Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed a low-protein diet. Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the diet?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• B. Serum potassium
• C. Serum calcium
• D. Creatinine clearance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels should be monitored to assess the effectiveness of a low-protein diet in clients with chronic kidney disease. BUN levels reflect the breakdown of protein in the body, and a low-protein diet aims to reduce BUN levels to lessen the workload on the kidneys. Therefore, monitoring BUN levels is crucial in managing kidney function and evaluating the impact of dietary modifications. Serum potassium, serum calcium, and creatinine clearance are important parameters to monitor in clients with chronic kidney disease, but they are not specifically indicative of the effectiveness of a low-protein diet. Serum potassium levels are crucial in assessing electrolyte balance, serum calcium levels are important for bone health and nerve function, and creatinine clearance reflects kidney function overall, not just the impact of a low-protein diet.

2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing respiratory distress. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer bronchodilators as prescribed.
• B. Encourage pursed-lip breathing.
• C. Position the client in a high Fowler's position.
• D. Obtain a stat arterial blood gas (ABG) sample.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with COPD experiencing respiratory distress, the priority intervention should be to position the client in a high Fowler's position. This position helps optimize lung expansion, improve oxygenation, and reduce the work of breathing. Administering bronchodilators and encouraging pursed-lip breathing are important interventions but positioning the client to enhance respiratory function takes precedence in this situation. Obtaining an ABG sample may provide valuable information but is not the initial priority when addressing respiratory distress.

3. What instructions should the nurse give to a patient with cervical cancer who is planned to receive external-beam radiation to prevent complications from the effects of the radiation?

• A. Test stools for the presence of blood.
• B. Maintain a low-residue, high-fiber diet.
• C. Clean the perianal area carefully after every bowel movement.
• D. Inspect the mouth and throat daily for signs of thrush.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient with cervical cancer is receiving external-beam radiation, the radiation to the abdomen can affect organs in its path, such as the bowel, leading to complications like frequent diarrhea. Cleaning the perianal area carefully after each bowel movement is crucial to decrease the risk of skin breakdown and infection. Testing stools for blood is not necessary since inflammation associated with radiation may lead to occult blood in stools. Maintaining a low-residue diet is actually recommended to prevent bowel irritation. Radiation to the abdomen does not cause stomatitis, so inspecting the mouth and throat for thrush is not directly related to the effects of external-beam radiation in this context.

4. When a client reports being allergic to penicillin, which question should the nurse ask to gather more information?

• A. Are you allergic to any other medications?
• B. How often have you taken penicillin in the past?
• C. Is anyone else in your family allergic to penicillin?
• D. What happens to you when you take penicillin?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Questioning the client about the specific allergic reaction to penicillin is crucial for assessing the severity and type of allergic response, aiding in determining appropriate treatment and avoiding potential adverse reactions.

5. The nurse has completed the admission assessment of a client and has determined that the client's body mass index (BMI) is 33.5 kg/m2. What health promotion advice should the nurse provide to the client?

• A. It would be very helpful if you could integrate more physical activity into your routine.
• B. You're considered to be overweight, so you should be diligent about maintaining a healthy diet.
• C. You might want to consider some of the surgical options that have been developed for treating obesity.
• D. With your permission, I'd like you to refer to a support group for individuals who live with severe obesity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increasing physical activity is a key component of managing BMI and overall health.

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