Nursing Elites

1. A client with a head injury is being monitored for increased intracranial pressure. Which of these findings should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. A heart rate of 72 beats per minute
• B. A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
• C. Pupils equal and reactive to light
• D. Client reports headache

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Pupils that are equal and reactive to light are a crucial neurological assessment finding. Changes in pupil size and reactivity can indicate increased intracranial pressure, which requires immediate medical attention. Reporting this finding promptly allows for timely intervention to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and are not indicative of increased intracranial pressure. A heart rate of 72 beats per minute, blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg, and a client reporting a headache are common findings and may not necessitate immediate intervention in this context.

2. The nurse is monitoring a client who has just had a thyroidectomy. The client complains of tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. Which of these findings should the nurse assess first?

• A. Calcium level
• B. Chvostek's sign
• C. Trousseau's sign
• D. Serum potassium level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Chvostek's sign. This is a classic sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur after a thyroidectomy due to injury or removal of the parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia can lead to serious complications like tetany and laryngospasm, necessitating immediate attention. Assessing Chvostek's sign helps in early identification and management of hypocalcemia. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority in this situation. While assessing the calcium level is important for diagnosing hypocalcemia, the immediate concern is to identify clinical signs like Chvostek's sign, which indicate acute hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is also related to hypocalcemia but is not the most critical sign to assess first. Serum potassium level, although important for overall electrolyte balance, is not directly related to the client's current symptoms of tingling in the fingers and around the mouth.

3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the mother of a 9-month-old infant regarding appropriate dietary choices. Which of the following observations by the nurse indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. The infant eats the same foods prepared for the rest of the family.
• B. The mother gives the infant finger foods, such as apple slices for a snack.
• C. The infant drinks 2 quarts of whole milk a day.
• D. The infant drinks from a cup with a cover.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Infants should not consume more than 24 ounces of milk a day as it can lead to iron deficiency anemia and other issues. Choices A and B demonstrate appropriate dietary choices for a 9-month-old, as they involve providing the infant with family foods and appropriate finger foods. Choice D is also appropriate as it shows the infant is transitioning to drinking from a cup.

4. The client is being taught to select foods rich in potassium to help prevent digitalis toxicity. Which choice indicates the client understands dietary needs?

• A. Three apricots
• B. Medium banana
• C. Naval orange
• D. Baked potato

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A baked potato is high in potassium and helps prevent digitalis toxicity by maintaining adequate potassium levels. While choices A, B, and C all contain some potassium, a baked potato is a more concentrated source of potassium compared to three apricots, a medium banana, or a naval orange. Therefore, the client should choose a baked potato to better meet the dietary needs for preventing digitalis toxicity.

5. A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has a burn injury and adheres to a strict vegan diet. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend?

• A. Tuna salad
• B. Fresh fruit
• C. Vegetables
• D. Beans

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Beans are an excellent choice for a client with a burn injury who follows a strict vegan diet. They are a rich source of protein, essential for healing, making them the most suitable option among the choices provided. Tuna salad (choice A) is not suitable for a vegan diet as it contains animal products. While fresh fruit (choice B) and vegetables (choice C) are healthy options, they may not provide sufficient protein needed for healing from a burn injury.

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