Nursing Elites

1. A client who has a head injury is transported to the emergency department. Which assessment does the emergency department nurse perform immediately?

• A. Pupil response
• B. Motor function
• C. Respiratory status
• D. Short-term memory

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with a head injury, assessing the respiratory status is the priority as airway and breathing are essential for life. Immediate attention to respiratory status is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation. While assessing pupil response and motor function are also important in head injuries, ensuring the client's ability to breathe takes precedence. Short-term memory assessment is not a priority in the emergent phase of care for a client with a head injury.

2. When obtaining a client’s vital signs, the nurse assesses a blood pressure of 134/88 mm Hg. What is the nurse’s best intervention?

• A. Call the healthcare provider and report the finding.
• B. Reassess the client’s blood pressure at the next follow-up appointment.
• C. Administer an additional antihypertensive medication to the client.
• D. Teach the client lifestyle modifications to decrease blood pressure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to teach the client lifestyle modifications to decrease blood pressure. A blood pressure reading of 134/88 mm Hg falls within the prehypertension range. The initial approach to managing prehypertension involves lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, exercise, and stress reduction techniques. Calling the healthcare provider without attempting non-pharmacological interventions first is premature. Reassessing blood pressure at the next follow-up appointment may delay necessary interventions. Administering additional antihypertensive medication is not indicated at this stage as lifestyle modifications are the first line of treatment for prehypertension.

3. A client is hospitalized with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which clinical manifestation alerts the nurse to the possibility of a complication from the UTI?

• A. Burning on urination
• B. Cloudy, dark urine
• C. Fever and chills
• D. Hematuria

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fever and chills are systemic symptoms that may indicate a more severe infection or a complication of a urinary tract infection (UTI). While burning on urination and cloudy, dark urine are common symptoms of UTI, fever and chills suggest a more serious condition requiring immediate attention. Hematuria, which is blood in the urine, is also a concerning symptom but is more indicative of inflammation or infection rather than a complication.

4. A female client with deteriorating neurologic function states, "I am worried I will not be able to care for my young children."? How does the nurse respond?

• A. "Caring for your children is a priority. You may not want to ask for help, but you have to."?
• B. "Our community has resources that may help you with some household tasks so you have energy to care for your children."?
• C. "You seem distressed. Would you like to talk to a psychologist about adjusting to your changing status?"?
• D. "Give me more information about what worries you, so we can see if we can do something to make adjustments."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client expresses worry about not being able to care for her children due to deteriorating neurologic function, the most appropriate response from the nurse is to gather more information from the client. This open-ended approach allows the nurse to better understand the client's specific concerns and needs, leading to tailored interventions and support. Choice A is dismissive and may make the client feel guilty for needing help. Choice B focuses on external resources without addressing the client's worries directly. Choice C suggests a psychological referral without exploring the client's concerns further. Therefore, the correct response is to gather more information to provide personalized support.

5. A client is receiving an IV infusion of an antibiotic. The client calls the nurse feeling uneasy due to congestion. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Elevate the head of the client's bed to 45 degrees
• B. Have another nurse call the Rapid Response Team
• C. Prepare to administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• D. Slow the rate of the IV infusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the client's symptoms of congestion and feeling uneasy may indicate an anaphylactic reaction, which can be life-threatening. The most appropriate action is to call the Rapid Response Team to provide immediate assistance and interventions. Elevating the head of the bed, administering diphenhydramine, or slowing the IV infusion rate are not the priority actions in the case of a potential severe allergic reaction. These interventions may delay necessary emergency care and potentially worsen the client's condition.

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