Nursing Elites

1. A client with cirrhosis is at risk for bleeding due to impaired liver function. Which laboratory result is the most important to monitor?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• B. Prothrombin time (PT)
• C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• D. Serum albumin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prothrombin time (PT) measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is a critical indicator of bleeding risk in clients with liver dysfunction. Impaired liver function reduces clotting factor production, leading to an increased PT, which requires close monitoring. Monitoring BUN (Choice A) is more indicative of kidney function, not clotting ability. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (Choice C) and serum albumin (Choice D) are important indicators of liver function, but they do not directly assess the client's bleeding risk.

2. The nurse is teaching a group of clients about managing diabetes. Which of the following should be emphasized as a goal for all diabetics?

• A. Frequent exercise and weight control
• B. Prevent eye damage
• C. Keep insulin refrigerated at all times
• D. Prevent the development of complications

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Frequent exercise and weight control. These should be emphasized as a goal for all diabetics because they help prevent complications and manage blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial in managing diabetes as they can improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Choice B, preventing eye damage, is important but is more specific to diabetic retinopathy and not a general goal for all diabetics. Choice C, keeping insulin refrigerated, is essential for insulin storage but not a primary goal for all diabetics. Choice D, preventing the development of complications, is too broad and does not provide a specific actionable goal for all diabetics.

3. The nurse is conducting diet teaching for a client diagnosed with hypertension. Which foods should the nurse encourage the client to eat?

• A. Pickled olives
• B. Canned soup
• C. Fresh or frozen vegetables without sauce
• D. Fruits without sauce

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fresh or frozen vegetables without sauce. These foods are low in sodium, which is crucial for managing hypertension. Pickled olives (choice A) and canned soup (choice B) are high in sodium, which can exacerbate hypertension. While fruits without sauce (choice D) are generally healthy, emphasizing vegetables is more beneficial for hypertension due to their lower sodium content.

4. Prior to surgery, written consent must be obtained. What is the nurse's legal responsibility with regard to obtaining written consent?

• A. Witness the consent and sign the form as a witness
• B. Inform the client of alternatives to the procedure
• C. Explain the procedure in detail to the client
• D. Determine that the surgical consent form has been signed and is included in the client's record

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse's legal responsibility is to ensure that informed consent has been obtained by verifying that the client has signed the form and that it is included in the record. Witnessing the consent and signing as a witness is not the nurse's role, as this is typically done by a neutral party. Informing the client of alternatives to the procedure and explaining the procedure in detail are responsibilities of the healthcare provider performing the surgery, not the nurse.

5. While changing a client's chest tube dressing, the nurse notes a cracking sensation when gentle pressure is applied to the skin at the insertion site. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Apply a pressure dressing at the chest tube site.
• B. Administer an oral antihistamine per PRN order.
• C. Assess the client for allergies to topical cleaning agents.
• D. Measure the area of crackling and swelling.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Measuring the area of crackling and swelling is essential in monitoring the progression of subcutaneous emphysema, which can result from air leaking into the tissues around the chest tube insertion site. This technique helps evaluate the extent of the issue and guides further interventions. Applying a pressure dressing (choice A) might exacerbate the condition by trapping more air. Administering an oral antihistamine (choice B) is not indicated for subcutaneous emphysema. Assessing for allergies to topical cleaning agents (choice C) is not the priority in this situation compared to evaluating and managing the subcutaneous emphysema.

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