Nursing Elites

1. A client who just returned from the recovery room after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is restless, and her pulse rate is increased. As the nurse continues the assessment, the client begins to vomit a copious amount of bright-red blood. The immediate nursing action is to:

• A. Notify the surgeon
• B. Continue the assessment
• C. Check the client’s blood pressure
• D. Obtain a flashlight, gauze, and a curved hemostat

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the scenario described, the client's presentation with bright-red blood vomiting after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is highly concerning for an immediate postoperative hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening. The priority action for the nurse is to notify the surgeon immediately. Prompt communication with the surgeon is vital to ensure swift intervention and appropriate management to address the hemorrhage effectively. Continuing the assessment, checking the client's blood pressure, or obtaining equipment are all secondary actions in this critical situation and would delay the necessary urgent intervention required to manage the hemorrhage effectively.

2. After educating a client with a history of renal calculi, the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should drink at least 3 liters of fluid every day.
• B. I will eliminate all dairy or sources of calcium from my diet.
• C. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products can lead to stones.
• D. The doctor can give me antibiotics at the first sign of a stone.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To prevent the formation of renal calculi, it is essential to maintain adequate hydration as dehydration can contribute to the precipitation of minerals leading to stone formation. Therefore, the correct statement indicating understanding of the teaching is choice A. Increasing fluid intake helps dilute urine and reduces the risk of stone formation. Eliminating all sources of calcium is not recommended as calcium is essential for various bodily functions and eliminating it can lead to other health issues. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products do not directly cause kidney stones. Antibiotics are not used to prevent or treat renal calculi, as they are not caused by bacterial infections.

3. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with coronary artery disease (CAD). Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will take my medication only when I have chest pain.
• B. I will follow a heart-healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• C. I will avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
• D. I will contact my doctor if I experience chest pain or shortness of breath.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement indicates a misunderstanding because medication for CAD should be taken as prescribed, not only when chest pain occurs.

4. A client was admitted for a myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock 2 days ago. Which laboratory test result should a nurse expect to find?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 52 mg/dL
• B. Creatinine of 2.3 mg/dL
• C. BUN of 10 mg/dL
• D. BUN/creatinine ratio of 8:1

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In cardiogenic shock, decreased renal perfusion leads to an elevated BUN. Choice A is correct. Creatinine remains normal in cardiogenic shock as it signifies kidney damage, which has not occurred in this case. A low BUN indicates overhydration, malnutrition, or liver damage, which are not typically seen in cardiogenic shock. A low BUN/creatinine ratio is associated with fluid volume excess or acute renal tubular acidosis, not specifically indicative of cardiogenic shock.

5. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is experiencing nausea, vomiting, visual changes, and anorexia. Which action by the nurse is best?

• A. Check the client’s digoxin (Lanoxin) level.
• B. Administer an anti-nausea medication.
• C. Ask if the client can eat crackers.
• D. Refer the client to a gastrointestinal specialist.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with chronic kidney disease experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, visual changes, and anorexia, it is crucial for the nurse to suspect digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity. These symptoms are indicative of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the best action for the nurse to take is to check the client's digoxin level. Administering anti-nausea medication, asking about eating crackers, and referring to a gastrointestinal specialist may help with symptom management but do not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which is digoxin toxicity in this case.

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