Nursing Elites

1. While a child is hospitalized with acute glomerulonephritis, the parents ask why blood pressure readings are taken so often. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

• A. Elevated blood pressure must be anticipated and identified quickly
• B. Frequent monitoring helps ensure the medication is effective
• C. It is standard protocol for all hospitalized children
• D. We need to monitor for any potential kidney damage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Elevated blood pressure must be anticipated and identified quickly.' Acute glomerulonephritis can lead to significant hypertension, making it crucial to monitor blood pressure frequently to promptly identify any elevation. Choice B is incorrect because while monitoring can help assess medication effectiveness, the primary reason for frequent blood pressure checks in this case is to detect elevated blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect as not all hospitalized children require such frequent blood pressure monitoring. Choice D is incorrect as the primary reason for monitoring blood pressure is to detect hypertension, rather than solely focusing on potential kidney damage.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy who has thick, tenacious secretions. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Encourage fluid intake to thin secretions.
• B. Administer a mucolytic agent.
• C. Increase humidity in the client's room.
• D. Perform deep suctioning as needed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing humidity in the client's room is the first priority in managing thick, tenacious secretions in a client with a tracheostomy to facilitate airway clearance. This intervention helps to moisten secretions, making them easier to clear. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice A) can be beneficial, but increasing humidity should be addressed first. Administering a mucolytic agent (Choice B) and performing deep suctioning (Choice D) are interventions that can be considered after addressing humidity if necessary, but they are not the initial priority.

3. During orientation, a newly hired nurse demonstrates suctioning of a tracheostomy in a skills class. After the demonstration, the supervising nurse expresses concern that the demonstrated procedure increased the client's risk for which problem?

• A. Infection
• B. Hypoxia
• C. Bleeding
• D. Bronchospasm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Infection. Improper suctioning techniques can introduce pathogens, increasing the risk of infection. Choice B, Hypoxia, is incorrect as it is more related to inadequate oxygen supply. Choice C, Bleeding, is not typically associated with suctioning a tracheostomy unless done too aggressively. Choice D, Bronchospasm, is not directly linked to suctioning but may occur due to other triggers in patients with sensitive airways.

4. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with ascites and jaundice. Which clinical finding is most concerning?

• A. Peripheral edema
• B. Increased abdominal girth
• C. Confusion and altered mental status
• D. Yellowing of the skin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Confusion and altered mental status are the most concerning clinical findings in a client with cirrhosis because they may indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication that requires immediate intervention. Peripheral edema (choice A) and increased abdominal girth (choice B) are common manifestations of cirrhosis but are not as acutely concerning as signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Yellowing of the skin (choice D) is due to jaundice, which is already present in the client and does not directly indicate a worsening condition like confusion and altered mental status.

5. A client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is receiving hemodialysis. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Serum calcium level of 9 mg/dl
• B. Serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L
• C. Serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dl
• D. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dl. In a client with ESRD receiving hemodialysis, serum creatinine should be closely monitored. Elevated creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function. Monitoring serum calcium levels (Choice A), serum potassium levels (Choice B), and serum sodium levels (Choice D) is also important in clients with ESRD, but the most crucial indicator of kidney function in this case is serum creatinine.

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