Nursing Elites

1. What are the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?

• A. Sudden shortness of breath
• B. Chest pain
• C. Cough with blood
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A pulmonary embolism can manifest with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. These symptoms are classic presentations of a pulmonary embolism due to the blockage of blood flow to the lungs. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above.' Each symptom alone can be seen in various other conditions, but when occurring together, they strongly suggest a pulmonary embolism. Sudden shortness of breath is due to decreased oxygenation, chest pain can result from the strain on the heart, and coughing with blood may indicate damage to the lung tissue. Choosing any single symptom would not encompass the full range of presentations seen in a pulmonary embolism.

2. A client has a history of oliguria, hypertension, and peripheral edema. Current lab values are: BUN - 25, K+ - 4.0 mEq/L. Which nutrient should be restricted in the client's diet?

• A. Protein
• B. Fats
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In clients with oliguria, hypertension, and peripheral edema, protein should be restricted in the diet to reduce the workload on the kidneys. Excessive protein intake can lead to increased BUN levels, which can further stress the kidneys. Restricting protein can help prevent further kidney damage. Fats, carbohydrates, and magnesium do not directly impact kidney function in the same way as protein does, making them incorrect choices in this scenario.

3. A client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider
• B. Suction the tracheostomy
• C. Administer a bronchodilator
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority action is to suction the tracheostomy to clear the airway and improve breathing. This helps remove secretions or blockages that may be causing the distress. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) can be done after ensuring immediate airway clearance. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice C) would not address the primary issue of airway clearance in a tracheostomy patient. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may be necessary but should come after ensuring the airway is clear.

4. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with a suspected infection?

• A. Monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells
• B. Monitor blood pressure and check for fever
• C. Assess for changes in mental status and monitor urine output
• D. Administer antibiotics and monitor for changes in mental status

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with a suspected infection, it is crucial to monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells. Elevated temperature indicates a potential infection, and increased white blood cells are a sign of inflammation and the body's response to an infection. Monitoring blood pressure (choice B) and checking for fever (choice B) are not as specific indicators of infection as monitoring temperature and white blood cell count. Assessing changes in mental status and monitoring urine output (choice C) are important aspects of patient assessment but may not directly indicate a suspected infection. Administering antibiotics (choice D) should only be done after a confirmed diagnosis of a bacterial infection, as unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects.

5. A nurse is admitting a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following is an expected finding?

• A. Iron 90 mcg/dl.
• B. Prealbumin 10 mcg/dl.
• C. Serum creatinine 0.8 mg/dl.
• D. Calcium 9.5 mg/dl.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Low prealbumin levels are indicative of malnutrition, which is common in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Iron levels, serum creatinine, and calcium levels are not typically affected in the same way by anorexia nervosa, making choices A, C, and D incorrect.

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