Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is assessing the pain level of a client who has dementia and difficulty communicating. Which pain assessment technique should the healthcare provider use?

• A. Verbal self-report
• B. Pain scale
• C. Behavioral indicators
• D. Observing facial expressions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients with dementia and difficulty communicating, using behavioral indicators such as agitation and restlessness is more reliable for assessing pain than relying on verbal self-report, pain scales, or observing facial expressions. Verbal self-report may not be possible due to communication challenges, pain scales may be difficult for the client to comprehend, and observing facial expressions alone may not provide a comprehensive assessment of pain in individuals with dementia.

2. A nurse is updating a plan of care for a client who has dysphagia. What intervention should the nurse include?

• A. Encourage the client to lie down after eating
• B. Offer the client liquids with meals
• C. Have the client sit upright for 1 hour after meals
• D. Provide the client with a straw for drinking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with dysphagia is to have them sit upright for 1 hour after meals. This position helps facilitate swallowing and reduces the risk of aspiration, which is crucial in managing dysphagia. Encouraging the client to lie down after eating (Choice A) can increase the risk of aspiration. Offering liquids with meals (Choice B) may also increase the risk of aspiration as it can affect swallowing coordination. Providing the client with a straw for drinking (Choice D) is not recommended as straws can increase the risk of aspiration in individuals with dysphagia.

3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. What food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. Steamed carrots
• B. Orange slices
• C. Mashed potatoes
• D. Baked chicken

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Orange slices. For a client on a mechanical soft diet, foods that are difficult to chew and swallow should be avoided. Orange slices fall into this category due to their texture and potential choking hazard. Steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, and baked chicken are typically suitable for a mechanical soft diet as they can be easily mashed or cut into small, manageable pieces for consumption.

4. A client has a new prescription for a cane. What instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane on the weaker side
• B. Ensure the cane has a rubber tip
• C. Keep the cane on the dominant side
• D. Use the cane only on stairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ensure the cane has a rubber tip.' This instruction is essential for safety as the rubber tip prevents slipping, providing stability. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side to provide better support and balance. Choice C is incorrect as the cane should be used on the stronger, more dominant side. Choice D is also incorrect as a cane is not only used on stairs but also for general support and mobility.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the lab results of a client who has been experiencing a fever for 3 days. What finding indicates fluid volume deficit (FVD)?

• A. Decreased hematocrit
• B. Increased white blood cell count
• C. Increased hematocrit
• D. Decreased white blood cell count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increased hematocrit indicates hemoconcentration, which is a sign of fluid volume deficit. In FVD, there is a loss of fluid without a proportional loss of electrolytes, leading to hemoconcentration. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Decreased hematocrit and decreased white blood cell count are not typical findings in fluid volume deficit. An increased white blood cell count is more indicative of infection or inflammation rather than fluid volume deficit.

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