Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client with pericarditis. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?

• A. Paradoxical pulse
• B. Dependent edema
• C. Pericardial friction rub
• D. Substernal chest pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A paradoxical pulse is a sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis that requires immediate intervention. It results from decreased cardiac output due to increased pressure in the pericardial sac. Reporting this finding promptly allows for timely treatment to prevent further deterioration. Dependent edema and substernal chest pain are common in pericarditis but are not as urgent as a paradoxical pulse. A pericardial friction rub is a classic finding in pericarditis and indicates inflammation but is not as critical as a paradoxical pulse.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to an adult client. Which of the following is a contraindication to this vaccine?

• A. The possibility of pregnancy within 4 weeks
• B. Client allergy to strawberry
• C. Client history of genital herpes
• D. The possibility of overseas travel in the next month

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The MMR vaccine is contraindicated in pregnant women due to the risk of fetal harm. It is recommended that women avoid becoming pregnant for at least 4 weeks after receiving the vaccine. Choice B, client allergy to strawberry, is not a contraindication for the MMR vaccine. Choice C, client history of genital herpes, is not a contraindication for the MMR vaccine. Choice D, the possibility of overseas travel in the next month, is not a contraindication for the MMR vaccine.

3. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of hypertension. Which of the following should the nurse monitor?

• A. Fluid intake
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Serum potassium levels
• D. Weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure. When caring for a client with a history of hypertension, monitoring blood pressure is crucial as it allows the nurse to assess the effectiveness of management and adjust treatment if necessary. Monitoring fluid intake (Choice A) is important for conditions like heart failure, but in hypertension, the focus is primarily on blood pressure. Monitoring serum potassium levels (Choice C) is relevant in clients taking certain medications like diuretics, and weight (Choice D) is important for overall health assessment but is not the primary parameter to monitor in hypertension.

4. A nurse should teach which of the following clients requiring crutches about how to use a three-point gait?

• A. A client who is able to bear full weight on both lower extremities.
• B. A client who has bilateral leg braces due to paralysis of the lower extremities.
• C. A client who has a right femur fracture with no weight bearing on the affected leg.
• D. A client who has bilateral knee replacements with partial weight bearing on both legs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a three-point gait is used when the client can bear full weight on one foot and uses crutches and the uninvolved leg to ambulate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not meet the criteria for using a three-point gait. Choice A states that the client can bear full weight on both lower extremities, which does not require a three-point gait. Choice B mentions bilateral leg braces due to paralysis, which would not involve using a three-point gait. Choice D describes a client with bilateral knee replacements with partial weight bearing, which also does not align with the use of a three-point gait.

5. A nurse is caring for a client with a new prescription for lisinopril. Which of the following should the nurse monitor?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Liver function
• C. Serum potassium levels
• D. Heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly used to lower blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial when initiating this medication to assess its effectiveness and potential side effects related to blood pressure regulation. Liver function monitoring is not typically required with lisinopril. While lisinopril can affect potassium levels, it is not the primary parameter to monitor when starting this medication. Heart rate monitoring is not a routine requirement when initiating lisinopril therapy.

Similar Questions