Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is the most likely cause of constipation in a client?

• A. Postponing bowel movement when the urge to defecate occurs
• B. Intestinal infection
• C. Antibiotic use
• D. Food allergies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to postpone bowel movement when the urge to defecate occurs. Clients who delay bowel movements by ignoring the urge to defecate or not evacuating promptly, such as in situations where they are not near a bathroom, are at higher risk of developing constipation. This behavior leads to a decrease in bowel movement frequency, slowed intestinal motility, and increased fecal water absorption, resulting in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Intestinal infection (choice B), antibiotic use (choice C), and food allergies (choice D) are less likely to be direct causes of constipation compared to postponing bowel movements.

2. A patient's blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. The patient asks the nurse, "What do the numbers mean?"? Which is the best reply by the nurse?

• A. "The numbers are within the normal range and are nothing to worry about."?
• B. "The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes."?
• C. "The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts."?
• D. "The concept of blood pressure can be complex. The primary thing to be concerned about is the top number, or the systolic blood pressure."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure felt on the artery during left ventricular contraction, or systole. The diastolic pressure is the elastic recoil, or resting, pressure that the blood constantly exerts in between each contraction. The nurse should answer the patient's question in terms they can understand and not just say it is normal and there is nothing to worry about. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest, not the stroke volume. Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure are important. Choice A is incorrect as providing a vague reassurance does not address the patient's query. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the diastolic pressure as reflecting stroke volume, which is incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the explanation, focusing solely on the top number without providing a complete understanding of blood pressure.

3. A client's intake and output are being calculated by a nurse. During the last shift, the client consumed � cup of gelatin, a skinless chicken breast, 1 cup of green beans, and 300 cc of water. The client also urinated 250 cc and had 2 bowel movements. What is this client's intake and output for this shift?

• A. 420 cc intake, 250 cc output
• B. 300 cc intake, 250 cc output
• C. 550 cc intake, 550 cc output
• D. 300 cc intake, 550 cc output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 420 cc intake and 250 cc output for this shift. To calculate the intake, � cup of gelatin (approximately 120 cc) and 300 cc of water should be added together, resulting in 420 cc. Food intake like the chicken breast and green beans is not converted to cc's but may be documented for hospital protocol. Output includes urine (250 cc in this case) and other forms like vomit, diarrhea, or gastric suction. Bowel movements are not converted to cc's, but the nurse may need to document the number of stools passed. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the intake and output calculations based on the information provided.

4. When taking blood pressures on a variety of people at a health fair, what should the nurse keep in mind?

• A. After menopause, blood pressure readings in women are usually higher than those taken in men.
• B. The blood pressure of an African-American adult is usually higher than that of a non-Hispanic White adult of the same age.
• C. Blood pressure measurements in people who are overweight are usually higher than those of people who are at a normal weight.
• D. A teenager's blood pressure reading may be lower than that of an adult.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing blood pressures, it is important to consider that the blood pressure of African-American adults is typically higher than that of non-Hispanic White adults of the same age. This is significant as Black individuals in the United States have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to other groups. Blood pressure readings in women are generally higher than in men after menopause. Additionally, blood pressure measurements in overweight individuals are typically higher than those in individuals of normal weight. While teenagers may have lower blood pressure readings than adults, it is crucial to recognize the trend of a gradual rise in blood pressure throughout childhood and into adulthood. Therefore, the correct choice is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the typical blood pressure differences observed in various populations.

5. In which of the following ways can a nurse promote sleep for a client experiencing insomnia?

• A. Assist the client in using the bathroom one hour after going to bed
• B. Give the client a massage before bedtime
• C. Tuck bed sheets and blankets tightly around the client once settled in bed
• D. Give the client a pair of socks to wear if their feet become cold

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A nurse can promote sleep for a client experiencing insomnia by addressing factors that may hinder sleep. Cold feet can disrupt sleep, so providing the client with socks to keep their feet warm can enhance comfort and aid in promoting sleep. The correct answer focuses on a direct intervention to address a specific issue that can impact sleep quality. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address the issue of cold feet, which is a common problem that can interfere with sleep in individuals with insomnia. Assisting the client to use the bathroom, giving a massage in the morning, or tucking in bed sheets tightly do not target the discomfort caused by cold feet, making them less effective interventions for promoting sleep in this scenario.

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