Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic heart failure. Which of the following findings indicates that the client is experiencing fluid overload?

• A. Increased urine output
• B. Bounding peripheral pulses
• C. Weight loss
• D. Decreased heart rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In clients with chronic heart failure, bounding peripheral pulses are a classic sign of fluid overload. This occurs due to increased volume in the arterial system, causing a forceful pulse. Increased urine output (Choice A) is often seen in clients with fluid volume deficit, not overload. Weight loss (Choice C) is also inconsistent with fluid overload as it suggests a fluid deficit. Decreased heart rate (Choice D) is more commonly associated with conditions like bradycardia, hypothyroidism, or the use of certain medications, but not specifically indicative of fluid overload in chronic heart failure.

2. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for enalapril. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Serum potassium 4.0 mEq/L
• B. Sodium 138 mEq/L
• C. Serum creatinine 3.8 mg/dL
• D. Hemoglobin 13 g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. An elevated serum creatinine level can indicate impaired kidney function, which is crucial to report before administering enalapril. Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, can affect kidney function, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly impact the initiation of enalapril therapy.

3. A client with heart failure is being taught about dietary modifications by a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will increase my intake of canned vegetables.
• B. I will limit my daily sodium intake to 2 grams.
• C. I will increase my intake of whole grains.
• D. I will reduce my intake of processed meats.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: I will reduce my intake of processed meats.' This choice indicates an understanding of the teaching because processed meats are high in sodium, which can worsen heart failure due to fluid retention. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address the issue of reducing sodium intake, which is crucial for clients with heart failure. Increasing canned vegetable intake (A) may not always be advisable due to potential high sodium content in canned products. Limiting sodium intake to 2 grams daily (B) is a good practice, but it's more specific to sodium restriction rather than addressing the source of sodium like processed meats. Increasing whole grains (C) is generally beneficial but does not directly relate to reducing sodium intake in heart failure clients.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood glucose of 110 mg/dL.
• B. Weight loss of 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) in 24 hours.
• C. WBC count of 6,500/mm3.
• D. Temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A weight loss of 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) in 24 hours may indicate dehydration or malnutrition, which are critical concerns for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Therefore, the nurse should report this finding to the provider. Elevated blood glucose levels (Choice A) can be managed by adjusting TPN components, WBC count (Choice C) and a slightly elevated temperature (Choice D) are not directly related to TPN administration and may not require immediate intervention.

5. What is the best intervention for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Administer bronchodilators
• C. Administer IV fluids
• D. Reposition the patient

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the best intervention for a patient experiencing respiratory distress because it helps improve oxygenation. Oxygen therapy is the initial and priority intervention to ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the body tissues. Administering bronchodilators (Choice B) may be appropriate for specific respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD but is not the first-line intervention in all cases of respiratory distress. Administering IV fluids (Choice C) is not a standard intervention for respiratory distress unless there is an underlying cause like dehydration. Repositioning the patient (Choice D) can aid in optimizing ventilation but is not the primary intervention for respiratory distress.

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