Nursing Elites

1. A client with a serum albumin level of 3 g/dL has a pressure ulcer. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte balance
• B. Consult a dietitian to improve the client's nutritional status
• C. Administer a protein supplement
• D. Administer an anti-inflammatory medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with a serum albumin level of 3 g/dL and a pressure ulcer is to consult a dietitian to improve the client's nutritional status. Adequate nutrition is essential for wound healing. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance is important but not the first priority in this situation. Administering a protein supplement can be considered after dietary evaluation. Administering an anti-inflammatory medication is not the primary intervention for addressing a pressure ulcer related to low albumin levels.

2. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has schizophrenia and is taking clozapine. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a contraindication to the administration of clozapine?

• A. WBC count 2,900 /mm3.
• B. Fasting blood glucose 100 mg/dl.
• C. Hgb 14 g/dl.
• D. Heart rate 58/min.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A WBC count of 2,900/mm3 indicates leukopenia, which is a serious side effect of clozapine and contraindicates its use. Leukopenia is a significant concern with clozapine therapy due to the risk of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Monitoring the WBC count is crucial to detect this adverse effect early. The other options (B, C, and D) are within normal ranges and not contraindications for administering clozapine.

3. A nurse is working in an acute care mental health facility and is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. All-or-nothing thinking.
• B. Euphoric mood.
• C. Disorganized speech.
• D. Hypochondriasis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Disorganized speech. Disorganized speech is a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by impaired thought processes that lead to incoherent, disjointed communication. All-or-nothing thinking (Choice A) is more commonly associated with cognitive distortions seen in conditions like anxiety disorders. Euphoric mood (Choice B) is not a typical finding in schizophrenia, as individuals with this disorder often display a flat or blunted affect. Hypochondriasis (Choice D) involves a preoccupation with having a serious illness and is not a primary symptom of schizophrenia.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote wound healing?

• A. Apply heat to the surgical site
• B. Ensure the client consumes adequate protein
• C. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently
• D. Instruct the client to drink 4 liters of water daily

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client consumes adequate protein. Protein is essential for wound healing as it supports tissue repair. Applying heat to the surgical site (choice A) is not recommended as it can increase inflammation. Although ambulation (choice C) is beneficial for circulation and preventing complications, it is not directly related to promoting wound healing. Instructing the client to drink 4 liters of water daily (choice D) is excessive and not specifically related to wound healing in this context.

5. A client diagnosed with dementia wanders the halls of the locked nursing unit during the day. To ensure the client's safety while walking in the halls, the nurse should do which of the following?

• A. Administer PRN haloperidol (Haldol) to decrease the need to walk
• B. Assess the client's gait for steadiness
• C. Restrain the client in a geriatric chair
• D. Administer PRN lorazepam (Ativan) to provide sedation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's gait for steadiness is the most appropriate action to ensure the safety of a client with dementia while walking. This allows the nurse to identify any issues that may increase the risk of falls or accidents. Administering PRN haloperidol or lorazepam is not indicated as the first-line approach in managing wandering behavior and can have adverse effects like increased risk of falls, confusion, or oversedation. Restraint use should be avoided whenever possible, as it can lead to physical and psychological harm to the client.

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