Nursing Elites

1. When assessing the carotid artery of a client with cardiovascular disease, what action should a nurse perform?

• A. Palpating the carotid artery in the upper third of the neck
• B. Palpating both arteries simultaneously to compare amplitude
• C. Listening to the carotid artery, using the bell of the stethoscope to assess for bruits
• D. Instructing the client to take slow, deep breaths while the nurse listens to the carotid artery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing the carotid artery of a client with cardiovascular disease, the nurse should listen to the carotid artery using the bell of the stethoscope to assess for bruits. This is crucial in detecting abnormal sounds that may indicate underlying pathology. Palpating the carotid artery in the upper third of the neck can trigger a vagal response, leading to a decrease in heart rate, which is undesirable. Palpating both arteries simultaneously can disrupt blood flow to the brain. Instructing the client to take slow, deep breaths is unnecessary and not a standard practice during carotid artery assessment.

2. What is the primary nutritional deficiency of concern for a strict vegetarian?

• A. vitamin C
• B. vitamin B12
• C. vitamin E
• D. magnesium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin B12 is the primary nutritional deficiency of concern for a strict vegetarian. While all mentioned vitamins are essential for overall health, vitamin B12 is particularly important for vegetarians as it is mainly found in animal products. A strict vegetarian diet may lack sufficient vitamin B12 intake, leading to potential health issues like anemia and neurological problems. Vitamin C deficiency is more commonly associated with scurvy, which is preventable with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E deficiency is rare and usually only seen in specific medical conditions. Magnesium deficiency is not typically a primary concern for strict vegetarians as magnesium can be obtained from a variety of plant-based sources.

3. The patient is inquiring about the use of a PCA pump for pain management. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for additional education?

• A. "I will continue to report my pain score during assessments."?
• B. "I understand that there is a maximum dose per hour that I can receive regardless of how many times I press the button."?
• C. "I believe this new PCA pump will finally alleviate my back pain."?
• D. "I have more control over when and how much medication I receive."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is, "I believe this new PCA pump will finally alleviate my back pain."? This statement indicates a need for additional education as it reflects an unrealistic expectation regarding pain management. It is essential for the patient to understand that while a PCA pump can provide effective pain relief, it may not completely eliminate pain. Option A is correct as it demonstrates the patient's understanding of the importance of reporting pain scores for proper pain management. Option B is correct as it shows the patient's awareness of the maximum dose limits to prevent overdose. Option D is correct as it highlights the patient's understanding of the control they have over their medication administration.

4. A nurse calculates a newborn infant's Apgar score 1 minute after birth and determines that the score is 6. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• B. Gently stimulate the infant by rubbing his back while administering oxygen
• C. Recheck the score in 5 minutes
• D. Provide no action except to support the infant's spontaneous efforts

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Apgar score is a method for rapidly evaluating an infant's cardiorespiratory adaptation after birth. The nurse assigns scores in five areas: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and color, totaling the scores. A score of 8 to 10 requires no action other than supporting the infant's spontaneous efforts and observation. A score of 4 to 7 indicates the need to gently stimulate the infant by rubbing his back while administering oxygen. If the score is 1 to 3, the infant requires resuscitation. Therefore, in this scenario with an Apgar score of 6, the correct action is to gently stimulate the infant by rubbing his back while administering oxygen. Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation would be excessive at this point, and rechecking the score in 5 minutes may delay necessary interventions. Providing no action except to support the infant's spontaneous efforts is insufficient for a score of 6, indicating the need for stimulation and oxygen administration.

5. During a health assessment, a nurse is assisting with gathering subjective data from a client and plans to ask the client about the medical history of the client's extended family. About which family members would the nurse ask the client?

• A. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins
• B. Foster children and their parents
• C. Wife's children from a previous marriage
• D. Wife and wife's parents

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins.' When gathering medical history from the client's extended family, it is essential to inquire about relatives beyond the nuclear family, such as aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, as they share genetic and environmental influences. Choice C, 'Wife's children from a previous marriage,' pertains to stepchildren, not extended family members. Choice B, 'Foster children and their parents,' involves individuals who are not biologically related to the client's family. Choice D, 'Wife and wife's parents,' focuses solely on immediate family members and excludes the client's extended family members, which are crucial for a comprehensive health assessment.

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