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. The healthcare provider is conducting a respiratory assessment and is determining respirations per minute. Which factor(s) generally affect the character of respirations? Select all that apply.

• A. Anxiety
• B. Exercise
• C. Smoking
• D. A, B

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct! Anxiety and exercise can significantly alter the character of respirations, increasing the rate and depth. Smoking, while harmful to the respiratory system in the long term, does not directly affect the character of respirations like anxiety and exercise do. Therefore, choices C (Smoking) is incorrect. The correct answer is D (A, B).

3. The nurse is caring for the client recovering from intestinal surgery. Which assessment finding would require immediate intervention?

• A. Presence of thin pink drainage in the Jackson Pratt
• B. Guarding when the nurse touches the abdomen
• C. Tenderness around the surgical site during palpation
• D. Complaints of chills and feeling feverish

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Complaints of chills and feeling feverish may indicate infection, which requires immediate intervention. This finding suggests a systemic response to infection, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Options A, B, and C are common postoperative findings and may not necessarily require immediate intervention unless accompanied by other concerning signs or symptoms.

4. The hypertonicity of the muscles in an infant with cerebral palsy causes scissoring of the legs. The nurse teaches the mother that the preferred way to carry the infant is in a sitting position:

• A. Astride one of her hips
• B. Strapped in an infant seat
• C. Wrapped tightly in a blanket
• D. Under the arm using a football hold

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Carrying the infant astride one of her hips helps keep the legs apart and can help reduce muscle tightness. This position allows for better support and alignment, preventing further muscle contractures. Strapping the infant in an infant seat, wrapping tightly in a blanket, or using the football hold under the arm would not provide the same benefits and may even exacerbate muscle tightness in a child with cerebral palsy.

5. The nurse is analyzing laboratory values for the assigned clients. Which finding, based on the client's medical history, indicates the need for immediate follow-up?

• A. Client with chronic kidney disease and serum creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL
• B. Client with diabetes mellitus and a glycosylated hemoglobin A (HbA1c) of 7.0%
• C. Client with heart failure and a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) of 140 pg/mL
• D. Client who is male and has anemia with hemoglobin of 16.5 g/dL and hematocrit of 45%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An HbA1c of 7.0% in a client with diabetes mellitus indicates poor long-term glucose control, necessitating immediate follow-up. Elevated HbA1c levels suggest a higher average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months, increasing the risk of complications associated with diabetes. Choices A, C, and D do not require immediate follow-up based solely on the provided information. A serum creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL in a client with chronic kidney disease, a BNP of 140 pg/mL in a client with heart failure, and hemoglobin of 16.5 g/dL and hematocrit of 45% in a male client with anemia are within acceptable ranges or do not indicate an urgent need for intervention.

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