Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a 37-year-old woman with metastatic ovarian cancer admitted for nausea and vomiting. The physician orders total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a nutritional consult, and diet recall. Which of the following is the BEST indication that the patient's nutritional status has improved after 4 days?

• A. The patient eats most of the food served to her
• B. The patient has gained 1 pound since admission
• C. The patient's albumin level is 4.0mg/dL
• D. The patient's hemoglobin is 8.5g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An improved albumin level is the best indicator of improved nutritional status after TPN. Albumin is a key protein that reflects the body's overall nutritional status and is commonly used to assess nutritional health. Choices A, B, and D are not as reliable indicators of improved nutritional status. Choice A may not accurately reflect nutritional improvement as it could be influenced by factors other than nutrition. Choice B may indicate fluid retention or loss rather than true nutritional improvement. Choice D, hemoglobin level, is more related to anemia and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, rather than nutritional status.

2. A client with heart failure is on a fluid restriction. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Encourage the client to drink more water to stay hydrated
• B. Monitor the client's weight daily
• C. Avoid drinking water after 6 PM
• D. Monitor fluid intake only during meals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor the client's weight daily.' In clients with heart failure on fluid restriction, monitoring daily weight is crucial to track fluid balance. This allows healthcare providers to assess if the client is retaining excess fluid, a common issue in heart failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Encouraging the client to drink more water contradicts the fluid restriction; avoiding drinking water after 6 PM is not specific to managing fluid restriction; and monitoring fluid intake only during meals does not provide a comprehensive assessment of fluid balance throughout the day.

3. What is the most appropriate response when a client wants to discontinue dialysis?

• A. Ask the client why they want to discontinue.
• B. Instruct the client to focus on self-care.
• C. Offer to call the provider to cancel dialysis.
• D. Seek clarification and establish understanding.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client expresses the desire to discontinue dialysis, the most appropriate response is to seek clarification and establish understanding. This approach allows the healthcare provider to comprehend the client's concerns, provide support, and engage in a collaborative decision-making process. Choice A, asking the client why they want to discontinue, can be perceived as confrontational and may not effectively address the underlying reasons. Instructing the client to focus on self-care (Choice B) may overlook the client's autonomy and decision-making capacity. Offering to call the provider to cancel dialysis (Choice C) does not actively involve the client in the decision-making process or address their concerns adequately.

4. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient for potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Assess for unilateral leg swelling
• B. Encourage early mobilization
• C. Check for calf tenderness
• D. Observe for redness and warmth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To assess a patient for potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT), healthcare professionals should look for unilateral leg swelling. This is a classic sign of DVT. While encouraging early mobilization is generally beneficial for preventing DVT, it is not a method of assessment. Checking for calf tenderness is also relevant but not as specific as unilateral leg swelling. Observing for redness and warmth can be signs of inflammation but are not as specific to DVT as unilateral leg swelling.

5. A client diagnosed with hypertension requires lifestyle changes. What change should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Increase intake of high-fat foods
• B. Reduce sodium intake
• C. Reduce intake of dairy products
• D. Increase intake of high-protein foods

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reducing sodium intake is crucial for managing hypertension as excess sodium can lead to increased blood pressure. High-fat foods (Choice A) are not recommended as they can contribute to heart issues. While dairy products (Choice C) should be consumed in moderation, they are not specifically targeted in hypertension management. High-protein foods (Choice D) are not the priority; rather, reducing sodium intake takes precedence due to its direct impact on blood pressure levels.

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