Nursing Elites

1. A client who was involved in a motor vehicle collision is admitted with a fractured left femur that is immobilized using a fracture traction splint in preparation for an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The nurse determines that the client's distal pulses are diminished in the left foot. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Verify pedal pulses using a Doppler pulse device
• B. Evaluate the application of the splint to the left leg
• C. Offer ice chips and clear oral liquids
• D. Monitor the left leg for pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Evaluating the application of the splint is the priority as it ensures it is not too tight, which could impair circulation and exacerbate the diminished pulses. Verifying pedal pulses with a Doppler pulse device may be indicated but does not directly address the immediate concern of proper splint application. Offering ice chips and clear oral liquids would not address the issue of diminished distal pulses. Monitoring the left leg for pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, and pressure is important but would not directly address the cause of the diminished pulses in this scenario.

2. A client with cirrhosis develops increasing pedal edema and ascites. What dietary modification is most important for the nurse to teach this client?

• A. Avoid high carbohydrate foods.
• B. Decrease intake of fat-soluble vitamins.
• C. Decrease caloric intake.
• D. Restrict salt and fluid intake.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to restrict salt and fluid intake. In clients with cirrhosis presenting with pedal edema and ascites, excessive fluid retention occurs, necessitating the restriction of salt and fluid to alleviate these symptoms. Choice A, avoiding high carbohydrate foods, is not the priority in this situation. Decreasing intake of fat-soluble vitamins (Choice B) is not specifically indicated for managing edema and ascites in cirrhosis. While maintaining an appropriate caloric intake is important, decreasing caloric intake (Choice C) is not the primary focus when addressing fluid retention in cirrhosis.

3. In a patient with anemia, which of the following is the primary symptom to assess?

• A. Fever.
• B. Chest pain.
• C. Shortness of breath.
• D. Muscle cramps.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Shortness of breath. In a patient with anemia, the primary symptom to assess is shortness of breath. Anemia leads to a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, resulting in tissues not receiving adequate oxygen. This can manifest as shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion. Fever (Choice A), chest pain (Choice B), and muscle cramps (Choice D) are not typically primary symptoms of anemia. Fever may suggest an infection, chest pain can be indicative of cardiac issues, and muscle cramps may be related to electrolyte imbalances or neuromuscular disorders.

4. The nurse is teaching the main principles of hemodialysis to a client with chronic kidney disease. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching by the nurse?

• A. My sodium level changes due to the movement from the blood into the dialysate.
• B. Dialysis works by the movement of wastes from higher to lower concentration.
• C. Extra fluid can be pulled from the blood by osmosis.
• D. The dialysate is similar to blood but without any toxins.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because dialysis works by the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, which is known as diffusion. The other statements are accurate: A correctly describes the movement of sodium during hemodialysis, C explains the removal of excess fluid by osmosis, and D highlights the purpose of the dialysate in removing toxins from the blood.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with chronic renal failure who is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following findings would indicate that the client is experiencing a complication of the treatment?

• A. Clear dialysate outflow.
• B. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
• C. Increased heart rate.
• D. Fatigue.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg during hemodialysis may indicate fluid overload or an ineffective dialysis session, which can lead to complications such as heart failure or pulmonary edema. This finding should be reported promptly for further evaluation and intervention. Clear dialysate outflow is a normal and expected finding during hemodialysis, indicating proper filtration of waste products. Increased heart rate can be a normal compensatory response to hemodialysis due to fluid shifts and should be monitored but does not necessarily indicate a complication. Fatigue is a common symptom in clients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis and is not specific to complications of the treatment.

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