Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in a long-term care facility is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a new ostomy. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Change the appliance daily
• B. Clean the stoma once a day
• C. Avoid changing the appliance for a week
• D. Change the appliance twice each week

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to change the appliance twice each week. Changing the appliance too frequently can irritate the skin around the stoma, while not changing it often enough can lead to infection. Changing the appliance twice a week helps to maintain hygiene without causing irritation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because changing the appliance daily can cause irritation, cleaning the stoma once a day may not be sufficient for proper hygiene, and avoiding changing the appliance for a week can increase the risk of infection and skin breakdown.

2. A healthcare professional is caring for a client with coronary artery disease (CAD) who is prescribed aspirin. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. A history of gastrointestinal bleeding
• B. A history of hypertension
• C. A platelet count of 180,000/mm³
• D. A prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A history of gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding are at increased risk of complications when taking aspirin due to its effects on platelet function and the gastrointestinal tract. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial to ensure patient safety. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to the increased risk associated with aspirin use in patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, making them less relevant in this scenario. While monitoring platelet count and PT are important in patients taking aspirin, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding takes precedence as it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of aspirin therapy in this client.

3. What are the primary differences between left-sided and right-sided heart failure?

• A. Left-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Right-sided: Systemic edema
• B. Right-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Left-sided: Systemic edema
• C. Left-sided: Systemic edema; Right-sided: Pulmonary congestion
• D. Right-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Left-sided: Heart failure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Left-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Right-sided: Systemic edema." Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion, which manifests as symptoms like shortness of breath and cough. On the other hand, right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion and edema, often presenting as swelling in the legs and abdomen due to fluid retention. Choice B is incorrect because it swaps the features of left-sided and right-sided heart failure. Choice C is incorrect as it also incorrectly switches the characteristics of the two types of heart failure. Choice D is incorrect because it inaccurately associates left-sided heart failure with pulmonary congestion and right-sided heart failure with heart failure itself, which is not a distinguishing feature.

4. A client with left-leg weakness is learning to use a cane. Which teaching point is most appropriate?

• A. Use the cane on the weaker side of the body
• B. Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times
• C. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step
• D. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct teaching point is to maintain two points of support on the ground at all times when using a cane. This ensures stability and helps distribute weight evenly. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side of the body to provide support to the weaker leg. Choice C is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step can lead to imbalance. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the cane and the strong leg simultaneously may not provide adequate support for the weaker leg.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who is prescribed spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for this client?

• A. Total bilirubin.
• B. Urine ketones.
• C. Serum potassium.
• D. Platelet count.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client's serum potassium levels to prevent hyperkalemia, which can be a potential side effect of spironolactone. Monitoring total bilirubin levels (A) is not specifically required for clients taking spironolactone. Urine ketones (B) are not directly influenced by spironolactone use. Platelet count (D) is not typically monitored in clients taking spironolactone.

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