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 patient prescribed warfarin is being taught about dietary restrictions by a healthcare provider. Which of the following foods should the patient be instructed to limit?

• A. Bananas
• B. Spinach
• C. Potatoes
• D. Apples

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spinach. Spinach is high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant medication. Patients taking warfarin should limit foods high in vitamin K to maintain the medication's effectiveness and consistent dosage. Bananas, potatoes, and apples are not high in vitamin K and do not typically interfere with warfarin therapy.

3. What are the nursing interventions for a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI)?

• A. Preparing the patient for dialysis if necessary
• B. Providing dietary modifications to reduce potassium
• C. Monitoring urine output and electrolytes
• D. Administering fluids and monitoring blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention for a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) includes preparing the patient for dialysis if necessary. While choices B, C, and D are also important aspects of managing AKI, the critical intervention in severe cases is to prepare the patient for dialysis to support kidney function. Providing dietary modifications to reduce potassium, monitoring urine output and electrolytes, and administering fluids are essential components of the overall care plan for AKI patients, but in cases where the condition is severe or if conservative management fails, dialysis may be required to support the patient's kidney function and prevent further complications.

4. 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.

5. A patient is receiving an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure.
• B. Assess the patient's respiratory rate.
• C. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• D. Assess the patient's heart rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's respiratory rate. When a patient is receiving opioids, it is crucial to monitor their respiratory rate as opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory depression and potential respiratory failure. Monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are important assessments as well, but the priority lies in assessing respiratory rate due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid use.

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