Nursing Elites

1. A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted with severe, piercing abdominal pain and an elevated serum amylase. Which additional information is the client most likely to report to the nurse?

• A. Pain radiates to the back
• B. Nausea and vomiting without relief
• C. Abdominal pain decreases when lying supine
• D. Abdominal pain is worse after eating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In acute pancreatitis, abdominal pain typically worsens after eating due to the stimulation of the pancreas to release enzymes that irritate the inflamed tissues. Pain relief when lying supine is uncommon and usually exacerbates discomfort. While nausea and vomiting are common symptoms, they are not as indicative of changes in pain intensity. Pain radiating to the back is characteristic but does not specifically relate to exacerbation post-eating.

2. When assessing constipation in elders, what action should be the nurse's priority?

• A. Obtain a complete blood count
• B. Obtain a health and dietary history
• C. Refer to a provider for a physical examination
• D. Measure height and weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining a detailed health and dietary history is crucial when assessing constipation in elders. This helps the nurse identify potential causes such as inadequate fluid intake, low fiber diet, lack of physical activity, or medications that could be contributing to constipation. A complete blood count (Choice A) is not the priority in the initial assessment of constipation. Referring to a provider for a physical examination (Choice C) would be done after gathering more information from the health history. Measuring height and weight (Choice D) is not directly relevant to assessing constipation and identifying its causes.

3. An older client with a long history of coronary artery disease, HTN, and HF arrives in the ED in respiratory distress. The healthcare provider prescribes furosemide IV. Which therapeutic response to furosemide should the nurse expect in the client with acute HF?

• A. Decreased heart rate
• B. Improved blood pressure
• C. Increased urine output
• D. Reduced preload

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reduced preload. Furosemide is a diuretic that reduces fluid overload in heart failure, which lowers the preload (the volume of blood in the ventricles before contraction). By reducing this volume, furosemide improves symptoms of heart failure. While furosemide may lead to increased urine output and lower blood pressure, these effects are secondary to the reduction in preload. Decreased heart rate is not a direct effect of furosemide in heart failure.

4. Which intervention should be included in the long-term plan of care for a client with COPD?

• A. Administer high-flow oxygen during sleep.
• B. Reduce risk factors for infection.
• C. Limit fluid intake to reduce secretions.
• D. Use diaphragmatic breathing to achieve better exhalation.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Use diaphragmatic breathing to achieve better exhalation.' Diaphragmatic breathing is an essential intervention for clients with COPD as it helps improve exhalation and lung function, ultimately reducing symptoms over the long term. Option A is incorrect because high-flow oxygen during sleep is more relevant for clients with conditions like sleep apnea rather than COPD. Option B, 'Reduce risk factors for infection,' is important but not as specific to the long-term management of COPD as diaphragmatic breathing. Option C, 'Limit fluid intake to reduce secretions,' is not a recommended intervention for clients with COPD, as adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining respiratory health.

5. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What is the most important teaching point for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
• B. Take the medication at the same time every day to maintain consistent thyroid levels.
• C. Expect increased sensitivity to cold as a side effect of the medication.
• D. Increase the dosage of levothyroxine if symptoms worsen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Levothyroxine should be taken at the same time every day to maintain stable thyroid hormone levels and ensure effective management of hypothyroidism. Consistent dosing is critical for preventing fluctuations in hormone levels. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine is usually recommended to be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Choice C is incorrect because increased sensitivity to cold is not a common side effect of levothyroxine. Choice D is incorrect because adjusting the dosage without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous and should not be done independently.

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