Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional assesses a young adult in the emergency room following a motor vehicle accident. Which of the following neurological signs is of most concern?

• A. Flaccid paralysis
• B. Pupils fixed and dilated
• C. Diminished spinal reflexes
• D. Reduced sensory responses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pupils fixed and dilated. Fixed and dilated pupils are a critical neurological sign that indicates severe neurological damage or brain herniation, posing a significant concern for the patient's condition. Flaccid paralysis (choice A) typically indicates lower motor neuron injury, while diminished spinal reflexes (choice C) and reduced sensory responses (choice D) may suggest various neurological issues but are not as acutely concerning as fixed and dilated pupils in this scenario.

2. The nurse is discussing with a group of students the disease Kawasaki. What statement made by a student about Kawasaki disease is incorrect?

• A. It is also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome because it affects the mucous membranes (inside the mouth, throat, and nose), skin, and lymph nodes.
• B. In the second phase of the disease, findings include peeling of the skin on the hands and feet with joint and abdominal pain.
• C. Kawasaki disease occurs most often in boys, children younger than age 5, and children of Hispanic descent.
• D. Initially findings are a sudden high fever, usually above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which lasts 1 to 2 weeks.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Kawasaki disease occurs most often in boys and children younger than age 5, but there is no specific predisposition to children of Hispanic descent. Choice A is accurate, as Kawasaki disease does affect mucous membranes, skin, and lymph nodes. Choice B is correct, as peeling of the skin on the hands and feet with joint and abdominal pain are findings in the second phase of the disease. Choice D is accurate since initially, there is a sudden high fever that lasts 1 to 2 weeks.

3. A client is receiving treatment for hypothyroidism. Which of these assessments would be most concerning to the nurse?

• A. Heart rate of 70 beats per minute
• B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
• C. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
• D. Temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg would be most concerning to the nurse because changes in blood pressure can indicate worsening hypothyroidism, potentially leading to complications such as myxedema coma. A heart rate of 70 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute, and a temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit are within normal ranges and not typically directly associated with hypothyroidism complications.

4. A client underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and is learning about following a low-cholesterol diet. Which of the following food choices indicates the client's understanding of these dietary instructions?

• A. Liver
• B. Milk
• C. Beans
• D. Eggs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Beans. Beans are an excellent choice for individuals following a low-cholesterol diet post-coronary artery bypass grafting due to their low cholesterol content. Beans are high in fiber and protein, making them a heart-healthy option. Choice A, Liver, is high in cholesterol and should be avoided in a low-cholesterol diet. Choice B, Milk, contains cholesterol and saturated fats, which are not ideal for this diet. Choice D, Eggs, are also high in cholesterol and should be limited in a low-cholesterol diet.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with liver cirrhosis. Which of these findings would indicate that the client is experiencing complications of the disease?

• A. Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• B. Presence of spider angiomas on the skin
• C. Ascites and peripheral edema
• D. Clay-colored stools and dark urine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clay-colored stools and dark urine are classic signs of liver dysfunction, indicating bile flow obstruction commonly seen in liver cirrhosis. This finding is a significant complication requiring immediate medical evaluation. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) is a common symptom of liver dysfunction but is not specific to complications. Spider angiomas and ascites with peripheral edema are also associated with liver cirrhosis, but they are not indicative of immediate complications as clay-colored stools and dark urine are.

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