Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client in a sickle cell crisis. Which is the pain regimen of choice to relieve the pain?

• A. Frequent aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and a non-narcotic analgesic
• B. Motrin (ibuprofen), an NSAID, PRN
• C. Demerol (meperidine), a narcotic analgesic, every four (4) hours
• D. Morphine, a narcotic analgesic, every two (2) to three (3) hours PRN

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a sickle cell crisis, morphine is the preferred analgesic due to its potency and effectiveness in managing severe pain. Choice A is incorrect because aspirin is contraindicated in sickle cell disease due to its potential to cause a further decrease in blood flow. Choice B, Motrin (ibuprofen), is also not the ideal choice as NSAIDs can exacerbate renal complications in sickle cell patients. Choice C, Demerol (meperidine), is not recommended for sickle cell pain management due to its toxic metabolite accumulation which can cause seizures and other complications.

2. Three major causes of atherosclerosis are:

• A. Hyperthyroidism, underweight, and poor appetite
• B. High blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cigarette smoking
• C. Constipation, peptic ulcer disease, and pancreatitis
• D. Kidney failure, edema, and sodium retention

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atherosclerosis is primarily caused by high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cigarette smoking. These factors contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Hyperthyroidism, underweight, and poor appetite do not directly cause atherosclerosis. Similarly, constipation, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, kidney failure, edema, and sodium retention are not among the primary causes of atherosclerosis.

3. What intervention should the nurse implement for the client who has an ileal conduit?

• A. Pouch the stoma with a one-inch margin around the stoma
• B. Refer the client to the United Ostomy Association for discharge teaching
• C. Report to the healthcare provider any decrease in urinary output
• D. Monitor the stoma for signs and symptoms of infection every shift

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with an ileal conduit is to report any decrease in urinary output to the healthcare provider. Decreased urinary output in these clients may indicate a blockage or another complication, which requires immediate attention. Monitoring the stoma for signs of infection (Choice D) is important but not the priority when compared to a decrease in urinary output. Pouching the stoma with a one-inch margin around it (Choice A) is incorrect as it does not address the issue of decreased urinary output. Referring the client to the United Ostomy Association (Choice B) is not necessary in this immediate situation where a potential complication is suspected.

4. Which referral would be most appropriate for the client diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome?

• A. The physical therapist
• B. The thoracic surgeon
• C. The occupational therapist
• D. The social worker

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the occupational therapist. An occupational therapist specializes in helping individuals with activities of daily living, ergonomic assessments, and adaptive techniques. In the case of thoracic outlet syndrome, an occupational therapist can provide exercises and adaptations to improve the client's function and alleviate symptoms. Choosing the physical therapist (choice A) may also be beneficial for rehabilitation exercises, but occupational therapists focus more on functional activities. Referring to a thoracic surgeon (choice B) would be more appropriate for surgical interventions rather than initial management. Referring to a social worker (choice D) may not directly address the physical symptoms and functional limitations associated with thoracic outlet syndrome.

5. Which electrolyte imbalance is a potential side effect of diuretics?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypercalcemia
• C. Hypomagnesemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Hypokalemia. Diuretics commonly cause hypokalemia due to increased urinary excretion of potassium. Hyperkalemia (Choice A) is the opposite, characterized by high potassium levels and is not typically associated with diuretics. Hypercalcemia (Choice B) is an elevated calcium level, which is not a common side effect of diuretics. Hypomagnesemia (Choice C) is low magnesium levels, which can be a side effect of diuretics, but the most common electrolyte imbalance associated with diuretics is hypokalemia.

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