Nursing Elites

1. When evaluating the lab work of a client in hepatic coma, which of the following lab tests is most important?

• A. blood urea nitrogen
• B. serum calcium
• C. serum ammonia
• D. serum creatinine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is in hepatic coma due to liver failure, the liver cannot metabolize amino acids completely, leading to elevated ammonia levels. Increased ammonia can cause brain-tissue irritation, worsening the coma. Therefore, monitoring serum ammonia levels is crucial in assessing the severity of hepatic coma. Choices A, B, and D are less relevant in the context of hepatic coma. Blood urea nitrogen primarily assesses kidney function, serum calcium levels are not directly related to hepatic coma, and serum creatinine is more indicative of kidney function rather than liver function in this scenario.

2. A nurse is assisting with data collection of a client who has sustained circumferential burns of both legs. What should the nurse examine first?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Peripheral pulses
• C. Blood pressure (BP)
• D. Radial pulse rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority assessment for a client with circumferential burns to the legs is to examine peripheral pulses. This is essential to ensure adequate circulation to the extremities. Circumferential burns can lead to compartment syndrome, causing decreased circulation to the affected limbs. Checking peripheral pulses is crucial to monitor for any signs of compromised circulation. While heart rate and blood pressure are important assessments in general, in the context of circumferential burns, the immediate concern is the risk of impaired circulation to the extremities. Therefore, assessing peripheral pulses takes precedence in this situation.

3. Which of the following NSAIDs is most commonly used for a brief period for acute pain?

• A. Advil
• B. Aleve
• C. Toradol
• D. Bextra

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Toradol is the correct answer because it is an NSAID known for its effectiveness in managing acute pain for short durations. It can be administered via intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), or oral (PO) routes. Advil (choice A) and Aleve (choice B) are commonly used for mild to moderate pain but may not be as effective for acute pain requiring immediate relief. Bextra (choice D) was withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns, making it an inappropriate choice for acute pain management.

4. The nurse uses prioritization to determine all of the following except:

• A. time allotment for certain tasks.
• B. appropriate interventions.
• C. treatment procedures.
• D. the need for client education.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "treatment procedures." Prioritization in nursing involves determining the order of importance or urgency of tasks. Treatment procedures are standards of care that need to be followed as defined by the facility or nursing unit. They are not typically subject to prioritization but are mandatory based on established protocols. Time allotment for certain tasks, appropriate interventions, and the need for client education are all aspects that can be influenced by prioritization. For instance, prioritizing tasks helps in managing time effectively, selecting the most suitable interventions, and identifying the necessity for client education as part of the care plan.

5. When working with elderly clients, the healthcare provider should keep in mind that falls are most likely to happen to the elderly who are:

• A. in their 80s.
• B. living at home.
• C. hospitalized.
• D. living on only Social Security income.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'hospitalized.' Elderly individuals are at a higher risk of falls, especially when they are in new environments like hospitals due to unfamiliarity with the surroundings, medications, and potential mobility challenges. Being in a hospital can disrupt their usual routines and increase the risk of falls. Choice A ('in their 80s') is not as directly related to the increased risk of falls in a hospital environment. Choice B ('living at home') is a common setting for the elderly but does not address the specific risk associated with being hospitalized. Choice D ('living on only Social Security income') is unrelated to the risk of falls based on the environment.

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