Nursing Elites

1. In an emergency department, a provider is assessing a client with an acute head injury following a motor-vehicle crash. Which of the following findings should be prioritized?

• A. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13
• B. Clear fluid leaking from the nose
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Anisocoria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority finding is the clear fluid leaking from the nose, which could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak and potential brain injury. This requires immediate attention to assess for possible cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is a serious complication of head trauma and needs prompt intervention to prevent further complications. While a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13 may indicate a mild alteration in consciousness, it is not as urgent as assessing for a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms after head injuries but do not take precedence over assessing for a potential cerebrospinal fluid leak. Anisocoria (unequal pupils) is also important to note but is not as urgent as identifying a possible cerebrospinal fluid leak in this scenario.

2. During postoperative teaching following a hip arthroplasty, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid lying on your operative side.
• B. Cross your legs at the ankles only.
• C. Place a pillow between your legs when turning.
• D. Avoid bending your hip more than 120 degrees.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include during postoperative teaching following a hip arthroplasty is to 'Place a pillow between your legs when turning.' Placing a pillow between the legs when turning is crucial as it helps prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis. This position aids in maintaining proper alignment and stability, thereby reducing the risk of complications after hip arthroplasty surgery. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the specific action needed to protect the hip prosthesis and prevent complications.

3. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following findings should the professional expect?

• A. Swelling of the affected limb.
• B. Diminished peripheral pulses.
• C. Coolness of the affected limb.
• D. Redness and warmth of the affected limb.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Redness and warmth of the affected limb are classic signs of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) due to inflammation and increased blood flow. These symptoms occur as a result of the blood clot obstructing normal blood flow and causing localized inflammation in the affected limb. Swelling of the affected limb, diminished peripheral pulses, and coolness are not typically associated with DVT. Swelling can be present but is often accompanied by the characteristic redness and warmth. Diminished pulses and coolness are more indicative of arterial insufficiency rather than venous thrombosis.

4. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who has acute renal failure. Which of the following laboratory results should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• B. Decreased creatinine
• C. Increased potassium
• D. Increased calcium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In acute renal failure, the kidneys are unable to excrete potassium efficiently, which can lead to hyperkalemia. As a result, an increased potassium level is a common finding in clients with acute renal failure. Hyperkalemia can have serious cardiac effects, making it essential for healthcare providers to monitor and manage potassium levels closely in clients with renal impairment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in acute renal failure, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels typically rise due to decreased renal function. Calcium levels are more likely to be decreased in acute renal failure due to impaired activation of vitamin D and subsequent decreased calcium absorption.

5. A client has a new diagnosis of GERD. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching about dietary management?

• A. You should increase your intake of high-fat foods.
• B. You should decrease your intake of high-fat foods.
• C. You should avoid foods that contain gluten.
• D. You should increase your intake of dairy products.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to decrease the intake of high-fat foods. High-fat foods can exacerbate symptoms of GERD by delaying stomach emptying and increasing the risk of reflux. By reducing high-fat foods in the diet, the client can help manage symptoms of GERD and decrease the likelihood of complications. Choice A is incorrect because increasing high-fat foods can worsen GERD symptoms. Choice C is unrelated as gluten is not a specific concern for GERD. Choice D is incorrect as increasing dairy products may lead to increased fat intake, which is not recommended for GERD.

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