Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving a continuous IV infusion of furosemide. Which of the following findings indicates the nurse should increase the client's infusion rate?

• A. Urine output of 20 mL/hr
• B. Heart rate of 90/min
• C. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
• D. Weight gain of 1 kg in 24 hr

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A weight gain of 1 kg in 24 hours can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure, requiring an increase in diuresis. This finding suggests that the current diuretic therapy is not effective enough to manage the fluid overload, necessitating an increase in the infusion rate of furosemide. Choices A, B, and C are not directly related to the need for an increase in diuretic therapy in heart failure patients. Urine output of 20 mL/hr, a heart rate of 90/min, and a sodium level of 138 mEq/L are important parameters to monitor but do not specifically indicate the need to increase the infusion rate of furosemide.

2. A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about clients designating a health care proxy. Which of the following information should the charge nurse include?

• A. The proxy should make health care decisions for the client regardless of the client's ability to do so
• B. The proxy can make financial decisions if the need arises
• C. The proxy can make treatment decisions if the client is under anesthesia
• D. The proxy should manage legal issues for the client

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the health care proxy can make treatment decisions for the client if the client is under anesthesia. This aligns with the concept of durable power of attorney for health care, where the proxy is authorized to make health care decisions when the client is unable to do so. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because the proxy should make health care decisions only when the client is unable to do so. Choice B is incorrect as financial decisions are not typically within the scope of a health care proxy. Choice D is incorrect as managing legal issues is not the primary role of a health care proxy.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Apply heat to the incision site.
• B. Keep the client's knee flexed while in bed.
• C. Place a pillow under the client's knee while in bed.
• D. Place a pillow under the client's lower legs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placing a pillow under the client's lower legs is the correct intervention because it helps prevent pressure on the incision site and promotes circulation. Elevating the lower legs also aids in reducing swelling and improving blood flow. Applying heat to the incision site (Choice A) is contraindicated in the early postoperative period as it can increase inflammation and the risk of infection. Keeping the client's knee flexed while in bed (Choice B) may lead to contractures or limited extension of the knee joint. Placing a pillow under the client's knee (Choice C) may cause hyperextension of the knee, which is also not recommended post knee arthroplasty.

4. What is the primary nursing action for a patient with confusion post-surgery?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Reposition the patient
• C. Monitor vital signs
• D. Check oxygen saturation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the primary nursing action for a patient with confusion post-surgery because it helps address any potential hypoxia that may be contributing to the patient's confusion. While repositioning the patient, monitoring vital signs, and checking oxygen saturation are important nursing interventions, administering oxygen takes precedence in ensuring adequate oxygenation levels, which is crucial in managing post-surgery confusion.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

• A. Chicken breast
• B. Pasta
• C. Spinach
• D. Yogurt

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: Chicken breast. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium. Foods high in potassium, like spinach and yogurt, should be avoided when taking spironolactone to prevent hyperkalemia. Chicken breast, being a low-potassium protein source, is a suitable recommendation for clients on spironolactone therapy.

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