Nursing Elites

1. A confused, older client with Alzheimer's disease becomes incontinent of urine when attempting to find the bathroom. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Assist the client to a bedside commode every two hours
• B. Insert an indwelling catheter
• C. Use adult diapers to manage incontinence
• D. Restrict fluids in the evening

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to assist the client to a bedside commode every two hours. This approach, known as scheduled toileting, is essential in managing incontinence in clients with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's disease. By providing regular assistance to the client to use the commode, the nurse can help maintain continence and reduce accidents. Inserting an indwelling catheter (Choice B) should be avoided if possible to prevent the risk of urinary tract infections. Using adult diapers (Choice C) should be considered a last resort and not the initial intervention. Restricting fluids in the evening (Choice D) is not appropriate as it may lead to dehydration and other complications.

2. A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Decreased bowel sounds
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Decreased urine output
• D. Elevated blood glucose level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Decreased urine output is concerning in a client with acute pancreatitis as it may indicate hypovolemia or renal impairment. In acute pancreatitis, decreased urine output can signify inadequate perfusion to the kidneys, leading to renal failure. While the other options are important to monitor in a client with acute pancreatitis, decreased urine output requires immediate attention to prevent further complications.

3. A client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice and ascites. Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL
• B. Serum bilirubin of 3.0 mg/dL
• C. Serum ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL
• D. Serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL is most concerning in a client with cirrhosis as it may indicate hepatic encephalopathy, requiring immediate intervention. High serum ammonia levels can lead to altered mental status, confusion, and even coma. Serum albumin (choice A) is often decreased in cirrhosis but does not require immediate intervention. Serum bilirubin (choice B) elevation is expected in cirrhosis and may not require immediate intervention unless very high. Serum sodium (choice D) within the given range is generally acceptable and does not require immediate intervention.

4. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with hyperkalemia. Which laboratory value is most concerning?

• A. Serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L
• B. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
• C. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dl
• D. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dl

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is concerning in a client with CKD as it indicates hyperkalemia, which requires immediate intervention to prevent cardiac complications. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, particularly in patients with impaired kidney function. Serum sodium, creatinine, and blood glucose levels, while important, are not as acutely dangerous as severe hyperkalemia in this context.

5. In determining the client position for insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter, it is most important for the nurse to recognize which client condition?

• A. High urinary pH
• B. Abdominal ascites
• C. Orthopnea
• D. Fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Orthopnea. If the client is orthopneic, the nurse needs to adapt the insertion position that does not place the client in a supine position. This means the head of the bed should be elevated as much as possible to facilitate catheter insertion without compromising the client's breathing. High urinary pH (choice A) is not directly relevant to the insertion position of a urinary catheter. Abdominal ascites (choice B) may impact the procedure due to abdominal distension but is not as crucial as orthopnea. Fever (choice D) does not specifically affect the client's position for urinary catheter insertion.

Similar Questions