Nursing Elites

1. A client with osteoporosis is being discharged home. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Avoid weight-bearing exercises.
• B. Take calcium supplements with meals.
• C. Limit vitamin D intake.
• D. Increase intake of caffeine-containing beverages.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Taking calcium supplements with meals is a crucial instruction for a client with osteoporosis. Calcium absorption is enhanced when taken with food, and proper calcium intake is essential for managing osteoporosis effectively by promoting bone health and density. Avoiding weight-bearing exercises (Choice A) is incorrect because these exercises help improve bone strength. Limiting vitamin D intake (Choice C) is also incorrect as vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption. Increasing caffeine intake (Choice D) is not recommended as caffeine can interfere with calcium absorption.

2. In planning the turning schedule for a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to consider what assessment finding?

• A. 4+ pitting edema of both lower extremities.
• B. A Braden risk assessment scale rating score of ten.
• C. Warm, dry skin with a fever of 100° F.
• D. Hypoactive bowel sounds with infrequent bowel movements.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A low Braden score indicates a high risk for pressure ulcers, making regular turning crucial to prevent skin breakdown.

3. The client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving hemodialysis. Which finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
• B. Weight gain of 2 pounds since the last dialysis session.
• C. Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dl.
• D. Potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is dangerously high, a condition known as hyperkalemia, which can lead to severe cardiac complications like arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to lower potassium levels to prevent life-threatening outcomes in clients undergoing hemodialysis.

4. A 70-year-old man presents with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. He has a history of atrial fibrillation. Physical examination reveals a soft abdomen with minimal tenderness. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Acute pancreatitis
• B. Mesenteric ischemia
• C. Peptic ulcer disease
• D. Diverticulitis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sudden onset of severe abdominal pain in a patient with atrial fibrillation, along with a soft abdomen and minimal tenderness on examination, suggest mesenteric ischemia due to embolic occlusion of the mesenteric arteries. This condition is characterized by a sudden and severe decrease in blood flow to the intestines, leading to abdominal pain and tenderness. Acute pancreatitis typically presents with epigastric pain that may radiate to the back, accompanied by elevated serum amylase and lipase levels. Peptic ulcer disease and diverticulitis usually do not manifest with the sudden onset of severe abdominal pain as described in the case.

5. The client has a nasogastric (NG) tube and is receiving enteral feedings. What intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications associated with the NG tube?

• A. Flush the NG tube with water before and after feedings.
• B. Check gastric residual volume every 6 hours.
• C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees.
• D. Replace the NG tube every 24 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees is crucial in preventing aspiration, a common complication associated with nasogastric (NG) tubes and enteral feedings. This position helps reduce the risk of reflux and aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs, promoting client safety and preventing respiratory complications. Flushing the NG tube with water before and after feedings (Choice A) is not the primary intervention to prevent complications. Checking gastric residual volume every 6 hours (Choice B) is important but not directly related to preventing complications associated with the NG tube. Replacing the NG tube every 24 hours (Choice D) is not a standard practice and is not necessary to prevent complications if the tube is functioning properly.

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