Nursing Elites

1. What is the main symptom of left-sided heart failure?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Edema
• C. Increased heart rate
• D. Decreased urine output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Shortness of breath is the main symptom of left-sided heart failure because it results from pulmonary congestion due to fluid buildup in the lungs. Edema, increased heart rate, and decreased urine output are associated with right-sided heart failure rather than left-sided heart failure.

2. The nurse is performing triage on a group of clients in the emergency department. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

• A. A 12-year-old oozing blood from a laceration on the left thumb due to a cut from a rusty metal can
• B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is able to identify her sister but not the place and time
• C. A 49-year-old with a compound fracture of the right leg who is complaining of severe pain
• D. A 65-year-old with a flushed face, dry mucous membranes, and a blood sugar of 470 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is confused and unable to orient to place and time likely has a severe infection or a serious medical condition affecting the central nervous system. This client needs immediate attention as altered mental status combined with a high fever can indicate a life-threatening situation. Choices A, C, and D present important conditions that require medical care, but they are not as urgent as the 19-year-old with a high fever and confusion. The 12-year-old with a laceration may require treatment for bleeding and a tetanus shot, the 49-year-old with a compound fracture needs urgent orthopedic intervention, and the 65-year-old with a high blood sugar is concerning for hyperglycemia but can wait momentarily compared to the client with a fever and altered mental status.

3. A client with diabetes is experiencing hyperglycemia. What is the nurse's priority?

• A. Administer insulin
• B. Encourage the client to exercise to lower blood glucose
• C. Encourage the client to drink water
• D. Administer glucagon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer insulin. In hyperglycemia, there is an excess of glucose in the blood, which needs to be lowered. Insulin is the primary medication used to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Encouraging the client to exercise may further increase blood glucose levels due to the release of stress hormones, so it is not the priority. While staying hydrated is important, it will not directly address the high blood glucose levels seen in hyperglycemia. Glucagon is used to treat severe hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia, so it is not the priority in this situation.

4. What is the role of a nurse in managing a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI)?

• A. Monitor urine output and electrolyte levels
• B. Administer diuretics and restrict potassium
• C. Provide dietary education and monitor fluid intake
• D. Administer antibiotics and check for dehydration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Monitor urine output and electrolyte levels.' In managing a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI), it is crucial for the nurse to monitor urine output and electrolyte levels to assess kidney function and the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. This monitoring helps in early detection of any worsening kidney function or electrolyte imbalances. Choice B is incorrect because administering diuretics and restricting potassium may not be appropriate for all AKI patients and should be done under the direction of a healthcare provider. Choice C is also incorrect as providing dietary education and monitoring fluid intake are important but do not directly address the immediate management of AKI. Choice D is incorrect as administering antibiotics and checking for dehydration are not primary interventions for managing AKI; antibiotics are only given if there is an infection contributing to AKI, and dehydration should be managed but is not the primary role of the nurse in AKI management.

5. A nurse is teaching a client with heart failure about dietary restrictions. What food should be limited?

• A. Bananas
• B. Leafy green vegetables
• C. Potatoes
• D. Whole grains

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bananas. Bananas are high in potassium, which should be limited in clients with heart failure to prevent electrolyte imbalances. While leafy green vegetables and whole grains are generally healthy options, they are not typically restricted in heart failure patients. Potatoes, although they contain potassium, are not as high in potassium as bananas and are not usually restricted as strictly.

Similar Questions