Nursing Elites

1. What should a healthcare professional assess in a patient presenting with symptoms of a stroke?

• A. Assess facial drooping
• B. Monitor speech difficulties
• C. Evaluate arm weakness
• D. Check for time of onset of symptoms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with suspected stroke symptoms, it is crucial to check for facial drooping as it can be a sign of facial nerve weakness, which is a common indicator of stroke. While monitoring speech difficulties and evaluating arm weakness are also important assessments in stroke cases, they are secondary to facial drooping. Checking for the time of onset of symptoms is essential to determine eligibility for time-sensitive treatments like thrombolytic therapy, but when prioritizing assessments, facial drooping takes precedence.

2. Which intervention is most important for a client with chronic heart failure?

• A. Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration
• B. Monitor the client's weight daily to assess fluid balance
• C. Limit sodium intake to reduce fluid retention
• D. Restrict daily activity to prevent fatigue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's weight daily to assess fluid balance in clients with chronic heart failure. Monitoring weight helps in detecting fluid retention or fluid loss, which is crucial in managing heart failure. Encouraging fluid intake to prevent dehydration (choice A) may worsen fluid overload in heart failure patients. Limiting sodium intake (choice C) is essential but not the most important intervention compared to monitoring weight. Restricting daily activity (choice D) is not recommended as it is important for clients with heart failure to engage in appropriate levels of physical activity to maintain their overall health.

3. A client with hypothyroidism may present with which of the following findings?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Hair loss
• C. Dry skin
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dry skin is a common manifestation of hypothyroidism due to decreased thyroid hormone levels, leading to reduced sweating and oil production. Weight gain may occur due to a slowed metabolism, not diarrhea, as hypothyroidism is more commonly associated with constipation. Hair loss is typically associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery and has a new prescription for a regular diet. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?

• A. Presence of bowel sounds
• B. Client reports nausea
• C. Client is vomiting
• D. Absent bowel sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Absent bowel sounds are concerning as they indicate potential complications such as ileus, which is a risk after abdominal surgery. The absence of bowel sounds can suggest decreased or absent intestinal motility, which may lead to complications if not addressed promptly. The nurse should notify the provider immediately to assess the situation and intervene accordingly. Choices A and B are common postoperative occurrences and do not necessarily warrant immediate provider notification. Choice C, vomiting, while concerning, may be a common postoperative symptom; however, absent bowel sounds are a more critical finding that requires prompt attention.

5. A client who is to undergo surgery for a hip fracture is being taught by a nurse about postoperative pain management. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will ask for pain medication only if the pain becomes unbearable.
• B. I will ask the nurse to increase my medication if the pain doesn't subside.
• C. I will wait until the pain is severe before taking my medication.
• D. I will take my medication at regular intervals to stay ahead of the pain.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because taking pain medication at regular intervals helps maintain consistent pain control after surgery. Option A is incorrect because waiting for the pain to become unbearable can lead to inadequate pain management. Option B is incorrect as it suggests increasing medication without a schedule. Option C is incorrect because waiting for the pain to be severe before taking medication is not proactive pain management.

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