Nursing Elites

1. A client with liver cirrhosis and severe ascites has a serum sodium level of 115 mEq/L and is receiving 3% saline IV. Which assessment finding indicates that the nurse should notify the healthcare provider?

• A. The client's serum sodium level is now 130 mEq/L
• B. The client reports a headache and has a BP of 140/90
• C. The client reports shortness of breath and has an O2 saturation of 92%
• D. The client has crackles in both lung bases and an increased respiratory rate.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The presence of crackles in both lung bases and an increased respiratory rate indicates fluid overload, which can be exacerbated by hypertonic saline. This condition can worsen the client's respiratory status and lead to further complications. The other options do not directly relate to the fluid overload caused by the hypertonic saline. A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L is within a normal range for treatment. A headache and a blood pressure of 140/90 are not specific indicators of worsening condition related to hypertonic saline. Shortness of breath and an O2 saturation of 92% could be related to other factors in a client with liver cirrhosis and ascites.

2. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice and ascites. Which assessment finding is most concerning?

• A. Peripheral edema
• B. Confusion and altered mental status
• C. Yellowing of the skin
• D. Increased abdominal girth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with cirrhosis presenting with jaundice and ascites, yellowing of the skin (icterus) is the most concerning assessment finding. This indicates significant liver dysfunction and a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Yellowing of the skin suggests a severe impairment of the liver's ability to process bilirubin, which can lead to serious complications. Peripheral edema and increased abdominal girth are common manifestations of cirrhosis but are not as acutely concerning as skin yellowing. Confusion and altered mental status are also critical findings in cirrhosis, indicating hepatic encephalopathy, but skin yellowing is more closely associated with the severity of liver dysfunction in this scenario.

3. The nurse is preparing to administer an enema to a client with severe constipation. Which position is most appropriate for the client?

• A. Supine with the head elevated 30 degrees
• B. Left lateral with the right leg flexed
• C. Sims’ position with the right leg flexed
• D. Prone position with the head turned to the side

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sims’ position with the right leg flexed is the most appropriate position for administering an enema to a client with severe constipation. This position helps in promoting the flow of the enema solution into the rectum and facilitates the evacuation of stool. Supine position with the head elevated 30 degrees (Choice A) is not ideal for administering an enema as it does not facilitate the flow of the solution. Left lateral position with the right leg flexed (Choice B) is not the best choice for administering an enema. Prone position with the head turned to the side (Choice D) is also not suitable for administering an enema as it does not assist in the proper administration and retention of the solution.

4. During the initial visit to a client with MS who is bed-bound and lifted by a hoist, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Determine how the client is cared for when the caregiver is not present.
• B. Develop a client needs assessment and review it with the caregiver.
• C. Evaluate the caregiver's ability to care for the client's needs.
• D. Review with the caregiver the interventions provided each day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the initial visit, the most crucial intervention for the nurse is to determine how the client is cared for when the caregiver is not present. This is essential to ensure the client's safety and well-being, especially during times when the caregiver is not available. Option B is not the most important as it focuses on assessment rather than immediate safety concerns. Option C, while important, is secondary to ensuring continuous care. Option D is less critical during the initial visit compared to ensuring care continuity in the caregiver's absence.

5. When obtaining a rectal temperature with an electronic thermometer, which action is most important for the nurse to perform?

• A. Hold the thermometer in place.
• B. Place the disposable pad under the buttocks.
• C. Instruct the client to breathe deeply.
• D. Return the probe to the charger.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When obtaining a rectal temperature with an electronic thermometer, holding the thermometer in place is crucial. This action ensures accurate temperature measurement and prevents injury to the client. Option B, placing a disposable pad under the buttocks, is not the most important action; it may enhance comfort but does not impact the accuracy of the temperature reading. Option C, instructing the client to breathe deeply, is irrelevant to obtaining a rectal temperature. Option D, returning the probe to the charger, is an incorrect action after temperature measurement.

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