Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has a long arm cast. Which of the following findings indicates a moderate complication when assessing for acute compartment syndrome?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Petechiae
• C. Change in mental status
• D. Edema

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Edema is a common sign of acute compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, requiring immediate intervention. Shortness of breath (Choice A) is more indicative of a respiratory issue rather than acute compartment syndrome. Petechiae (Choice B) are pinpoint, round spots that appear on the skin due to bleeding under the skin and are not typically associated with acute compartment syndrome. Change in mental status (Choice C) is more suggestive of neurological issues rather than acute compartment syndrome.

2. A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Instill erythromycin ophthalmic ointment
• B. Place identification bracelets on the newborn
• C. Weigh the newborn
• D. Dry the newborn

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Drying the newborn is the first priority to prevent heat loss, which can occur rapidly in newborns due to their large surface area and lack of body fat. This helps maintain the newborn's body temperature and prevent hypothermia. Instilling erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, placing identification bracelets, and weighing the newborn can be important steps but should come after ensuring the newborn is dried to maintain their body temperature.

3. A nurse on a pediatric care unit is delegating client care. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?

• A. Initiate a dietary consult for a toddler
• B. Administer a glycerin suppository to a preschool-age child
• C. Evaluate gastric residual following intermittent feeding of an adolescent
• D. Transport a school-age child to x-ray

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because transporting a stable child to x-ray is a task that can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel. This task does not require clinical judgment or specialized skills. Choices A, B, and C involve assessments and interventions that require nursing judgment and should be performed by a qualified nurse. Initiating a dietary consult for a toddler involves assessing the child's nutritional needs and must be done by a nurse. Administering a glycerin suppository to a preschool-age child requires medication administration skills and knowledge of appropriate dosages, which are within the nurse's scope of practice. Evaluating gastric residual following intermittent feeding of an adolescent is a clinical assessment that requires interpretation and decision-making based on the findings, making it a nursing responsibility.

4. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected myocardial infarction. Which finding supports this diagnosis?

• A. Pain radiating to the left arm
• B. Pain relieved by rest
• C. Pain worsening with deep breathing
• D. Pain relieved by antacids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. This occurs due to the referred pain pathways shared by the heart and the left arm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Pain relieved by rest (choice B) is more indicative of musculoskeletal pain rather than cardiac-related pain. Pain worsening with deep breathing (choice C) is often seen in conditions like pleurisy or pulmonary embolism, not myocardial infarction. Pain relieved by antacids (choice D) suggests gastrointestinal issues like heartburn or acid reflux, not cardiac-related pain.

5. A nurse is teaching a client about dietary modifications for a low-sodium diet. Which of the following should the nurse include?

• A. Limit intake of processed foods
• B. Increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
• C. Use of accessory muscles
• D. Monitor for allergic reactions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to limit intake of processed foods. Processed foods are often high in sodium, which goes against the goal of a low-sodium diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are recommended for a low-sodium diet due to their natural low sodium content. The use of accessory muscles and monitoring for allergic reactions are not related to dietary modifications for a low-sodium diet.

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