Nursing Elites

1. A client with a severe head injury is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Which finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Urine output of 100 mL/hour.
• B. Intracranial pressure (ICP) of 20 mm Hg.
• C. Respiratory rate of 12 breaths/minute.
• D. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 70 mm Hg.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An Intracranial Pressure (ICP) of 20 mm Hg is at the upper limit of normal and may indicate increased intracranial pressure, which is a critical finding in a client with a severe head injury. Elevated ICP can lead to further brain damage and must be addressed promptly to prevent complications such as herniation. Monitoring and managing ICP are crucial in the care of patients with head injuries in the ICU.

2. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is taking prednisone. What is an important side effect for the nurse to monitor?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hypotension
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is hyperglycemia. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, can lead to elevated blood sugar levels as a side effect, particularly in patients with diabetes or those predisposed to developing diabetes. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome.

3. When assessing a client reporting severe pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, which sign would most likely indicate appendicitis?

• A. Rebound tenderness at McBurney's point.
• B. Positive Murphy's sign.
• C. Rovsing's sign.
• D. Cullen's sign.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rebound tenderness at McBurney's point is a classic sign of appendicitis. This sign indicates peritoneal irritation, a common feature of appendicitis. McBurney's point is located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen and is a focal point for assessing tenderness. Positive Murphy's sign is associated with cholecystitis, not appendicitis. Rovsing's sign is elicited by palpation of the left lower quadrant resulting in pain in the right lower quadrant, also suggestive of appendicitis. Cullen's sign is associated with acute pancreatitis and manifests as periumbilical ecchymosis.

4. While assessing a client with diabetes mellitus, the nurse observes an absence of hair growth on the client's legs. What additional assessment provides further data to support this finding?

• A. Palpate for the presence of femoral pulses bilaterally.
• B. Assess for the presence of a positive Homan's sign.
• C. Observe the appearance of the skin on the client's legs.
• D. Watch the client's posture and balance during ambulation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The absence of hair growth on the legs in a client with diabetes mellitus can be indicative of poor circulation due to compromised blood flow. Assessing the appearance of the skin on the client's legs is crucial as it can reveal additional signs of impaired circulation, such as changes in color, temperature, and the presence of ulcers or wounds. This information aids in the comprehensive evaluation of the client's vascular status and guides appropriate interventions to prevent potential complications.

5. A 55-year-old man presents with fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. Imaging shows dilated intrahepatic bile ducts and a normal common bile duct. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Primary biliary cirrhosis
• B. Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• C. Gallstones
• D. Pancreatic cancer

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The constellation of symptoms including fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice, along with elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, and imaging findings of dilated intrahepatic bile ducts and a normal common bile duct, are classical features of primary biliary cirrhosis.

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