Nursing Elites

1. Which nursing intervention is essential for a client diagnosed with heart failure?

• A. Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration
• B. Monitor the client's weight daily to assess fluid balance
• C. Increase sodium intake to prevent fluid retention
• D. Limit fluid intake to avoid overload

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's weight daily to assess fluid balance in clients with heart failure. This intervention helps healthcare providers evaluate fluid retention or loss, which is crucial in managing heart failure. Choice A is incorrect because excessive fluid intake can worsen heart failure symptoms by causing fluid overload. Choice C is incorrect because increasing sodium intake can lead to fluid retention, exacerbating heart failure. Choice D is incorrect as limiting fluid intake excessively can also be harmful in heart failure management, potentially leading to dehydration.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Numbness of the extremities.
• B. Abdominal cramping.
• C. Bradycardia.
• D. Positive Chvostek's sign.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia, as the sodium imbalance affects muscle function. Numbness of the extremities (Choice A) is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances such as hypocalcemia. Bradycardia (Choice C) is not typically a direct manifestation of hyponatremia. Positive Chvostek's sign (Choice D) is related to hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.

3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about wound care for a client who has a wound requiring irrigation. What is an important instruction?

• A. Wear sterile gloves when applying a new dressing
• B. Cleanse the wound from the center outwards
• C. Keep the wound dry between dressing changes
• D. Apply an antimicrobial ointment to the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to cleanse the wound from the center outwards. This technique helps reduce the risk of contamination by pushing debris away from the wound. Option A, wearing sterile gloves, is important for infection control but not specifically related to wound irrigation. Option C, keeping the wound dry, is not suitable for wound irrigation, which often involves using solutions to clean the wound. Option D, applying an antimicrobial ointment, is not typically done during wound irrigation as the focus is on cleansing the wound.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intermittent enteral tube feedings. Which of the following places the client at risk for aspiration?

• A. A history of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• B. Receiving a formula with high osmolarity.
• C. Sitting in a high-Fowler's position during the feeding.
• D. A residual of 65 mL 1 hour postprandial.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A history of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Clients with gastroesophageal reflux disease have a higher risk of aspiration during tube feeding due to the potential for reflux of stomach contents into the lungs. This increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. High osmolarity formulas may cause diarrhea but do not directly increase the risk of aspiration. Sitting in a high-Fowler's position actually reduces the risk of aspiration by promoting proper digestion and reducing the chance of regurgitation. A residual of 65 mL 1 hour postprandial is within an acceptable range and does not directly indicate a risk for aspiration.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour after surgery.
• B. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber.
• C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber.
• D. Client report of pain at the chest tube insertion site.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak, which should be reported to the provider. This finding suggests that the chest tube system is not functioning properly, leading to potential complications such as pneumothorax. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour after surgery is within the expected range for a chest tube. Tidaling in the water seal chamber is a normal fluctuation and indicates proper functioning of the system. Client report of pain at the chest tube insertion site is expected after surgery and can be managed with appropriate pain management measures.

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