Nursing Elites

1. When caring for an immobile client, what nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?

• A. Risk for fluid volume deficit.
• B. Impaired gas exchange.
• C. Risk for impaired skin integrity.
• D. Altered tissue perfusion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for an immobile client, the nursing diagnosis with the highest priority is impaired gas exchange. This is because impaired gas exchange implies difficulty with breathing, which is essential for sustaining life. Adequate oxygenation is crucial for all bodily functions, and any impairment in gas exchange can lead to serious complications, making it the priority nursing diagnosis to address in an immobile client. Choices A, C, and D are important considerations as well when caring for an immobile client, but they are secondary to impaired gas exchange. Risk for fluid volume deficit may occur due to immobility, but ensuring proper gas exchange takes precedence as it directly impacts the client's immediate survival. Risk for impaired skin integrity is a concern in immobile clients but does not pose an immediate threat to life like impaired gas exchange. Altered tissue perfusion is also critical but is usually a consequence of impaired gas exchange, reinforcing the priority of addressing gas exchange first.

2. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of heart failure. Which dietary instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Increase fluid intake to 3 liters per day.
• B. Limit sodium intake to 2 grams per day.
• C. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• D. Increase protein intake to promote healing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Limiting sodium intake to 2 grams per day (B) is a crucial dietary instruction for clients with heart failure. It helps manage fluid retention and reduces the workload on the heart. Excessive sodium can lead to fluid retention, worsening heart failure symptoms. Increasing fluid intake (A) can further exacerbate fluid overload in heart failure patients. Avoiding foods high in potassium (C) is not necessary unless the client has hyperkalemia; in heart failure, potassium restriction is not a primary dietary concern. Increasing protein intake (D) is not the priority for heart failure management; focusing on sodium restriction is more beneficial.

3. When planning care for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter, which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?

• A. Self-care deficit
• B. Functional incontinence
• C. Fluid volume deficit
• D. High risk for infection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The highest priority nursing diagnosis when planning care for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is 'High risk for infection.' Indwelling urinary catheters pose a significant risk of infection due to their direct contact with the urinary system. Preventing and managing infections is crucial in the care of these clients. Monitoring for signs of infection, following proper catheter care protocols, and maintaining aseptic technique during catheter maintenance are essential steps to prevent complications associated with catheter-related infections. Choices A, B, and C are not the highest priority because in this case, the immediate concern is the risk of infection associated with the presence of the urinary catheter. While self-care deficit, functional incontinence, and fluid volume deficit are important considerations in overall patient care, they are not as critical as preventing potentially serious infections related to the indwelling urinary catheter.

4. After informing an older client that an IV line needs to be inserted, the client becomes very apprehensive, loudly expressing a dislike for all healthcare providers and nurses. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Ask the client to remain quiet so the procedure can be performed safely.
• B. Concentrate on completing the insertion as efficiently as possible.
• C. Calmly reassure the client that the discomfort will be temporary.
• D. Tell the client a joke as a means of distraction from the procedure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should respond by calmly reassuring the client that the discomfort from the IV insertion will be temporary. By providing reassurance and addressing the client's concerns, the nurse can help reduce the client's apprehension and create a more supportive environment for the procedure.

5. A client is admitted with a fever of unknown origin. To assess fever patterns, which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Document the client’s temperature fluctuations
• B. Assess for flushed, warm skin consistently
• C. Measure temperature at regular intervals
• D. Use different sites for temperature measurement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To assess fever patterns accurately, the nurse should measure the client’s temperature at regular intervals. This approach helps in identifying the pattern of fever spikes and fluctuations, which can provide valuable information for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Assessing for flushed, warm skin or documenting circadian rhythms may not directly reveal the fever pattern, while varying temperature measurement sites could lead to inconsistent readings. Therefore, measuring temperature at regular intervals is the most appropriate intervention to identify fever patterns in this scenario.

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