Nursing Elites

1. A client receiving amlodipine (Norvasc), a calcium channel blocker, develops 1+ pitting edema around the ankles. It is most important for the nurse to obtain what additional client data?

• A. Bladder distention
• B. Serum albumin level
• C. Abdominal girth
• D. Breath sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D. Breath sounds.' When a client receiving amlodipine develops edema, it is crucial to assess for potential heart failure, a side effect of the medication. Checking breath sounds helps in identifying any signs of pulmonary edema, a severe complication of heart failure. Choices A, B, and C are less relevant in this context. Bladder distention could be associated with urinary issues, serum albumin level with malnutrition or liver disease, and abdominal girth with gastrointestinal problems, none of which directly relate to the potential heart failure induced by amlodipine.

2. An experienced nurse tells the nurse-manager that working with a new graduate is impossible because the new graduate will not listen to suggestions. The new graduate comes to the nurse-manager describing the senior nurse's attitude as challenging and offensive. What action is best for the nurse manager to take?

• A. Have both nurses meet separately with the staff mental health consultant
• B. Listen actively to both nurses and offer suggestions to solve the dilemma
• C. Ask the senior nurse to examine mentoring strategies used with the new graduate
• D. Ask the nurses to meet with the nurse-manager to identify ways of working together

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Facilitating a meeting for the nurses to identify ways of working together is the best action for the nurse manager. This approach promotes open communication, collaboration, and allows both nurses to express their concerns and perspectives. Option A may not address the underlying issues between the nurses and involving a mental health consultant may not be necessary at this stage. Option B, while listening is important, may not fully resolve the conflict without a structured plan. Option C focuses solely on the senior nurse without involving the new graduate in resolving the situation.

3. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus reports feeling shaky and has a blood glucose level of 60 mg/dl. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administer 15 grams of carbohydrate
• B. Administer a glucagon injection
• C. Provide a snack with protein
• D. Encourage the client to rest

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus experiencing hypoglycemia with a blood glucose level of 60 mg/dl is to administer 15 grams of carbohydrate. This will help raise the blood glucose levels quickly. Administering a glucagon injection (Choice B) is usually reserved for severe hypoglycemia where the client is unconscious or unable to swallow. Providing a snack with protein (Choice C) is not the first-line treatment for hypoglycemia as protein takes longer to raise blood glucose levels. Encouraging the client to rest (Choice D) may be beneficial after administering the carbohydrate, but the priority is to raise the blood glucose levels promptly.

4. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with jaundice. Which serum laboratory value is likely to be elevated for this client?

• A. Amylase
• B. Creatinine
• C. Blood urea nitrogen
• D. Bilirubin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bilirubin is a key serum laboratory value that is likely to be elevated in clients with jaundice. Jaundice is characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to an excess of bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin. Elevated amylase levels are associated with pancreatic conditions, not specifically jaundice. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen are markers of kidney function and are not directly related to jaundice.

5. When evaluating the preoperative teaching of a client scheduled for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament repair, which statement by the client indicates that the teaching was effective?

• A. I will use crutches to keep my weight off my knee
• B. I will stay home until a wheelchair is delivered
• C. I can use the trapeze bar and side rails on the bed to help me turn regularly
• D. I can put my full weight on my foot starting the day after surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Using crutches indicates an understanding of weight-bearing restrictions post-surgery. Choice B is incorrect because waiting for a wheelchair is not related to postoperative mobility instructions. Choice C is incorrect as turning in bed using the trapeze bar and side rails does not address weight-bearing restrictions. Choice D is incorrect because putting full weight on the foot immediately after surgery contradicts the need to keep weight off the knee.

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