Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary intervention for sepsis?

• A. Administer IV antibiotics
• B. Monitor blood pressure
• C. Administer fluids
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary intervention for sepsis involves a multifaceted approach, including administering IV antibiotics to address the underlying infection and administering fluids to stabilize the patient's hemodynamic status. Monitoring blood pressure is important in the management of sepsis, but it is not the sole primary intervention. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above' as it encompasses the comprehensive approach required for effective sepsis management.

2. A client with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus is being seen by the home health nurse. The physician orders include: 1,200-calorie ADA diet, 15 units of NPH insulin before breakfast, and check blood sugar qid. When the nurse visits the client at 5 PM, the nurse observes the man performing a blood sugar analysis. The result is 50 mg/dL. The nurse would expect the client to be

• A. Confused with cold, clammy skin and a pulse of 110
• B. Lethargic with hot, dry skin and rapid, deep respirations
• C. Alert and cooperative with a BP of 130/80 and respirations of 12
• D. Short of breath, with distended neck veins and a bounding pulse of 96

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Low blood sugar levels (50 mg/dL) typically cause confusion, cold clammy skin, and an increased pulse (tachycardia). Option A correctly describes the expected symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include confusion due to the brain's inadequate glucose supply, cold and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation, and an increased pulse (110 bpm) as the body reacts to low blood sugar levels. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Lethargy, hot dry skin, rapid deep respirations, normal vital signs, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, and bounding pulse are more indicative of other conditions or normal physiological responses, not hypoglycemia.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports tingling and numbness in the hands. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate.
• B. Calcium gluconate.
• C. Potassium chloride.
• D. Magnesium sulfate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling and numbness in the hands can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication following a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications like tetany and seizures. Calcium gluconate is the drug of choice for rapidly raising serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for treating hypocalcemia or related symptoms. Potassium chloride is used to correct potassium imbalances, not calcium. Magnesium sulfate is not the appropriate treatment for hypocalcemia; it is commonly used for conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia.

4. A client scheduled to begin chemotherapy is discussing alopecia with a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. Avoid washing your hair during treatment
• B. Your oncologist might prescribe a cold cap during treatment to reduce hair loss
• C. You'll need to apply sunscreen to the scalp
• D. You'll likely experience regrowth of hair within 6 months after treatment ends

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should inform the client that their oncologist might prescribe a cold cap during treatment to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss by cooling the scalp. Choice A is incorrect as washing the hair during treatment is generally recommended. Choice C is incorrect as sunscreen is not typically needed for the scalp in this context. Choice D is incorrect as regrowth of hair can vary among individuals and is not guaranteed within a specific timeframe.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who is to undergo total knee arthroplasty about postoperative care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply heat to the affected knee
• B. Avoid placing pillows under the knee
• C. Avoid moving the knee for 2-3 days
• D. Apply ice to the affected knee for 24-48 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply ice to the affected knee for 24-48 hours. Applying ice helps to reduce inflammation and pain after knee surgery, promoting healing. Choice A is incorrect because heat is not recommended postoperatively, as it can increase swelling. Choice B is incorrect because pillows should be placed under the knee to keep it elevated. Choice C is incorrect because early mobilization is essential for preventing complications such as blood clots.

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