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 in a provider's office is assessing a client who reports a decrease in the effectiveness of their arthritis medication. What factor should the nurse identify as contributing to this decrease?

• A. Increased activity level
• B. Bowel inflammation
• C. Long-term use of the medication
• D. History of dehydration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bowel inflammation can reduce the absorption of oral medications, leading to decreased effectiveness. In this case, the decrease in the effectiveness of the arthritis medication could be attributed to impaired absorption due to bowel inflammation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increased activity level, long-term use of the medication, and history of dehydration are not directly associated with a decrease in medication effectiveness related to absorption issues.

3. A nurse is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment for a client. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Palpate the abdomen before auscultation
• B. Inspect the abdomen after palpation
• C. Auscultate before palpation
• D. Start by percussing the abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate before palpation when performing an abdominal assessment. This sequence is crucial to prevent altering bowel sounds. Starting with palpation (Choice A) can lead to false interpretations of bowel sounds due to stimulation of the intestines. Inspecting the abdomen after palpation (Choice B) can also potentially alter the assessment findings. Starting with percussion (Choice D) is not recommended as it should come after auscultation to further assess underlying structures.

4. 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.

5. A nurse receives a report from assistive personnel that a client's BP is 160/95. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Notify the provider
• B. Recheck the blood pressure
• C. Administer antihypertensive medication
• D. Document the blood pressure in the chart

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when receiving a report of a client's blood pressure reading of 160/95 is to recheck the blood pressure. Rechecking the blood pressure ensures the accuracy of the reading before making any further decisions or interventions. Notifying the provider (Choice A) can be considered after confirming the blood pressure reading. Administering antihypertensive medication (Choice C) should not be done based solely on one reading without verification. Documenting the blood pressure in the chart (Choice D) should also come after confirming the accuracy of the reading to avoid recording incorrect information.

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