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 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.

3. A nurse is caring for a female client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the drainage bag below the bladder
• B. Wipe the drainage port after emptying
• C. Insert the catheter using sterile technique
• D. Avoid cleansing the urinary meatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to wipe the drainage port after emptying. This action helps reduce the risk of infection by maintaining cleanliness. Positioning the drainage bag below the bladder (choice A) is incorrect as it should be positioned below the level of the bladder to prevent backflow of urine. Inserting the catheter using sterile technique (choice C) is not necessary for routine emptying of the drainage bag. Avoiding cleansing the urinary meatus (choice D) is incorrect as proper hygiene should be maintained to prevent infections.

4. A nurse is collecting data from a client who is in severe pain. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

• A. When did your pain start?
• B. How severe is your pain?
• C. What makes your pain worse?
• D. Where is your pain located?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should first ask the client where the pain is located because identifying the location of the pain is crucial in determining the cause and appropriate treatment. This information helps in further assessment and diagnosis. Asking when the pain started (Choice A) may be important but determining the location provides more immediate insights. Inquiring about the severity of pain (Choice B) and what worsens it (Choice C) are also important but come after identifying the location to provide a comprehensive understanding of the client's condition.

5. What are the key differences between systolic and diastolic heart failure?

• A. Systolic: Reduced ejection fraction; Diastolic: Preserved ejection fraction
• B. Systolic: Preserved ejection fraction; Diastolic: Reduced ejection fraction
• C. Systolic: Right-sided heart failure; Diastolic: Left-sided heart failure
• D. Systolic: Pulmonary congestion; Diastolic: Systemic congestion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Systolic heart failure is characterized by reduced ejection fraction, meaning the heart is not pumping effectively. Diastolic heart failure, on the other hand, is characterized by preserved ejection fraction, indicating that the heart has difficulty relaxing and filling properly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the key differences between systolic and diastolic heart failure.

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