Nursing Elites

1. 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 Applying a wet-to-dry dressing (Choice D) is an outdated practice that can cause trauma to the wound bed and hinder the healing process.

2. What are the complications of untreated DVT?

• A. Pulmonary embolism and stroke
• B. Infection and kidney failure
• C. Hypertension and vision loss
• D. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism and stroke. Untreated DVT can result in these serious complications, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent common complications associated with untreated deep vein thrombosis. Infection and kidney failure, hypertension and vision loss, as well as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are not typically direct consequences of untreated DVT.

3. A client who is postoperative following a cholecystectomy has a urine output of 25 mL/hr. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder.
• B. Absent bowel sounds.
• C. Brown drainage on the surgical dressing.
• D. Urine output of 25 mL/hr.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A urine output below 30 mL/hr indicates a potential complication, such as hypovolemia or renal impairment, and should be reported. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder can be common after a cholecystectomy due to referred pain from the diaphragm, whereas absent bowel sounds may be expected temporarily postoperatively. Brown drainage on the surgical dressing is typical in the early postoperative period and may represent old blood or other normal discharge.

4. When caring for a client diagnosed with delirium, which condition is most important for the nurse to investigate?

• A. Cancer of any kind
• B. Impaired hearing
• C. Prescription drug intoxication
• D. Heart failure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client diagnosed with delirium, the most important condition for the nurse to investigate is prescription drug intoxication. Delirium can be caused by various factors, and prescription drug intoxication is a common reversible cause. Investigating this factor first is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause promptly. Choices A, B, and D are less likely to be directly associated with delirium compared to prescription drug intoxication. While cancer, impaired hearing, and heart failure can have their complications and effects, they are not typically the primary causes of delirium in a client.

5. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
• B. Sodium level of 135 mEq/L
• C. Magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L
• D. Calcium level of 8.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L is within the normal range, but monitoring potassium levels is crucial for clients taking furosemide. Furosemide can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to adverse effects such as cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium and calcium levels are not typically affected by furosemide, so they are not the priority findings to report to the provider in this case.

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