Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed erythropoietin. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Monitor the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit.
• B. Monitor the client's blood pressure.
• C. Assess the client for signs of infection.
• D. Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Monitor the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit.' When a client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed erythropoietin, the nurse's priority action is to monitor the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit. Erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production, so monitoring these lab values helps evaluate the effectiveness of erythropoietin in treating anemia. Monitoring the client's blood pressure (choice B) is important but not the priority in this scenario. Assessing the client for signs of infection (choice C) is important but not the priority related to the prescription of erythropoietin. Monitoring the client for signs of bleeding (choice D) is relevant but not the priority action when erythropoietin is prescribed.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Which of the following interventions is a priority to maintain client safety?

• A. Flush the tube with water every 4 hours
• B. Check the tube placement before each feeding
• C. Secure the tube to the client's nose with tape
• D. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying the correct placement of a nasogastric tube before each feeding is essential to prevent aspiration and ensure that the tube is properly positioned in the stomach or intestine. This action is a priority to maintain client safety. Flushing the tube with water every 4 hours is important for tube patency but is not the priority over verifying placement. Securing the tube with tape and keeping the head of the bed elevated are crucial but are considered secondary measures compared to confirming the correct tube placement.

3. A client is admitted with a suspected bowel obstruction. What assessment finding should the nurse report immediately?

• A. Absent bowel sounds in all quadrants.
• B. Distended abdomen with a firm, rigid feel.
• C. Frequent episodes of nausea and vomiting.
• D. Hyperactive bowel sounds and abdominal cramping.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A distended abdomen with a firm, rigid feel is a concerning sign that suggests a complication such as bowel perforation, which requires immediate intervention. Absent bowel sounds can be expected in bowel obstructions but are not as urgent as a rigid abdomen. Frequent episodes of nausea and vomiting are common with bowel obstructions but do not indicate an immediate life-threatening complication. Hyperactive bowel sounds and abdominal cramping are more indicative of bowel obstruction rather than a complication requiring immediate attention.

4. An older client who had a subtotal parathyroidectomy is preparing for discharge. What 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 indicates hypocalcemia, a complication after parathyroid surgery that requires immediate attention. This sign is manifested by facial muscle twitching when the facial nerve in front of the ear is tapped, indicating neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels. Afebrile with a normal pulse (Choice A) is a normal finding and does not require immediate notification. No bowel movement since surgery (Choice B) is common postoperatively due to anesthesia effects and pain medications and usually resolves within a few days; it does not require immediate notification unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms. No appetite for breakfast (Choice C) is a common postoperative finding and does not require immediate notification unless it persists and leads to dehydration or malnutrition.

5. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What assessment finding suggests the medication is effective?

• A. Improved tolerance to cold.
• B. Decreased fatigue and improved energy levels.
• C. Reduced anxiety and improved mood.
• D. Increased sensitivity to heat.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased fatigue and improved energy levels. Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism by providing the body with the thyroid hormone it lacks. Therefore, a positive response to the medication would manifest as decreased fatigue and improved energy levels due to the correction of the thyroid hormone imbalance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because improved tolerance to cold, reduced anxiety, and increased sensitivity to heat are not direct indicators of the effectiveness of levothyroxine in managing hypothyroidism.

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