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. What are the key components of a respiratory assessment?

• A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
• B. Inspection, Observation, Auscultation, Percussion
• C. Auscultation, Palpation, Observation, Percussion
• D. Observation, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation. A focused respiratory assessment involves inspecting the chest for symmetry and signs of distress, palpating for tenderness or abnormal masses, performing percussion to assess underlying tissues, and auscultating lung sounds. Choice B is incorrect as observation is a broad term that can encompass both inspection and palpation. Choice C is incorrect as auscultation is usually performed after inspection and palpation. Choice D is incorrect as observation should be more specific, and auscultation is a key component that is typically done last in a respiratory assessment.

3. A nurse is caring for a client post-op with a chest tube. What should the nurse check for regularly?

• A. Ensure the chest tube is periodically clamped
• B. Check for air leaks in the tubing
• C. Keep the client in a prone position for chest drainage
• D. Administer diuretics to prevent fluid buildup

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks in the tubing. Air leaks can compromise the function of the chest tube, leading to inadequate drainage and potentially causing complications for the client. Clamping the chest tube periodically is incorrect as it could lead to a buildup of fluid or air in the pleural space. Keeping the client in a prone position is not necessary for chest drainage, as the positioning may vary depending on the specific situation. Administering diuretics may not be directly related to monitoring the chest tube for proper function and is not a routine intervention for chest tube management post-op.

4. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with fluid overload?

• A. Restrict fluids and administer diuretics
• B. Increase fluid intake and provide oral diuretics
• C. Administer antibiotics and monitor weight
• D. Monitor weight and provide a low-sodium diet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When managing a patient with fluid overload, the appropriate approach involves restricting fluids and administering diuretics. This strategy helps remove excess fluid from the body and prevent complications associated with fluid overload. Choice B suggesting increasing fluid intake is incorrect as it would worsen the condition. Choice C, administering antibiotics, is unrelated to managing fluid overload. Choice D, monitoring weight and providing a low-sodium diet, is helpful but not as effective as fluid restriction and diuretics in managing fluid overload.

5. A client with a sprained right ankle is learning to walk with a cane. What action demonstrates effective teaching?

• A. The client advances the cane 18 inches in front of the foot
• B. The client holds the cane in the left hand
• C. The client advances the cane and the right leg simultaneously
• D. The client holds the cane with the elbow flexed at 60°

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client has a sprained right ankle, they should hold the cane in the opposite hand (left hand) to the affected leg for better support and balance. This positioning helps to reduce the weight on the injured leg while providing stability. Option A is incorrect because advancing the cane too far in front can lead to loss of balance. Option C is incorrect as it does not provide the necessary support for the injured leg. Option D is incorrect as the elbow should be slightly flexed but not necessarily at a specific angle.

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