Nursing Elites

1. A client with polycystic kidney disease (PKD is being assessed by a nurse. Which assessment finding should prompt the nurse to immediately contact the healthcare provider?

• A. Flank pain
• B. Periorbital edema
• C. Bloody and cloudy urine
• D. Enlarged abdomen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Periorbital edema would not typically be associated with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and could indicate other underlying issues that require immediate attention. Flank pain and an enlarged abdomen are common findings in PKD due to kidney enlargement and displacement of other organs. Bloody or cloudy urine can result from cyst rupture or infection, which are expected in PKD. Therefore, periorbital edema is the most alarming finding in this scenario and warrants prompt notification of the healthcare provider.

2. A client admitted from a nursing home after several recent falls needs a urine sample for culture and sensitivity. What should the nurse complete first?

• A. Obtain urine sample for culture and sensitivity.
• B. Administer intravenous antibiotics.
• C. Encourage protein intake and additional fluids.
• D. Consult physical therapy for gait training.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the priority intervention is to obtain a urine sample for culture and sensitivity. Older adults with recent falls may have atypical symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI), which can present as new-onset confusion or falling. It is crucial to rule out UTI before initiating antibiotics. While administering antibiotics, encouraging protein intake, fluids, and consulting physical therapy are important interventions, they should follow the urine sample collection to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

3. The client with chronic renal failure is being taught about dietary restrictions by the nurse. Which of the following food items should the client avoid?

• A. Apples
• B. Bananas
• C. Chicken
• D. Rice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bananas. Bananas are high in potassium, which should be limited in clients with chronic renal failure to prevent hyperkalemia. Apples (choice A), chicken (choice C), and rice (choice D) are not typically restricted in clients with chronic renal failure. Apples and rice are lower in potassium, while chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is usually encouraged in these clients to meet their protein needs without excess potassium intake.

4. The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor closely before, during, and after the procedure?

• A. Hemoglobin level.
• B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level.
• C. Creatinine level.
• D. Serum potassium level.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum potassium level. Before, during, and after hemodialysis, monitoring the serum potassium level is crucial to prevent hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening complication. Hemodialysis is done to remove waste products and excess electrolytes like potassium from the blood. Monitoring other laboratory values like hemoglobin, BUN, and creatinine is important in assessing kidney function and anemia, but serum potassium level requires close monitoring during hemodialysis due to the risk of rapid shifts that can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.

5. Four hours following surgical repair of a compound fracture of the right ulna, the nurse is unable to palpate the client's right radial pulse. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider of the finding immediately.
• B. Complete a neurovascular assessment of the right hand.
• C. Elevate the client's right hand on one or two pillows.
• D. Measure the client's blood pressure and apical pulse rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Completing a neurovascular assessment of the right hand is the priority in this situation. This assessment will help determine the circulation, sensation, and movement of the affected limb, ensuring there are no complications like compartment syndrome or impaired perfusion. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (Choice A) might be necessary but should come after assessing the client's neurovascular status. Elevating the client's right hand (Choice C) can be helpful in some cases but should not precede a neurovascular assessment. Measuring the client's blood pressure and apical pulse rate (Choice D) is important but not the priority when assessing a potential vascular compromise in the limb.

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