Nursing Elites

1. A client has been admitted to the Coronary Care Unit with a myocardial infarction. Which nursing diagnosis should have priority?

• A. Pain related to ischemia
• B. Risk for altered elimination: constipation
• C. Risk for complication: dysrhythmias
• D. Anxiety related to pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pain related to ischemia. This nursing diagnosis should have priority because addressing the pain caused by ischemia is crucial in managing the client's myocardial infarction. Pain management is essential not only for the client's comfort but also for improving outcomes and reducing complications. Choices B, C, and D are not the priority in this scenario. Risk for altered elimination: constipation (Choice B) is not as immediate a concern as managing the client's pain. Risk for complication: dysrhythmias (Choice C) may be a potential concern but addressing the client's pain takes precedence. Anxiety related to pain (Choice D) is important to address but should come after managing the pain itself.

2. A nurse in a long-term care facility is admitting a client who is incontinent and smells strongly of urine. His partner, who has been caring for him at home, is embarrassed and apologizes for the smell. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. "It must be difficult to care for someone who is confined to bed."
• B. "It is important to keep the client clean to avoid infections."
• C. "I understand that this is challenging; let’s work together to ensure comfort."
• D. "The smell is quite strong; we need to address this immediately."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is C: "I understand that this is challenging; let’s work together to ensure comfort." This response acknowledges the difficulty the partner is facing, shows empathy, and offers to collaborate in providing care. Choice A is incorrect because it does not directly address the partner's feelings of embarrassment or offer support. Choice B, while true, does not address the partner's emotional state and may come across as directive rather than supportive. Choice D is also incorrect as it focuses solely on the smell without addressing the partner's emotions or offering assistance in managing the situation with empathy.

3. A hospitalized client needs a chest x-ray. The radiology department calls the nursing unit and says that they are sending a transporter for the client. When entering the client’s room, the priority action is to:

• A. Check the client’s identification bracelet
• B. Inform the client about the procedure
• C. Prepare the client for transport
• D. Verify the x-ray order

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action to take when a transporter arrives to take a hospitalized client for a procedure is to check the client's identification bracelet. This step is crucial to prevent errors and ensure that the correct patient is receiving the intended procedure. Informing the client about the procedure and preparing them for transport are important steps in the process, but verifying the client's identity takes precedence to ensure patient safety. Verifying the x-ray order, though important, is not the priority action when the transporter arrives; confirming the patient's identity is essential before proceeding with any procedures.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has signs of hemorrhagic shock. When the nurse notifies the surgeon, he directs her to continue to measure the client's vitals every 15 minutes and call him back in 1 hour. From a legal perspective, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

• A. Notify the nursing manager.
• B. Document the client's condition and communication with the surgeon.
• C. Administer additional fluids as per standard procedure.
• D. Call the surgeon back immediately to ensure timely intervention.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should choose option B, which is to document the client's condition and communication with the surgeon. By documenting the client's condition and the communication with the surgeon, the nurse ensures legal protection and maintains continuity of care. This documentation serves as evidence of the actions taken, communication exchanged, and the rationale behind decisions made. Option A, notifying the nursing manager, may not be necessary at this stage unless there are specific institutional protocols requiring it. Administering additional fluids without further clarification may not be appropriate and could worsen the client's condition if not indicated. Calling the surgeon back immediately (option D) may disrupt the agreed-upon plan of action and fail to follow the surgeon's instructions of reassessment after an hour.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism. Which finding should the nurse expect to observe in this client?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Cold intolerance
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Dry skin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Weight loss is a common finding in clients with hyperthyroidism due to increased metabolic activity. Hyperthyroidism leads to an overactive thyroid gland, which results in an increased metabolic rate and often leads to weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite. Cold intolerance (Choice B) is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, where the body's processes slow down. Bradycardia (Choice C) is a slow heart rate, which is not typically seen in hyperthyroidism; rather, tachycardia or an increased heart rate is more common. Dry skin (Choice D) is also not a typical finding in hyperthyroidism, as the skin is more likely to be warm and moist due to increased metabolic activity.

Similar Questions