Nursing Elites

1. When providing care for an unconscious client who has seizures, which nursing intervention is most essential?

• A. Ensure oral suction is available.
• B. Maintain the client in a semi-Fowler's position.
• C. Provide frequent mouth care.
• D. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During seizures in an unconscious client, ensuring oral suction is available is crucial to managing secretions and preventing aspiration. This intervention helps maintain a clear airway and reduce the risk of complications. Maintaining the client in a semi-Fowler's position (Choice B) may be important for airway management but is not as critical as having oral suction ready. Providing frequent mouth care (Choice C) and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature (Choice D) are important aspects of overall care but are not as urgently needed as ensuring oral suction for managing secretions during seizures.

2. The patient has a heart rate of 98 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 82/58 mm Hg, is lethargic, complaining of muscle weakness, and has had gastroenteritis for several days. Based on these findings, which sodium value would the nurse expect?

• A. 126 mEq/L
• B. 140 mEq/L
• C. 145 mEq/L
• D. 158 mEq/L

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patient's presentation of tachycardia, hypotension, lethargy, muscle weakness, and gastroenteritis suggests hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is characterized by a serum sodium level below the normal range of 135-145 mEq/L. A serum sodium level of 126 mEq/L falls significantly below this range, indicating hyponatremia. Choice B (140 mEq/L) and Choice C (145 mEq/L) are within the normal range for serum sodium levels and would not explain the patient's symptoms. Choice D (158 mEq/L) is above the normal range and would indicate hypernatremia, which is not consistent with the patient's presentation.

3. The client is receiving teletherapy radiation for a malignant tumor. Which instruction regarding skin care of the portal site should the nurse provide?

• A. Protect the skin of the radiation portal site from sunlight exposure
• B. Apply moisturizing lotions daily to the radiation portal site
• C. Avoid washing the skin inside the radiation portal site
• D. Remove the ink marks of the portal after each radiation treatment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Protecting the skin from sunlight exposure is crucial to prevent radiation burns and additional skin damage at the treatment site. Sun exposure can exacerbate skin reactions caused by radiation therapy. Applying moisturizing lotions daily may introduce foreign substances or irritants to the treated area, leading to potential complications. Washing the skin inside the radiation portal site is important for maintaining cleanliness and preventing infections. Removing the ink marks after each treatment is unnecessary and may cause unnecessary skin irritation and trauma.

4. During a routine clinic visit, a nurse is assessing a 48-year-old client with a history of smoking. The client, who exercises regularly, reports calf pain during exercise that disappears at rest. Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?

• A. Heart rate of 57 bpm.
• B. SpO2 of 94% on room air.
• C. Blood pressure of 134/82.
• D. Ankle-brachial index of 0.65.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An Ankle-Brachial Index of 0.65 suggests moderate arterial vascular disease in a client experiencing intermittent claudication, indicating compromised blood flow to the lower extremities during exercise. This finding requires further evaluation to assess the severity of arterial insufficiency and determine appropriate interventions. Choice A (Heart rate of 57 bpm) is within the normal range for an adult at rest and indicates good cardiovascular fitness. Choice B (SpO2 of 94% on room air) is slightly lower than the normal range but is generally acceptable in a healthy individual. Choice C (Blood pressure of 134/82) falls within the normal range and does not raise immediate concerns in this context.

5. What is the most common symptom of hypoglycemia that the nurse should teach the diabetic client to recognize?

• A. Nervousness
• B. Anorexia
• C. Kussmaul's respirations
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nervousness is the most common symptom of hypoglycemia. It is often accompanied by other signs such as weakness, perspiration, confusion, and palpitations. Anorexia (lack of appetite) is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia; it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Kussmaul's respirations are a deep and labored breathing pattern seen in diabetic ketoacidosis, not hypoglycemia. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia; tachycardia (fast heart rate) is more commonly associated with hypoglycemia due to the release of catecholamines in response to low blood sugar.

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