Nursing Elites

1. A client who is 24 weeks gestation arrives at the clinic reporting swollen hands. On examination, the nurse notes the client has had a rapid weight gain over six weeks. Which action should the nurse implement next?

• A. Review the client's previous blood pressures in the chart.
• B. Obtain the client's blood pressure.
• C. Observe and time the client's contractions.
• D. Examine the client for pedal edema.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Swollen hands and rapid weight gain could be signs of preeclampsia, so the next step is to check the client's blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is a key indicator in assessing for preeclampsia in pregnancy. Reviewing the client's previous blood pressures may provide additional context but obtaining the current blood pressure is crucial for immediate assessment. Observing and timing contractions are not relevant in this scenario as the client is not presenting with signs of active labor. Examining for pedal edema is important in assessing for fluid retention, but obtaining the blood pressure takes precedence in this case due to the potential seriousness of preeclampsia.

2. When discussing risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with a group of pregnant clients, which ethnicity should the nurse identify as having the lowest incidence of GDM?

• A. Asian
• B. Non-Hispanic White American
• C. Hispanic
• D. African American

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Non-Hispanic White Americans have the lowest incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to other ethnicities. This is because GDM is more prevalent among certain ethnic groups, such as Asian, Hispanic, and African American populations. Asian individuals have an increased risk of developing GDM due to genetic factors, while Hispanic and African American populations have higher incidences of GDM due to lifestyle and genetic predispositions. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as Non-Hispanic White Americans generally have a lower risk of developing GDM.

3. Which of the following statements is a symptom of cystic fibrosis in children?

• A. Cystic fibrosis leads to uncontrollable muscle movements and personality changes.
• B. Cystic fibrosis leads to the excessive production of thick mucus that clogs the pancreas and lungs.
• C. Cystic fibrosis causes red blood cells to clump together, obstructing small blood vessels and decreasing the oxygen supply.
• D. Cystic fibrosis causes the central nervous system to degenerate, resulting in death.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus. This mucus can clog the airways in the lungs and obstruct the pancreas, leading to severe respiratory and digestive problems. Choice A is incorrect because uncontrollable muscle movements and personality changes are not typical symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Choice C is incorrect because cystic fibrosis does not directly cause red blood cells to clump together and obstruct small blood vessels. Choice D is incorrect because cystic fibrosis primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems, not the central nervous system.

4. When should the low-risk patient, who is 16 weeks pregnant, be advised to return to the prenatal clinic?

• A. 1 week.
• B. 2 weeks.
• C. 3 weeks.
• D. 4 weeks.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 4 weeks. Low-risk pregnant patients typically have prenatal visits every 4 weeks until 28 weeks of gestation. This frequency allows for adequate monitoring of the pregnancy without being overly burdensome on the patient. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the standard prenatal care schedule for low-risk pregnancies. Visits that are too frequent may cause unnecessary anxiety for the patient, while visits that are too infrequent may miss important opportunities for monitoring and intervention.

5. A woman has experienced iron deficiency anemia during her pregnancy. She had been taking iron for 3 months before the birth. The client gave birth by cesarean 2 days earlier and has been having problems with constipation. After assisting her back to bed from the bathroom, the nurse notes that the woman’s stools are dark (greenish-black). What should the nurse’s initial action be?

• A. Perform a guaiac test and record the results.
• B. Recognize the finding as abnormal and report it to the primary health care provider.
• C. Recognize the finding as a normal result of iron therapy.
• D. Check the woman’s next stool to validate the observation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should recognize that dark stools are a common side effect in clients who are taking iron replacement therapy. Dark stools are a known, expected result of iron supplementation and are not indicative of a complication unless other symptoms of GI bleeding are present. A guaiac test would be necessary if there were concerns about gastrointestinal bleeding. Recognizing dark stools as a consequence of iron therapy is an essential nursing assessment skill and does not require immediate reporting. Checking the next stool to confirm the observation is unnecessary as the presence of dark stools in this context is already an expected outcome of iron supplementation.

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