Nursing Elites

1. Which symptom would indicate a complication after a subdural hematoma?

• A. Increased appetite
• B. Decreased level of consciousness
• C. High-pitched cry
• D. Bulging posterior fontanelle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A bulging posterior fontanelle is a sign of increased intracranial pressure in infants, not a common symptom after a subdural hematoma. In the context of a subdural hematoma, a decreased level of consciousness is more indicative of a complication as it can be a sign of worsening brain function due to increased pressure on the brain from the collection of blood in the subdural space. Increased appetite and high-pitched cry are not typically associated with complications of a subdural hematoma.

2. What are the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?

• A. Sudden shortness of breath
• B. Chest pain
• C. Cough with blood
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A pulmonary embolism can manifest with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. These symptoms are classic presentations of a pulmonary embolism due to the blockage of blood flow to the lungs. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above.' Each symptom alone can be seen in various other conditions, but when occurring together, they strongly suggest a pulmonary embolism. Sudden shortness of breath is due to decreased oxygenation, chest pain can result from the strain on the heart, and coughing with blood may indicate damage to the lung tissue. Choosing any single symptom would not encompass the full range of presentations seen in a pulmonary embolism.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously. The nurse discontinues the magnesium sulfate after the client displays toxicity. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client supine.
• B. Prepare an IV bolus of dextrose 5% in water.
• C. Administer methylergonovine IM.
• D. Administer calcium gluconate IV.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases of magnesium sulfate toxicity, calcium gluconate is the antidote that should be administered promptly. Positioning the client supine (Choice A) is not the priority in this scenario. Administering dextrose 5% in water (Choice B) is not indicated for magnesium sulfate toxicity. Methylergonovine IM (Choice C) is used for postpartum hemorrhage, not for magnesium sulfate toxicity.

4. What are the key nursing interventions for a patient undergoing dialysis?

• A. Monitor fluid balance and administer heparin
• B. Monitor blood pressure and prevent clot formation
• C. Administer medications and monitor blood chemistry
• D. Provide dietary education and encourage protein intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor fluid balance and administer heparin. For a patient undergoing dialysis, it is crucial to monitor fluid balance to prevent fluid overload or depletion. Administering heparin helps prevent clot formation during the dialysis process. Option B is incorrect as while monitoring blood pressure is essential, preventing clot formation is more directly related to heparin administration. Option C is incorrect because administering medications and monitoring blood chemistry are not the primary interventions for dialysis. Option D is incorrect as while dietary education and protein intake are important for overall health, they are not the key nursing interventions specifically for a patient undergoing dialysis.

5. What is the initial step a nurse should take when irrigating a wound?

• A. Wear sterile gloves while removing the old dressing
• B. Cleanse the wound from the center outward
• C. Apply a warm compress to the wound
• D. Use a 20 mL syringe to irrigate the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action when irrigating a wound is to cleanse the wound from the center outward. This method helps remove debris and pathogens effectively, reducing the risk of infection. Choice A is incorrect because wearing sterile gloves should be done before starting the wound irrigation but is not the first action in the process. Choice C is incorrect as applying a warm compress is not the initial step in wound irrigation. Choice D is also incorrect as using a syringe to irrigate the wound comes after cleansing the wound.

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