Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is assessing a patient with dehydration. Which finding indicates the patient's condition is worsening?

• A. Dry mucous membranes.
• B. Tachycardia and low blood pressure.
• C. Bradycardia and shallow respirations.
• D. Clear lung sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tachycardia and low blood pressure are indicative of worsening dehydration in a patient. Tachycardia is the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased intravascular volume, while low blood pressure reflects inadequate perfusion due to decreased fluid levels. Bradycardia and shallow respirations are not typical findings in worsening dehydration, and clear lung sounds do not directly correlate with the severity of dehydration.

2. A client is preparing for a surgical procedure but refuses to remove religious jewelry. What is the best course of action?

• A. Proceed with surgery and document the refusal.
• B. Ask the client for permission to secure the jewelry.
• C. Remove the jewelry and store it safely.
• D. Postpone the surgery until the jewelry is removed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best course of action is to ask the client for permission to secure the jewelry. This respects the client's religious beliefs while also ensuring that the jewelry does not interfere during the surgical procedure. Proceeding with surgery without addressing the presence of the jewelry can lead to complications or distress for the client. Removing the jewelry without consent or postponing the surgery solely due to the presence of religious jewelry are not appropriate actions in this situation.

3. A patient with a history of hypertension is admitted for chest pain. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take first?

• A. Obtain a detailed medical history
• B. Administer nitroglycerin
• C. Conduct an ECG
• D. Administer morphine sulfate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is the priority intervention for a patient presenting with chest pain as it helps dilate blood vessels, reduce chest pain, and improve oxygen supply to the heart. Obtaining a detailed medical history, conducting an ECG, or administering morphine sulfate are important steps in the assessment and treatment process but are secondary to the immediate need to address chest pain and potential cardiac ischemia.

4. A client has urinary incontinence, and the nurse is caring for them. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement to prevent the development of skin breakdown?

• A. Request a prescription for the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter
• B. Check the client's skin every 8 hours for signs of breakdown
• C. Apply a moisture barrier ointment to the client's skin
• D. Clean the client's skin and perineum with hot water after each episode of incontinence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action to prevent skin breakdown in a client with urinary incontinence is to apply a moisture barrier ointment to the skin. This ointment helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of moisture exposure, reducing the risk of breakdown. Requesting an indwelling urinary catheter (Choice A) should not be the first-line intervention for skin breakdown prevention. Checking the client's skin for signs of breakdown (Choice B) is important but not as effective as applying a moisture barrier. Cleaning the skin with hot water (Choice D) can actually be detrimental as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and worsen skin integrity.

5. The client has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The family asks the nurse to ignore the DNR if the client codes. What is the nurse's responsibility?

• A. Follow the family's wishes
• B. Explain that the DNR must be honored
• C. Ignore the DNR and proceed with CPR
• D. Perform CPR if the client codes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Explain that the DNR must be honored.' The nurse's responsibility is to follow the DNR order, as it is a legal and ethical obligation. Choice A is incorrect because following the family's wishes would go against the established DNR order. Choice C is incorrect as ignoring the DNR order is not appropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as performing CPR would be contrary to the client's expressed wishes in the DNR order.

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