Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is taking digoxin (Lanoxin). Which finding should the healthcare provider be notified of immediately?

• A. Heart rate of 52 beats per minute
• B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
• C. Blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL
• D. Potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A heart rate of 52 beats per minute is a critical finding in a client taking digoxin, as it may indicate digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can cause bradycardia as a side effect, and a heart rate of 52 bpm warrants immediate attention to prevent adverse outcomes. Monitoring and reporting changes in heart rate are crucial in clients on digoxin therapy to prevent serious complications. The other vital signs and laboratory values provided are within normal ranges or not directly associated with digoxin toxicity in this scenario, making them lower priority for immediate reporting.

2. A client in the terminal stage of cancer is crying. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Sit and hold the client's hand
• B. Encourage the client to talk about their feelings
• C. Leave the client alone to cry
• D. Ignore the client's crying

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In situations where a client is in the terminal stage of cancer and crying, it is essential for the nurse to provide comfort and support. Sitting with the client and holding their hand can offer a sense of presence and emotional support, showing empathy and understanding. Encouraging the client to talk about their feelings (choice B) is also important, but initially, non-verbal support through physical presence can be comforting. Leaving the client alone to cry (choice C) can make the client feel abandoned and unsupported during a vulnerable moment. Ignoring the client's crying (choice D) is not appropriate and lacks compassion and empathy, which are crucial in end-of-life care.

3. When using an open irrigation technique for a client's catheter, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Subtract the amount of irrigant used from the client's urine output.
• B. Add the amount of irrigant used to the urine output measurement.
• C. Measure the amount of irrigant used separately from the urine output.
• D. Document the total amount of fluid used for irrigation only.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when using an open irrigation technique for a client's catheter is to subtract the amount of irrigant used from the client's urine output. This subtraction helps accurately assess the client's output by accounting for the volume of irrigant introduced. Choice B is incorrect because adding the irrigant to the urine output measurement would falsely inflate the total output, leading to inaccurate assessment. Choice C is incorrect as measuring the amount of irrigant separately does not provide an accurate assessment of the client's total output as it disregards the irrigant's contribution. Choice D is incorrect as documenting the total fluid used for irrigation only does not differentiate between the irrigant and the client's actual urine output, which is crucial for accurate monitoring and assessment.

4. The nurse is preparing to provide a complete bed bath to an unconscious patient. The nurse decides to use a bag bath. In which order will the nurse clean the body, starting with the first area?

• A. Neck, shoulders, and chest
• B. Abdomen and groin/perineum
• C. Legs, feet, and web spaces
• D. Back of neck, back, and then buttocks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In providing a complete bed bath using a bag bath for an unconscious patient, the nurse should follow a specific order. The correct sequence is as follows: Neck, shoulders, and chest; Both arms, both hands, web spaces, and axilla; Abdomen and then groin/perineum; Right leg, right foot, and web spaces; Left leg, left foot, and web spaces; Back of neck, back, and then buttocks. Choice A is incorrect as it does not follow the correct sequence for a bed bath. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on the lower extremities before addressing the upper body. Choice D is incorrect as it starts with the back of the patient instead of the upper body areas first.

5. A client in an oncology clinic is being assessed by a nurse while undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. Which of the following statements by the client indicates she is experiencing psychological distress?

• A. I keep having nightmares about my upcoming surgery.
• B. I feel more energetic than I did before.
• C. I have been making plans for the future.
• D. I am looking forward to starting my new treatment.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer as nightmares about upcoming surgery indicate psychological distress commonly associated with fears, anxiety, and stress related to the treatment. Choices B, C, and D suggest positive emotions and proactive behaviors that are not typical signs of psychological distress in this context. Feeling more energetic, making future plans, and looking forward to treatment are generally positive indicators of coping and adjustment to the situation.

Similar Questions