Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. Mild redness at the incision site.
• B. Increased drainage from the surgical site.
• C. Fever of 101°F.
• D. Normal white blood cell count.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A fever of 101°F is the most concerning finding when assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Fever can indicate an inflammatory response to an infection, and in a postoperative patient, it can signal a surgical site infection or a systemic infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent complications such as sepsis. Mild redness at the incision site and increased drainage can be expected in the early postoperative period due to the normal healing process. A normal white blood cell count does not rule out infection as it can be influenced by various factors, and some infections may not initially cause a rise in white blood cells.

2. A nurse at a local health department is caring for a client who is newly diagnosed with listeriosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Provide the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention with the client's information
• B. Inform the client that they are required to have health department staff directly observe their treatment
• C. Determine whether the condition is reportable under state requirements
• D. Find out whether the condition is endemic in the client's neighborhood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Determine whether the condition is reportable under state requirements.' Listeriosis is a reportable disease, meaning healthcare providers are legally required to report cases to public health authorities. By checking the state requirements for reportable diseases, the nurse ensures compliance with public health regulations. Choice A is incorrect because providing the client's information to the CDC is not the immediate action needed. Choice B is incorrect as direct observation of treatment is not a standard procedure for listeriosis. Choice D is also incorrect as determining if the condition is endemic in the client's neighborhood is not the primary concern when managing a diagnosed case of listeriosis.

3. A client with hypertension is receiving teaching from a healthcare provider. Which statement demonstrates comprehension of the instruction?

• A. I will limit my daily salt intake to 3g
• B. I will discontinue my medication when I start feeling better
• C. I will adhere to a consistent daily medication schedule
• D. I will engage in 60 minutes of exercise every day

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because taking hypertension medication at the same time each day ensures its effectiveness in managing blood pressure. Consistency in medication intake is crucial to control hypertension. Option A focuses on dietary management, which is essential but not directly related to medication adherence. Option B is incorrect as stopping hypertension medication abruptly can lead to complications. Option D addresses the importance of exercise, which is beneficial for hypertension but not directly related to medication adherence.

4. How should a nurse respond to a client with terminal cancer who has requested a change in the level of pain medication?

• A. Increase the dosage without consulting the healthcare provider.
• B. Consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the medication.
• C. Ignore the request as the client is near the end of life.
• D. Increase the medication to reduce pain faster.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the medication. It is crucial for the healthcare provider to be involved in changing pain medication for a client with terminal cancer to ensure that the new dosage is appropriate and safe. Option A is incorrect because adjusting medication without consulting the healthcare provider can be dangerous and is not within the scope of the nurse's practice. Option C is incorrect because ignoring the client's request goes against the principles of patient-centered care. Option D is incorrect as the primary goal should be to provide effective pain relief with the appropriate dosage, not to increase the medication arbitrarily.

5. A nurse is teaching an older adult client who reports constipation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Increase dietary intake of raw vegetables
• B. Limit activity
• C. Drink four to five glasses of water daily
• D. Bear down hard when defecating

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to advise the client to drink four to five glasses of water daily. Increasing water intake helps alleviate constipation by softening stool and increasing bowel movements. Choice A, increasing dietary intake of raw vegetables, can be helpful in preventing constipation but may not be sufficient as the sole intervention for someone already experiencing constipation. Choice B, limiting activity, can worsen constipation as physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements. Choice D, bearing down hard when defecating, can lead to other issues like hemorrhoids and should be avoided.

Similar Questions