Nursing Elites

1. A client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis has blood drawn for several serum laboratory tests. Which of the following serum amylase values, noted by the nurse reviewing the results, would be expected in this client at this time?

• A. 48 units/L
• B. 97 units/L
• C. 150 units/L
• D. 395 units/L

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "395 units/L." The normal serum amylase range is 25 to 151 units/L. In acute pancreatitis, the amylase level is greatly increased, typically exceeding the upper limit of the normal range. Choices A, B, and C fall within the normal range of serum amylase levels and would not be expected in a client with acute pancreatitis.

2. The client is preparing a morning dose of insulin, which includes 10 units of regular and 22 units of NPH. The nurse is verifying the client's preparation accuracy. What should the syringe read for the correct dose?

• A. 22 units.
• B. 10 units.
• C. 32 units.
• D. 42 units.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 32 units. To determine the correct dose, the nurse needs to add the 10 units of regular insulin to the 22 units of NPH, resulting in a total of 32 units. Therefore, the syringe should read 32 units. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the accurate total dose required for the morning insulin administration.

3. Which of the following is a characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

• A. Increased lung compliance.
• B. Decreased lung elasticity.
• C. Increased respiratory rate.
• D. Increased lung expansion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased lung elasticity. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a loss of lung elasticity, which leads to difficulty in exhaling air. This decreased elasticity results in air becoming trapped in the lungs, making it challenging for the individual to breathe effectively. Choice A is incorrect as COPD is associated with decreased lung compliance, not increased compliance. Choice C is incorrect as individuals with COPD often have a decreased respiratory rate due to impaired lung function. Choice D is incorrect as COPD causes limited lung expansion due to factors like air trapping and hyperinflation.

4. A client with cholelithiasis is admitted with jaundice due to obstruction of the common bile duct. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Distended, hard, and rigid abdomen
• B. Clay-colored stool
• C. Radiating sharp pain in the right shoulder
• D. Bile-stained emesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important finding for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider in a client with cholelithiasis and jaundice due to common bile duct obstruction is a distended, hard, and rigid abdomen. These signs may indicate a possible surgical emergency, such as a complication like gallbladder perforation or peritonitis, which require immediate intervention. Clay-colored stool is associated with obstructive jaundice but does not indicate an acute surgical emergency. Radiating sharp pain in the right shoulder (referred pain from the diaphragm) and bile-stained emesis may also be seen in cholelithiasis but are not as urgent as a distended, hard, and rigid abdomen.

5. When conducting discharge teaching for a client diagnosed with diverticulitis, which diet instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Have small, frequent meals and sit up for at least two hours after meals
• B. Eat a bland diet and avoid spicy foods
• C. Eat a high-fiber diet and increase fluid intake
• D. Eat a soft diet with increased intake of milk and milk products

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a client diagnosed with diverticulitis, the nurse should instruct them to eat a high-fiber diet and increase fluid intake. This diet helps in managing diverticulitis by promoting bowel regularity and preventing complications such as diverticular inflammation or infection. Choice A of having small, frequent meals and sitting up for at least two hours after meals may be beneficial for gastroesophageal reflux disease but is not specific to diverticulitis. Choice B of eating a bland diet and avoiding spicy foods is not the preferred recommendation for diverticulitis management. Choice D of eating a soft diet with increased intake of milk and milk products may not provide enough fiber to aid in diverticulitis management, and the increased intake of dairy products may worsen symptoms in some individuals.

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