Nursing Elites

1. What is a key component of a comprehensive discharge plan for a patient with heart failure?

• A. Advising on appropriate physical activity and exercise
• B. Fluid restriction to prevent fluid overload
• C. Dietary recommendations, including a low-sodium diet
• D. Medication management, including diuretics and ACE inhibitors

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main components of a comprehensive discharge plan for a patient with heart failure include advising on appropriate physical activity and exercise to improve cardiovascular health and overall well-being. While fluid restriction and dietary recommendations are important aspects of heart failure management, advising on physical activity and exercise is crucial for improving cardiac function and quality of life post-discharge. Medication management is also essential but focusing on physical activity is particularly relevant for long-term management and preventing readmissions.

2. While providing care to a group of patients, which patient should the nurse see first?

• A. A patient after knee surgery who needs range of motion exercises
• B. A patient on bed rest who has renal calculi and needs to go to the bathroom
• C. A bedridden patient who has a reddened area on the buttocks who needs to be turned
• D. A patient with a hip replacement on prolonged bed rest reporting chest pain and dyspnea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should see the patient with a hip replacement experiencing chest pain and dyspnea first because these symptoms could indicate a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention. The other patients also need care, but urgent assessment and intervention are crucial in the case of potential pulmonary embolism to prevent serious complications or death.

3. A patient recovering from a stroke has difficulty swallowing. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Begin feeding the patient soft solids.
• B. Place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status.
• C. Provide ice chips to help soothe the throat.
• D. Start the patient on a clear liquid diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status. Patients recovering from a stroke with difficulty swallowing are at high risk for aspiration, which can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, the priority is to keep the patient on NPO until a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is completed. Choice A is incorrect as feeding the patient soft solids can increase the risk of aspiration. Choice C is incorrect as providing ice chips may further compromise swallowing safety. Choice D is incorrect as starting the patient on a clear liquid diet can also increase the risk of aspiration in this scenario.

4. A healthcare provider is assessing a patient with chronic pain. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. The patient reports a pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• B. The patient is lying still and refuses to move.
• C. The patient's pain persists despite medication.
• D. The patient reports feeling anxious and restless.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of chronic pain management, the most concerning finding is when the patient's pain persists despite medication. This suggests inadequate pain control or the need for a re-evaluation of the treatment plan. Choices A, B, and D are not as concerning in this scenario. A pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 is moderate and may be manageable with appropriate interventions. Patients with chronic pain can sometimes lie still due to pain or other reasons, and anxiety and restlessness are common in individuals with pain conditions but may not necessarily indicate a critical issue like uncontrolled pain.

5. A patient reports feeling dizzy when standing up. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths.
• B. Assist the patient to sit down slowly.
• C. Instruct the patient to use a walker for support.
• D. Teach the patient how to change positions safely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assist the patient to sit down slowly. This intervention is appropriate for a patient experiencing dizziness when standing up, as it helps prevent falls due to orthostatic hypotension. Encouraging deep breaths (Choice A) may not address the underlying cause of dizziness, which is related to postural changes. Instructing the patient to use a walker for support (Choice C) or teaching the patient how to change positions safely (Choice D) are not the most immediate and direct interventions to address the immediate risk of falling when feeling dizzy upon standing.

Similar Questions