Nursing Elites

1. While caring for a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should review which of the client's laboratory values?

• A. White blood cell count
• B. Hemoglobin
• C. Serum creatinine
• D. Culture for sensitive organisms

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Purulent drainage suggests an infection at the wound site. Reviewing the culture and sensitivity results will guide appropriate antibiotic treatment by identifying the causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivities. Elevated white blood cells indicate infection but do not specify the organism. Creatinine and hemoglobin values are unrelated to wound infections.

2. A client with Type 2 diabetes is admitted with frequent hyperglycemic episodes and glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) of 10%. What actions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

• A. Mixing glargine with aspart insulin to manage glucose levels.
• B. Teaching foot care to prevent injuries.
• C. Coordinating carbohydrate-controlled meals and subcutaneous injections.
• D. Reviewing site rotation for insulin injections.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In managing a client with Type 2 diabetes experiencing frequent hyperglycemic episodes and with a high A1C level, it is crucial to coordinate carbohydrate-controlled meals and subcutaneous injections. This approach helps regulate blood glucose levels effectively. Mixing glargine with aspart insulin (Choice A) is not a recommended practice as these insulins have different onset and peak times. Teaching foot care (Choice B) is important in diabetes management but is not the priority in this scenario. Reviewing site rotation for insulin injections (Choice D) is important to prevent lipodystrophy but is not the immediate action needed to address the client's hyperglycemia and high A1C level.

3. What does the nurse's signature on the client’s surgical consent form signify?

• A. The client voluntarily grants permission for the procedure to be done
• B. The client is competent to sign the consent without impairment of judgment
• C. The client understands the risks and benefits associated with the procedure
• D. The client has signed the form freely and voluntarily

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's signature on a surgical consent form signifies that the client voluntarily grants permission for the procedure to be done. This is the correct answer because the nurse's signature does not imply the client's competence, understanding of risks and benefits, or that the client signed the form freely and voluntarily. The nurse's role is to verify that the client has made an informed decision and is providing consent for the procedure.

4. A client with hypothyroidism is experiencing severe lethargy and cold intolerance. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Increase the dose of levothyroxine.
• B. Administer a PRN dose of antipyretic medication.
• C. Provide a warm blanket and increase the room temperature.
• D. Increase the client's fluid intake to avoid dehydration.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase the dose of levothyroxine. In hypothyroidism, the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like lethargy and cold intolerance. Increasing the dose of levothyroxine, which is a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, helps correct the deficiency and alleviates the symptoms. Choice B, administering antipyretic medication, is incorrect as antipyretics are used to reduce fever, not treat hypothyroidism symptoms. Choice C, providing a warm blanket and increasing room temperature, may provide temporary comfort but does not address the underlying hormonal deficiency. Choice D, increasing fluid intake, is important for overall health but does not directly address the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving supplemental oxygen. The client reports feeling short of breath and has a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Increase the oxygen flow rate
• B. Notify the healthcare provider
• C. Administer a bronchodilator
• D. Elevate the head of the bed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed promotes lung expansion and improves oxygenation, making it the priority intervention for a client with shortness of breath. This position helps in maximizing lung expansion and aiding ventilation-perfusion matching in patients with COPD. Increasing the oxygen flow rate may be necessary but should come after optimizing the client's positioning. Notifying the healthcare provider and administering a bronchodilator are not the initial interventions for addressing shortness of breath in a client with COPD.

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