Nursing Elites

1. What is the best way to assess for fluid overload in a patient with heart failure?

• A. Check daily weight
• B. Check blood pressure
• C. Monitor heart sounds
• D. Assess for jugular vein distention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Check daily weight.' Monitoring daily weight is the most accurate method to assess for fluid overload in patients with heart failure. Weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common issue in heart failure patients. Checking blood pressure (Choice B) can provide information about hemodynamic status but may not be as specific for fluid overload as monitoring weight. Monitoring heart sounds (Choice C) can provide information about cardiac function but may not directly assess fluid overload. Assessing for jugular vein distention (Choice D) can be a sign of increased central venous pressure but may not always correlate with fluid overload as accurately as daily weight checks.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of heart failure. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should weigh myself every morning.
• B. I should drink 2 liters of water each day.
• C. I should avoid all physical activity.
• D. I should take an extra dose of diuretic if I gain 2 pounds in a day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The corrected answer is A. Weighing daily is crucial for clients with heart failure to monitor fluid status since sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention. Choice B is incorrect because excessive water intake can worsen fluid retention in heart failure. Choice C is incorrect as some physical activity is encouraged for heart failure clients, tailored to their condition. Choice D is incorrect as adjusting medication doses should always be done under healthcare provider guidance rather than self-administration.

3. A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has rheumatoid arthritis and is prescribed methotrexate. Which of the following results should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. White blood cell count 8,000/mm³
• B. Platelet count 150,000/mm³
• C. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
• D. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 60 units/L

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 60 units/L. An elevated AST level indicates liver damage, which can be a side effect of methotrexate and should be reported. Elevated white blood cell count (choice A), platelet count (choice B), or normal hemoglobin level (choice C) are not directly related to methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

4. A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following a bowel resection. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Encourage the client to drink adequate fluids daily.
• B. Administer pain medication as needed.
• C. Instruct the client to splint the incision with a pillow.
• D. Encourage the client to eat a balanced diet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client post-bowel resection is to instruct the client to splint the incision with a pillow. This technique helps prevent dehiscence, which is the separation of wound edges, and reduces pain when coughing or moving. Splinting supports the incision site, decreasing tension on the wound. Encouraging the client to drink adequate fluids promotes hydration and aids in recovery, but a specific volume like 1,000 mL mentioned in choice A is not essential. Pain medication should be administered as needed for adequate pain control, not necessarily before every meal. Instructing the client to eat a balanced diet, including adequate protein, is crucial for wound healing and overall recovery, rather than limiting protein intake.

5. When documenting an incorrect dose of medication administered, which fact related to the incident report should the nurse document in the client's medical record?

• A. Time the medication was given
• B. The client's response to the medication
• C. The dose that was administered
• D. Reason for the error

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should document the time the medication was given in the client's medical record when an incorrect dose is administered. Recording the time is crucial for establishing the sequence of events accurately. Choices B, C, and D, though important, are not directly relevant to documenting the incident of administering an incorrect dose of medication. The client's response to the medication, the actual dose administered, and the reason for the error may be documented for overall patient care but are not specifically required in the incident report for an incorrect dose.

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