Nursing Elites

1. A home health nurse is caring for an older adult client who just returned home following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Assess mobility
• B. Monitor vital signs
• C. Provide pain relief
• D. Reinforce discharge teaching

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing mobility should be the nurse's priority as it ensures the client's safety and helps in developing an appropriate care plan. By evaluating the client's ability to move after the knee arthroplasty, the nurse can identify any immediate issues or complications that need to be addressed promptly. Monitoring vital signs, providing pain relief, and reinforcing discharge teaching are important aspects of care but assessing mobility takes precedence in ensuring the client's immediate well-being and identifying any potential risks.

2. A nurse is teaching a client who has diabetes mellitus about foot care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Soak feet in hot water daily
• B. Use a heating pad on the feet daily
• C. Cut toenails straight across
• D. Massage feet with lotion daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Cut toenails straight across.' This instruction is crucial for clients with diabetes to prevent ingrown toenails and potential foot complications. Soaking feet in hot water daily (Choice A) can lead to skin damage and is not recommended for diabetic individuals. Using a heating pad on the feet daily (Choice B) can cause burns or injuries due to reduced sensation in the feet that often accompanies diabetes. Massaging feet with lotion daily (Choice D) is generally safe but may not address the specific preventive measure of cutting toenails correctly.

3. Which of the following situations can be identified as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A nurse demonstrates signs of chemical impairment
• B. A family has conflicting feelings about tube feeding for their terminally ill father
• C. A nurse overhears a colleague threatening to restrain a patient if they do not stay in bed
• D. A client with terminal cancer hesitates to name their spouse as power of attorney

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ethical dilemmas involve conflicting values or feelings. In this situation, the family is conflicted about tube feeding for their terminally ill father, which presents a moral and ethical challenge. Choices A, C, and D do not represent ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves a nurse's impairment, which is a different issue. Choice C involves a nurse's observation of a colleague's threat, which is a patient safety concern. Choice D involves a client's hesitation in naming a spouse as power of attorney, which is a legal and decision-making issue, not necessarily an ethical dilemma.

4. What are key signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in older adults?

• A. Confusion and increased temperature
• B. Painful urination and frequent urination
• C. Dizziness and headache
• D. Back pain and fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In older adults, key signs of a UTI often include confusion and increased temperature. Confusion is a common symptom in the elderly when they have a UTI, and an increase in body temperature can indicate an infection. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while painful urination and frequent urination are common UTI symptoms in general, they may not be as prominent in older adults. Dizziness, headache, back pain, and fever can be associated with other conditions but are not typically key signs of a UTI in older adults.

5. What are the complications of untreated hyperglycemia?

• A. Diabetic ketoacidosis and dehydration
• B. Hypoglycemia and hypertension
• C. Infection and liver failure
• D. Pulmonary edema and electrolyte imbalance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetic ketoacidosis and dehydration. Untreated hyperglycemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication characterized by high blood sugar, the presence of ketones in the urine, and acidosis. Dehydration is also a common complication of untreated hyperglycemia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypoglycemia and hypertension are not typical complications of untreated hyperglycemia. Infection and liver failure, as well as pulmonary edema and electrolyte imbalance, are also not direct complications of untreated hyperglycemia.

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