Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Limit the client's fluid intake to 1500 mL per day.
• B. Avoid massaging the affected extremity to relieve pain.
• C. Do not apply cold packs to the client's affected extremity.
• D. Elevate the client's affected extremity when in bed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to elevate the client's affected extremity when in bed. Elevating the extremity helps to reduce swelling and improve venous return in clients with DVT. Limiting fluid intake to 1500 mL per day (Choice A) is not directly related to managing DVT. Massaging the affected extremity (Choice B) can dislodge a clot and lead to serious complications. Applying cold packs (Choice C) can vasoconstrict blood vessels, potentially worsening the condition by reducing blood flow.

2. A client has a new diagnosis of COPD. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Breathe rapidly through your mouth when using the incentive spirometer.
• B. Use pursed-lip breathing during periods of dyspnea.
• C. Avoid drinking fluids during meals.
• D. Use diaphragmatic breathing during periods of dyspnea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing is a beneficial technique for clients with COPD as it helps control shortness of breath and improves oxygenation. This technique involves inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, which helps keep airways open. Option A is incorrect as breathing rapidly through the mouth when using the incentive spirometer can lead to hyperventilation. Option C is incorrect because it is important for clients with COPD to stay hydrated by drinking fluids between meals, but not during meals which can cause bloating and discomfort. Option D is incorrect as diaphragmatic breathing, though beneficial, is not the preferred technique for managing dyspnea in COPD; pursed-lip breathing is more effective.

3. Which lab value is most critical to monitor in a patient receiving digoxin?

• A. Monitor potassium levels
• B. Monitor sodium levels
• C. Monitor calcium levels
• D. Monitor magnesium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor potassium levels in a patient receiving digoxin. Hypokalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of digoxin, leading to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent toxicity. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice B), calcium levels (Choice C), and magnesium levels (Choice D) are also important aspects of patient care, but potassium levels are most critical in patients on digoxin therapy.

4. A client is experiencing an acute exacerbation of Crohn's disease. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Encourage the client to increase dietary fiber.
• B. Maintain the client on a low-residue diet.
• C. Provide the client with frequent high-calorie snacks.
• D. Encourage the client to eat a high-fiber diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During an acute exacerbation of Crohn's disease, the nurse should maintain the client on a low-residue diet. This diet helps to minimize bowel irritation by reducing the volume and frequency of stools. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Encouraging the client to increase dietary fiber (Choice A) and eat a high-fiber diet (Choice D) can worsen symptoms and aggravate bowel inflammation in Crohn's disease. Providing the client with frequent high-calorie snacks (Choice C) may not be appropriate during an exacerbation since high-fat foods can be harder to digest and may exacerbate symptoms.

5. A client with a new diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Joint pain.
• B. Weight gain.
• C. Butterfly-shaped rash on the face.
• D. Increased appetite.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Weight gain. Weight gain is a common finding in clients with systemic lupus erythematosus due to fluid retention. Joint pain (choice A) is also common in SLE but is not specific to fluid retention. A butterfly-shaped rash on the face (choice C) is a classic symptom of SLE but is not related to fluid retention. Increased appetite (choice D) is less likely in SLE compared to weight gain.

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