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 nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has compression stockings. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Check the stockings for wrinkles
• B. Apply the stockings while the client is sitting in a chair
• C. Measure the size of the client's foot
• D. Remove the stockings once each day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to check the stockings for wrinkles. This is important to ensure that the stockings are applied correctly without any folds or wrinkles, which can hinder proper circulation and compression. Option B is incorrect because compression stockings should be applied with the client lying down, not sitting in a chair. Option C is unnecessary as the size of the client's foot is unlikely to change postoperatively. Option D is incorrect as compression stockings are usually worn continuously except for specific care needs.

3. Which intervention is most effective in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a postoperative patient?

• A. Encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids.
• B. Encourage early ambulation and leg exercises.
• C. Administer anticoagulants as prescribed.
• D. Apply compression stockings to the patient's legs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a postoperative patient is to encourage early ambulation and leg exercises. Early ambulation helps promote circulation, preventing stasis and reducing the risk of blood clot formation. Encouraging the patient to drink plenty of fluids (choice A) is important for overall health but is not the most effective intervention for preventing DVT. Administering anticoagulants (choice C) is a valuable intervention in some cases, but it may not be suitable for all postoperative patients. Applying compression stockings (choice D) can help prevent DVT but is generally not as effective as early ambulation and leg exercises in postoperative patients.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the following findings indicates the client might be experiencing an acute hemolytic reaction?

• A. Low back pain
• B. Distended neck veins
• C. Chills and fever
• D. Headache

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chills and fever are classic signs of an acute hemolytic reaction, where the body is reacting to the transfused blood. This reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention. Low back pain, distended neck veins, and headache are not typical signs of an acute hemolytic reaction. Low back pain may be associated with kidney issues, distended neck veins with fluid overload or heart failure, and headache with various causes such as stress, dehydration, or migraines.

5. A client with neuropathic pain has a new prescription for amitriptyline once per day. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take the medication with meals
• B. Increase fluids while on this medication
• C. Take it only at night
• D. Report any yellowing of the skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Increase fluids while on this medication.' Amitriptyline can cause side effects like dry mouth and urinary retention. Increasing fluids can help alleviate these side effects. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking the medication with meals or only at night is not specifically related to managing the side effects of amitriptyline. Reporting yellowing of the skin is important but not directly related to the side effects of this medication.

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