Nursing Elites

1. A female client reports that her hair is becoming coarse and breaking off, that the outer part of her eyebrows has disappeared, and that her eyes are puffy. What follow-up question is best for the nurse to ask?

• A. Have you noticed any changes in your fingernails?
• B. Have you had any changes in weight or energy levels?
• C. Do you have a family history of thyroid problems?
• D. Have you had recent cold intolerance or unusual fatigue?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Cold intolerance, fatigue, and other changes may indicate hypothyroidism, which could explain the hair and eyebrow loss, and puffy eyes. Choices A, B, and C are less relevant in this context and do not directly address the symptoms presented by the client.

2. A client with a head injury reports severe nausea. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer anti-nausea medication as prescribed.
• B. Prepare the client for a CT scan.
• C. Elevate the head of the bed and provide an emesis basin.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Severe nausea in a client with a head injury may be a sign of increased intracranial pressure. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately to ensure timely intervention, as increased pressure can lead to further complications such as brain herniation. Administering anti-nausea medication or preparing for a CT scan may delay necessary treatment for the underlying cause of the nausea, which could be related to the head injury. Elevating the head of the bed and providing an emesis basin may help manage symptoms but should not be the priority over addressing the potential increase in intracranial pressure.

3. A nurse is caring for a 73-year-old male client with Alzheimer's disease. Which action should the nurse take to enhance the client's nutritional intake?

• A. Encourage the client to eat large meals in one sitting.
• B. Offer the client frequent snacks of foods he enjoys.
• C. Provide the client with foods high in fiber to improve digestion.
• D. Discourage eating late at night to prevent weight gain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Offering frequent snacks of foods the client enjoys is the most appropriate action to enhance the nutritional intake of a client with Alzheimer's disease. This approach helps to ensure that the client receives an adequate amount of nutrients throughout the day, especially when larger meals might be challenging for individuals with Alzheimer's. Encouraging large meals in one sitting (Choice A) may overwhelm the client and lead to decreased food intake. While foods high in fiber (Choice C) are beneficial for digestion, the primary focus should be on providing foods the client enjoys to increase intake. Discouraging eating late at night (Choice D) is not directly related to enhancing nutritional intake in this scenario.

4. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of supplemental oxygen over several days can cause which pathophysiological effect?

• A. Reduced cardiac output
• B. Disrupted surfactant production
• C. Hyperactivity of alveoli
• D. Increased oxygen carrying capacity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Prolonged exposure to high oxygen concentrations can disrupt the production of surfactant in the lungs, leading to atelectasis and other lung complications. Surfactant is essential for maintaining lung compliance and preventing alveolar collapse. Reduced cardiac output (Choice A) is not directly associated with prolonged oxygen exposure. Hyperactivity of alveoli (Choice C) is not a recognized consequence of high oxygen levels. Increased oxygen carrying capacity (Choice D) is not a pathophysiological effect of prolonged high oxygen exposure.

5. A client on long-term corticosteroid therapy for rheumatoid arthritis presents with weakness and hypotension. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Administer a PRN dose of corticosteroids.
• B. Place the client in a supine position.
• C. Encourage oral fluid intake.
• D. Review the client's recent medication history.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a PRN dose of corticosteroids is the correct first action when a client on long-term corticosteroid therapy presents with weakness and hypotension. In this scenario, the client is likely experiencing adrenal insufficiency due to prolonged corticosteroid use. Administering corticosteroids promptly can help correct this insufficiency and improve the client's symptoms. Placing the client in a supine position may be necessary for symptomatic hypotension, but addressing the root cause with corticosteroids is more crucial initially. Encouraging oral fluid intake is important for many conditions but is not the priority in this case. Reviewing the client's recent medication history can provide valuable information but is not the first action needed to address the client's current presentation.

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