Nursing Elites

1. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What is the most important teaching point for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take the medication with food to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
• B. Monitor for signs of infection, such as a sore throat.
• C. Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
• D. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent photosensitivity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most important teaching point for a client prescribed methotrexate is to avoid direct sunlight to prevent photosensitivity. Methotrexate can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects of client care but are not specifically related to the side effect of photosensitivity caused by methotrexate.

2. A client reports unilateral leg swelling after a long flight. What complication is the nurse most concerned about?

• A. Monitor for signs of a pulmonary embolism.
• B. Assess for signs of dehydration.
• C. Monitor for signs of compartment syndrome.
• D. Check the client’s oxygen saturation levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Unilateral leg swelling following a long flight may indicate a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening complication requiring immediate attention. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, potentially blocking blood flow and leading to serious complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because dehydration, compartment syndrome, and oxygen saturation levels are not typically associated with unilateral leg swelling after a long flight. While dehydration can cause leg cramps, compartment syndrome is more commonly associated with trauma or injury, and oxygen saturation levels are not the primary concern in this scenario.

3. What assessment is most important for the nurse to perform for a client with dehydration receiving IV fluids?

• A. Monitor the client’s electrolyte levels.
• B. Check the client’s urine output hourly.
• C. Assess the client’s skin turgor regularly.
• D. Monitor the client’s blood pressure every 15 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client’s electrolyte levels. When a client is receiving IV fluids for dehydration, it is crucial to assess their electrolyte levels regularly. Dehydration can lead to imbalances in electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper organ function. Checking urine output (Choice B) is important but not as critical as monitoring electrolyte levels. Assessing skin turgor (Choice C) is an indirect method of assessing dehydration but does not provide specific information about electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring blood pressure (Choice D) is important but not the most critical assessment in this scenario as electrolyte imbalances can have a more direct impact on the client's condition.

4. The nurse is caring for a client who has COPD and chest pain related to a recent fall. What nursing intervention requires the greatest caution when caring for a client with COPD?

• A. Administering narcotics for pain relief
• B. Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake
• C. Applying oxygen therapy at a high flow rate
• D. Assisting the client with deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Applying oxygen therapy at a high flow rate. In clients with COPD, high levels of supplemental oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe, leading to carbon dioxide retention and respiratory depression. Oxygen therapy must be administered cautiously to prevent worsening respiratory status. Administering narcotics for pain relief (Choice A) can be necessary but should be done judiciously. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice B) and assisting with deep breathing exercises (Choice D) are generally beneficial interventions for clients with COPD and should not require the same level of caution as high-flow oxygen therapy.

5. A client who recently had a hip replacement has a strong odor from the urine and bloody drainage on the surgical dressing. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Obtain a urine sample from the bedpan.
• B. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
• C. Measure the client's oral temperature.
• D. Remove dressing and assess surgical site.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the client's oral temperature. In this scenario, the strong odor from urine and bloody drainage on the surgical dressing are concerning signs that suggest a possible infection. Fever is a common sign of infection, so measuring the client's temperature will help confirm if an infection is present. Obtaining a urine sample, inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, or removing the dressing and assessing the surgical site are not the first priority actions when infection is suspected. These actions may be necessary later but assessing the client's temperature is the initial step to evaluate for infection.

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