Nursing Elites

1. A client being seen in the emergency department for complaints of chest pain confides in the nurse about regular use of cocaine as a recreational drug. The nurse takes which important action in delivering holistic nursing care to this client?

• A. Reports the client to the police for illegal drug use
• B. Explains to the client the damage that cocaine does to the heart
• C. Tells the client it is imperative to stop before myocardial infarction occurs
• D. Teaches about the effects of cocaine on the heart and offers a referral for further help

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize educating the client about the effects of cocaine on the heart and provide a referral for further help. This approach is crucial in addressing the root cause of the client's health issues and supporting them in making informed decisions about their health. Reporting the client to the police is not appropriate in this situation as the focus should be on the client's health and well-being. Simply explaining the damage without offering solutions may not effectively address the client's needs or promote holistic care. Telling the client to stop without providing support or education may not be as effective as teaching about the effects of cocaine and offering help for cessation. Therefore, educating about the effects and providing a referral for further assistance is the best course of action for holistic nursing care.

2. A client with hypertension is prescribed a thiazide diuretic. What instruction should the nurse reinforce to the client?

• A. Take the medication in the morning.
• B. Increase potassium intake in the diet.
• C. Weigh yourself daily.
• D. Limit fluid intake to 2 liters per day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to weigh oneself daily. This instruction is important as daily weights help monitor fluid loss and are crucial for detecting early signs of fluid imbalance when taking a diuretic. Weighing daily allows for timely adjustments in treatment and helps prevent complications associated with fluid imbalance. Choice A is not directly related to the client's need for monitoring fluid balance. Choice B, although important for some diuretics, is not specific to thiazide diuretics. Choice D is not appropriate as limiting fluid intake without proper monitoring can lead to dehydration, especially when taking diuretics.

3. The healthcare provider is reinforcing teaching for a client who is starting statin therapy. Which dietary advice should the healthcare provider give?

• A. Eat more whole grains.
• B. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• C. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• D. Increase intake of dairy products.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of statins, leading to an increased risk of adverse effects. It is crucial for clients on statin therapy to avoid grapefruit products to ensure the medication's effectiveness and safety. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly impact the metabolism or effectiveness of statin therapy.

4. The healthcare professional is caring for a client who has just returned from a cardiac catheterization. The healthcare professional should prioritize which assessment?

• A. Monitoring the client's vital signs every 4 hours
• B. Assessing the puncture site for bleeding
• C. Encouraging the client to ambulate early to prevent complications
• D. Providing the client with fluids to flush out the contrast dye

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the puncture site for bleeding is a critical assessment after a cardiac catheterization procedure. This is essential to detect and address any potential complications promptly, such as hemorrhage or hematoma formation. Monitoring vital signs, encouraging early ambulation, and providing fluids to flush out contrast dye are important aspects of post-cardiac catheterization care, but assessing the puncture site for bleeding takes precedence due to the immediate risk of complications such as severe bleeding that require immediate intervention.

5. The nurse is teaching a client about lifestyle changes to manage hypertension. Which dietary change should the nurse recommend?

• A. Increase intake of red meat
• B. Use salt substitutes liberally
• C. Limit sodium intake to 2 grams per day
• D. Increase intake of processed foods

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Limit sodium intake to 2 grams per day.' This recommendation is crucial in managing hypertension because excessive sodium intake can lead to elevated blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake helps the body regulate fluid balance and lower blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Increasing red meat intake can worsen hypertension due to its high saturated fat content. Using salt substitutes liberally can also be harmful as they often contain high amounts of potassium, which can be problematic for individuals with certain health conditions. Increasing processed foods consumption is generally discouraged in hypertension management due to their high sodium content and low nutritional value.

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