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 nurse is assessing a client who has right-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Elevated blood glucose.
• B. Decreased urine output.
• C. Dependent edema.
• D. Jaundice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dependent edema. In right-sided heart failure, the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation, leading to fluid accumulation in the systemic circulation. This fluid backs up in the venous system, causing increased pressure in the veins of the body, resulting in dependent edema, usually starting in the lower extremities. Elevated blood glucose (choice A) is not directly related to right-sided heart failure. Decreased urine output (choice B) may occur in conditions like acute kidney injury but is not a specific finding of right-sided heart failure. Jaundice (choice D) is more commonly associated with liver dysfunction, not typically seen in right-sided heart failure.

3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV fluids. Which of the following should the nurse do upon noticing phlebitis at the IV site?

• A. Apply a cold compress to the site
• B. Notify the provider immediately
• C. Remove the IV catheter and restart it in another location
• D. Monitor the site for signs of infection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Upon noticing phlebitis at the IV site, the nurse should remove the IV catheter and restart it in another location. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, and leaving the IV catheter in place can lead to further complications such as infection. Applying a cold compress (Choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Notifying the provider immediately (Choice B) is important, but the immediate action to prevent complications is to remove the IV catheter. Monitoring the site for signs of infection (Choice D) is necessary, but the priority action is to remove and reinsert the IV catheter to prevent worsening of the phlebitis.

4. What is a key nursing action for a client with a wound infection?

• A. Change the dressing daily
• B. Perform a wound culture before applying antibiotics
• C. Cleanse the wound with alcohol-based solutions
• D. Apply a wet-to-dry dressing to the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing a wound culture before applying antibiotics is crucial for determining the specific type of infection present and selecting the most effective antibiotic treatment. Changing the dressing daily (Choice A) is a routine wound care practice but may not address the root cause of the infection. Cleansing the wound with alcohol-based solutions (Choice C) can be too harsh and delay wound healing. Applying a wet-to-dry dressing (Choice D) is an outdated practice that can cause trauma to the wound bed and hinder the healing process.

5. What is the primary action the nurse should take first for a client with a pressure ulcer who has a serum albumin level of 3 g/dL?

• A. Increase the protein intake in the diet
• B. Consult with a dietitian to create a high-protein diet
• C. Increase the IV fluid infusion rate
• D. Administer a protein supplement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to consult with a dietitian to create a high-protein diet. A serum albumin level of 3 g/dL indicates hypoalbuminemia, which can impair wound healing. Consulting with a dietitian to optimize the client's protein intake is crucial in promoting wound healing for pressure ulcers. Increasing the protein intake in the diet (Choice A) may not be sufficient without proper guidance from a dietitian. Increasing the IV fluid infusion rate (Choice C) is not directly related to addressing the protein deficiency. Administering a protein supplement (Choice D) should be guided by a healthcare professional's recommendation after consulting with a dietitian.

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