Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of chronic heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath. Which assessment finding is most concerning?

• A. Crackles in the lungs
• B. Shortness of breath
• C. Elevated liver enzymes
• D. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevated liver enzymes are concerning in a client with chronic heart failure as they may indicate liver congestion or worsening heart failure, requiring immediate intervention. While crackles in the lungs and shortness of breath are common in heart failure, elevated liver enzymes specifically point towards possible liver involvement due to heart failure. A heart rate of 100 beats per minute can be expected in a client with heart failure due to compensatory mechanisms, but elevated liver enzymes signal a more severe condition.

2. A client with a spinal cord injury at the T1 level is admitted with a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the right leg. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer prescribed anticoagulant therapy
• B. Place the client on bedrest
• C. Elevate the client's right leg
• D. Apply compression stockings to the right leg

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the client on bedrest. Placing the client on bedrest is the priority intervention as it helps prevent the risk of embolization from the DVT, which could lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Administering anticoagulant therapy, elevating the client's right leg, or applying compression stockings are important interventions in managing DVT but should come after ensuring the client is on bedrest to prevent the dislodgment of the clot.

3. A male client with rheumatoid arthritis is scheduled for a procedure in the morning. The procedure cannot be completed due to early morning stiffness. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Assign a UAP to assist the client with a warm shower early in the morning.
• B. Administer anti-inflammatory medication before the procedure.
• C. Encourage the client to perform range-of-motion exercises.
• D. Reschedule the procedure for later in the day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A warm shower can help alleviate stiffness, allowing the client to be more comfortable and mobile before the procedure. This intervention promotes increased comfort and mobility, which may help the client proceed with the procedure later in the day. Administering anti-inflammatory medication (Choice B) may be helpful but may take time to be effective, while range-of-motion exercises (Choice C) may be challenging for the client due to stiffness. Rescheduling the procedure (Choice D) does not address the immediate need to alleviate stiffness.

4. A preschooler with constipation needs to increase fiber intake. Which snack suggestion should the nurse provide?

• A. Oatmeal cookies
• B. Cheese sticks
• C. Yogurt
• D. Apple slices

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Oatmeal cookies are the best snack suggestion for a preschooler with constipation needing to increase fiber intake. Oatmeal is high in fiber, which helps relieve constipation. Cheese sticks, yogurt, and apple slices are not as high in fiber content as oatmeal and may not be as effective in addressing the constipation issue in this scenario.

5. A client with type 1 diabetes is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which clinical finding is most concerning?

• A. Serum glucose of 500 mg/dL
• B. Serum glucose of 600 mg/dL
• C. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
• D. Serum bicarbonate of 18 mEq/L

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A serum bicarbonate level of 18 mEq/L is most concerning in a client with DKA as it indicates metabolic acidosis, requiring immediate intervention. In DKA, the body produces excess ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis. A low serum bicarbonate level is a key indicator of this acid-base imbalance. Elevated serum glucose levels are expected in DKA but are managed through insulin therapy. Serum potassium levels can fluctuate in DKA due to insulin deficiency, but a value of 5.5 mEq/L is not as immediately concerning as metabolic acidosis. Therefore, the most critical finding in this scenario is the low serum bicarbonate level.

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