key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) include changes in the level of consciousness and pupil dilation. Assessing for bradycardia and monitoring for vomiting are not typically considered primary signs of increased ICP. While bradycardia and vomiting can occur with increased ICP, they are not as specific or sensitive as changes in consciousness and pupil dilation.

2. A nurse is planning care for a school-age child who is 4 hr postoperative following perforated appendicitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Offer small amounts of clear liquids 6 hr following surgery.
• B. Give cromolyn nebulizer solution every 6 hr.
• C. Apply a warm compress to the operative site every 4 hr.
• D. Administer analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hr.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hours is crucial to ensure adequate pain control in the immediate postoperative period. Choice A is incorrect because clear liquids are typically initiated gradually and advanced as tolerated but not specifically at 6 hours post-surgery. Choice B is incorrect as cromolyn nebulizer solution is not indicated for postoperative pain management in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as applying a warm compress may not be appropriate for the operative site after appendicitis surgery and can potentially increase the risk of infection.

3. When providing discharge teaching to a client with diabetes, what is the most important instruction?

• A. Check blood sugar levels once daily
• B. Administer insulin as prescribed before meals
• C. Take medication only when feeling unwell
• D. Eat carbohydrate-rich meals to stabilize blood sugar

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering insulin as prescribed before meals is crucial for managing diabetes. This instruction is vital as it helps the client maintain blood sugar levels within the target range. Checking blood sugar levels once daily is important but not as critical as ensuring the timely administration of insulin. Taking medication only when feeling unwell is dangerous as it may lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Eating carbohydrate-rich meals may actually destabilize blood sugar levels rather than stabilizing them, making it an incorrect choice.

4. What are the nursing responsibilities when administering intravenous (IV) antibiotics?

• A. Verify the antibiotic dosage and check for allergies
• B. Administer the medication without verification
• C. Do not check for allergies or dosage
• D. Ensure the patient is allergic to antibiotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering IV antibiotics, it is essential for the nurse to verify the antibiotic dosage and check for any allergies the patient may have. This is crucial to ensure that the correct medication is being given at the proper dose and to prevent potential adverse reactions. Choice B is incorrect because administering medication without verification can lead to errors. Choice C is incorrect as it goes against safe medication administration practices. Choice D is incorrect as the focus should be on checking if the patient has allergies to antibiotics, not ensuring the patient is allergic to them.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the early stages of hypovolemic shock. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Heart rate 60/min
• B. Increased urinary output
• C. Increased respiratory rate
• D. Hypothermia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the early stages of hypovolemic shock, the body initiates compensatory mechanisms to maintain perfusion. One of these mechanisms is an increased respiratory rate to improve oxygen delivery. This helps to offset the decreased circulating blood volume. A heart rate of 60/min (choice A) is not expected in hypovolemic shock; instead, tachycardia is a common finding due to the body's attempt to maintain cardiac output. Increased urinary output (choice B) is not typically seen in hypovolemic shock as the body tries to conserve fluid. Hypothermia (choice D) is usually a late sign of shock when the body's compensatory mechanisms are failing, and perfusion is severely compromised.

Similar Questions