Nursing Elites

1. What is the expected outcome of prescribing a proton pump inhibitor to a client with a peptic ulcer?

• A. Promote healing of the gastric mucosa.
• B. Neutralize the effects of stomach acid.
• C. Inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori.
• D. Reduce gastric acid secretion.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reduce gastric acid secretion. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work by reducing gastric acid secretion, which helps prevent further irritation of the gastric mucosa and allows ulcers to heal. While promoting healing of the gastric mucosa (Choice A) is an indirect outcome of reducing gastric acid secretion, the primary mechanism of PPIs is to lower acid levels. Choice B, neutralizing the effects of stomach acid, is typically associated with antacids, not PPIs. Inhibiting the growth of Helicobacter pylori (Choice C) is usually achieved with antibiotics, not PPIs.

2. A client scheduled for a bronchoscopy in the morning is anxious and asking the nurse numerous questions about the procedure. Which intervention has the highest priority in preparing the client for the procedure?

• A. Provide detailed education about the procedure
• B. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medication
• C. Instruct client to write down the questions
• D. Reassure the client about the safety of the procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the client to write down questions is the highest priority as it allows the nurse to address concerns systematically, reducing anxiety. This approach empowers the client and ensures that all concerns are covered before the procedure, reducing the risk of miscommunication or unaddressed fears. Providing detailed education about the procedure (choice A) is important but may not address the client's immediate anxiety. Administering anti-anxiety medication (choice B) should only be done if other interventions are ineffective or if prescribed by the healthcare provider. Reassuring the client about the safety of the procedure (choice D) is essential but may not address the specific questions and concerns causing anxiety.

3. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with severe anemia. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Pale skin
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Shortness of breath
• D. Fatigue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a critical sign in severe anemia as it indicates inadequate oxygenation, which can be life-threatening. Immediate intervention is necessary to address this condition. Pale skin (choice A) is a common finding in anemia but not as urgent as shortness of breath. Increased heart rate (choice B) is a compensatory mechanism in anemia to maintain oxygen delivery and is important but not as urgent as addressing inadequate oxygenation. Fatigue (choice D) is a common symptom in anemia but does not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation like shortness of breath does.

4. A client who had a subtotal parathyroidectomy two days ago is now preparing for discharge. Which assessment finding requires immediate provider notification?

• A. Afebrile with a normal pulse.
• B. No bowel movement since surgery.
• C. No appetite for breakfast.
• D. A positive Chvostek's sign.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A positive Chvostek's sign suggests hypocalcemia, which is a post-parathyroidectomy complication and requires prompt treatment. The other options are less urgent: being afebrile with a normal pulse is expected, no bowel movement since surgery can be managed with interventions like early ambulation and stool softeners, and no appetite for breakfast is common postoperatively and can be addressed without immediate provider notification.

5. Following a lumbar puncture, a client complains of worsening headache when sitting up. What complication is the client likely experiencing?

• A. A migraine headache
• B. An infection from the puncture site
• C. Low blood sugar
• D. Spinal fluid leakage (post-lumbar puncture headache)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client is likely experiencing spinal fluid leakage (post-lumbar puncture headache), a common complication of a lumbar puncture. This leakage results in a reduction of cerebrospinal fluid volume around the brain and spinal cord, leading to a headache that worsens when in an upright position due to reduced buoyancy. A migraine headache (Choice A) is not typically associated with a lumbar puncture. Infection from the puncture site (Choice B) would present with localized signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, and warmth, rather than worsening headache. Low blood sugar (Choice C) is not a common complication of lumbar puncture and would not typically manifest as a worsening headache when sitting up.

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