Nursing Elites

1. A client with meningitis is being assessed by a healthcare provider. Which of the following findings should the provider expect?

• A. Negative Brudzinski’s sign.
• B. Flaccid neck muscles.
• C. Petechial rash.
• D. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A petechial rash is a characteristic finding in clients with meningitis, indicating small, pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin. This rash results from the infection's impact on the blood vessels. Petechiae are important to recognize as they can help differentiate meningitis from other conditions with similar symptoms. Brudzinski’s sign, neck stiffness, and positive Kernig’s sign are more common physical exam findings in meningitis. Flaccid neck muscles and hypoactive deep tendon reflexes are not typically associated with meningitis.

2. A client has a new diagnosis of hyperkalemia and is receiving teaching from a healthcare provider on dietary management. Which of the following statements should the healthcare provider include in the teaching?

• A. You should increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
• B. You should decrease your intake of potassium-rich foods.
• C. You should avoid foods that contain lactose.
• D. You should increase your intake of dairy products.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'You should decrease your intake of potassium-rich foods.' Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by excess potassium in the blood. To manage hyperkalemia effectively, it is crucial to reduce the intake of potassium-rich foods. This helps in lowering the overall potassium levels in the body and prevents complications associated with hyperkalemia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing the intake of potassium-rich foods (Choice A) would exacerbate hyperkalemia. Avoiding foods that contain lactose (Choice C) is not directly related to managing hyperkalemia. Increasing the intake of dairy products (Choice D) is not recommended as they can be a significant source of dietary potassium.

3. When assessing a client with diabetes mellitus experiencing DKA, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Tremors
• B. Urine retention
• C. Kussmaul respirations
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a type of deep and labored breathing pattern associated with severe metabolic acidosis, commonly observed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, resulting in Kussmaul respirations. This helps eliminate excess carbon dioxide and reduce the acidity of the blood. Tremors (Choice A) are not typically associated with DKA. Urine retention (Choice B) is not a common finding in DKA; in fact, clients with DKA often have polyuria due to the osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels. Bradypnea (Choice D), which is abnormally slow breathing rate, is not a characteristic finding in DKA where the respiratory rate is usually increased to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

4. What action should the nurse take to prevent aspiration in a client receiving enteral nutrition?

• A. Flush the feeding tube with water before and after feedings.
• B. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees during feedings.
• C. Administer the feeding slowly.
• D. Check the client's weight daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees during feedings is essential to prevent aspiration in clients receiving enteral nutrition. This positioning helps decrease the risk of regurgitation and aspiration by supporting proper digestion and aiding food passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Elevating the head of the bed is a standard precautionary measure recommended to reduce the chances of aspiration and should be consistently implemented during feedings to ensure client safety and optimal enteral nutrition delivery.

5. A client has a prescription for a soft diet. Which of the following foods should the nurse offer?

• A. Fresh apples
• B. Mashed potatoes
• C. Raw carrots
• D. Nuts

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client is on a soft diet, it is important to offer foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Mashed potatoes are a suitable choice for a soft diet as they are soft in texture and easy to digest. Fresh apples, raw carrots, and nuts are harder and may not be appropriate for a soft diet. Fresh apples and raw carrots require more chewing, and nuts are hard and crunchy, which can be difficult for someone on a soft diet to consume. Therefore, mashed potatoes are the correct option for a client on a soft diet.

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