Nursing Elites

1. While taking the history of an older adult client, which assessment finding alerts the nurse that the client needs further assessment for fluid or electrolyte imbalance?

• A. "I am often cold and need to wear a sweater."?
• B. "I seem to urinate more when I drink coffee."?
• C. "In the summer, I feel thirsty more often."?
• D. "My rings seem to be tighter this week."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'My rings seem to be tighter this week.' This assessment finding indicates possible fluid retention, which can be a sign of fluid or electrolyte imbalance in an older adult. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically point towards fluid or electrolyte imbalance. Feeling cold, increased urination with coffee consumption, and feeling thirsty in the summer are not direct indicators of fluid or electrolyte imbalance in this context.

2. A nurse is caring for several clients with dehydration. The nurse assesses the client with which finding as needing oxygen therapy?

• A. Tenting of skin on the back of the hand
• B. Increased urine osmolarity
• C. Weight loss of 10 pounds
• D. Pulse rate of 115 beats/min

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the pulse rate of 115 beats/min. A rapid pulse rate is a sign of compensatory mechanisms in response to dehydration, indicating that the body is trying to deliver oxygen more efficiently. Oxygen therapy may be needed to support the increased oxygen demand. Tenting of skin on the back of the hand is a classic sign of dehydration due to decreased skin turgor. Increased urine osmolarity and weight loss are also indicators of dehydration, but they do not directly suggest a need for oxygen therapy.

3. The nurse is planning care for a client with epilepsy. Which precautions does the nurse implement to ensure the safety of the client while in the hospital? (Select one that doesn't apply.)

• A. Have suction equipment at the bedside
• B. Keep bed rails up at all times
• C. Ensure that the client has IV access
• D. Maintain the client on strict bed rest

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a client with epilepsy, it is essential to avoid restraining them with strict bed rest as it can lead to complications like muscle atrophy, thrombosis, and pressure ulcers. Having suction equipment at the bedside is important in case of seizures to prevent aspiration. Keeping bed rails up can prevent falls during a seizure. Ensuring that the client has IV access is crucial for administering medications such as antiepileptic drugs or emergency medications if needed. Therefore, maintaining the client on strict bed rest is not a recommended precaution for a client with epilepsy.

4. When the client finds antiembolism stockings uncomfortably tight, what is the nurse's best action?

• A. Remove the stockings for an hour to relieve the pressure
• B. Pull the stockings down so that they are not constricting
• C. Measure the client's calf to ensure that they are the correct size
• D. Teach the client the purpose of wearing the stockings

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client finds antiembolism stockings uncomfortably tight is to teach the client the purpose of wearing the stockings. This educates the client on the importance of the stockings in preventing blood clots and encourages compliance. Removing the stockings or pulling them down may compromise their effectiveness. Measuring the client's calf size is not necessary in this situation as the discomfort is due to tightness, not incorrect sizing.

5. The nurse is caring for a client who has had surgery the previous day. The client tells the nurse, "Breathing in using this thing (incentive spirometer) is a ridiculous waste of time."? What is the nurse's best response?

• A. "The spirometer will help you cough effectively."?
• B. "The spirometer will help your lungs expand."?
• C. "The spirometer will help prevent blood clots."?
• D. "The spirometer will improve blood flow in your lungs."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, '"The spirometer will help your lungs expand."?' Incentive spirometry is used postoperatively to help prevent atelectasis by expanding the lungs and improving lung function. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of the spirometer is not to help cough effectively. Choice C is incorrect because while deep breathing with the spirometer can indirectly help prevent blood clots by improving lung function, its primary purpose is not to prevent blood clots directly. Choice D is incorrect because although using the spirometer can improve ventilation and oxygenation, its main purpose is not to improve blood flow in the lungs.

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