Nursing Elites

1. What are the signs of infection that should be monitored in a postoperative patient?

• A. Fever and chills
• B. All of the above
• C. Increased pain or tenderness
• D. Redness, swelling, and warmth at the surgical site

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Redness, swelling, and warmth at the surgical site.' These are specific signs of infection at the surgical site that a nurse should monitor for in a postoperative patient. While fever, chills, and increased pain can also indicate infection, the most direct signs are redness, swelling, and warmth at the surgical site. Therefore, 'D' is the best choice as it directly relates to the site of the surgery and is crucial to monitor for potential postoperative infections.

2. A nurse witnesses a colleague administering the wrong IV solution to a client. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Complete an incident report.
• B. Ask the colleague if they intend to report the error.
• C. Call the healthcare provider to notify them of the error.
• D. Notify the supervisor about the situation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for the nurse to take in this situation is to ask the colleague if they intend to report the error. It is important to address the error promptly and directly with the colleague involved to ensure that the appropriate actions are taken to correct the mistake and prevent harm to the client. Completing an incident report, calling the healthcare provider, or notifying the supervisor can be done after discussing the error with the colleague. Immediate communication with the colleague directly involved in the error is crucial to address the situation effectively.

3. What are the clinical manifestations of left-sided heart failure, and how do they differ from right-sided heart failure?

• A. Jugular venous distention and hepatojugular reflex
• B. Hepatomegaly, ascites, and peripheral edema
• C. Dyspnea, cough, and orthopnea
• D. Pulmonary congestion and fatigue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Clinical manifestations of left-sided heart failure include pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and orthopnea. However, left-sided heart failure can also manifest as jugular venous distention and hepatojugular reflex due to the backflow of blood into the pulmonary circulation. Right-sided heart failure is characterized by systemic symptoms like hepatomegaly, ascites, and peripheral edema. Choice B is incorrect as it presents manifestations of right-sided heart failure. Choice C includes symptoms of left-sided heart failure. Choice D describes pulmonary congestion, which is more specific to left-sided heart failure, but it does not encompass the full range of clinical manifestations for left-sided heart failure.

4. How should the nurse manage the client's pain if a client with a history of substance abuse is requesting pain medication?

• A. Administer the medication as requested
• B. Assess the patient's pain level first
• C. Administer a placebo to the client
• D. Refuse to give any medication to the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a history of substance abuse requests pain medication, the nurse should first assess the patient's pain level. It is important to determine the nature and intensity of the pain before administering any medication to ensure appropriate pain management. Administering medication without assessing the pain level can lead to unnecessary drug administration or inadequate pain relief. Administering a placebo would be unethical and ineffective. Refusing to give any medication without proper assessment can compromise the client's comfort and recovery. Therefore, the correct approach is to assess the patient's pain level first before deciding on the most suitable pain management intervention.

5. A client with a new prescription for levothyroxine is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which statement indicates understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should take this with food
• B. I will see immediate results
• C. I might not realize the full effect of the medication for several weeks
• D. I should stop if I feel better

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'I might not realize the full effect of the medication for several weeks.' Levothyroxine is a medication that may take several weeks for the full effect to be evident. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach. Choice B is incorrect because immediate results are not expected with levothyroxine. Choice D is incorrect because stopping the medication without consulting a healthcare provider can be harmful, even if the client feels better.

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