Nursing Elites

1. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing morning stiffness. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Encourage the client to avoid physical activity in the morning.
• B. Encourage the client to take NSAIDs before bedtime.
• C. Apply cold packs to the affected joints in the morning.
• D. Perform passive range-of-motion exercises before getting out of bed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take is to apply cold packs to the affected joints in the morning. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation, and applying cold packs can help reduce inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Encouraging the client to avoid physical activity in the morning (Choice A) may worsen stiffness, as movement is beneficial for joint mobility. While NSAIDs (Choice B) can help with pain and inflammation, applying cold packs directly to the affected joints is more targeted and effective. Performing passive range-of-motion exercises (Choice D) can be helpful, but applying cold packs is the priority for reducing inflammation and stiffness.

2. A client is being discharged with a new prescription for metoprolol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Do not discontinue this medication suddenly.
• B. Take this medication in the evening to decrease the risk of falls.
• C. Monitor your heart rate before taking this medication.
• D. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed metoprolol is to monitor their heart rate before taking the medication. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate), so it is essential for clients to check their heart rate before each dose. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping metoprolol can lead to adverse effects, so it should not be discontinued suddenly. Choice B is incorrect because there is no specific recommendation to take metoprolol at night to reduce falls. Choice D is incorrect because grapefruit juice can interact with metoprolol, affecting its absorption, and should be avoided.

3. What is the most important assessment for a patient post-surgery?

• A. Monitor vital signs
• B. Check surgical site for bleeding
• C. Check for abnormal breath sounds
• D. Check skin color

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor vital signs post-surgery. Vital signs provide crucial information about a patient's physiological status, helping detect early signs of complications such as shock, bleeding, or infection. Checking the surgical site for bleeding is important but falls secondary to monitoring vital signs, which give a broader overview of the patient's condition. Checking for abnormal breath sounds and skin color are also important assessments, but they are not as immediate and general as monitoring vital signs in detecting various post-surgical complications.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber.
• B. Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber.
• C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber.
• D. Drainage of 75 mL in the first 24 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber can indicate an air leak, which compromises the integrity of the chest tube system and should be reported to the provider for immediate intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber is an expected finding indicating that the system is working appropriately. Tidaling in the water seal chamber is a normal fluctuation of fluid level with inspiration and expiration, indicating that the system is functioning correctly. Drainage of 75 mL in the first 24 hours is within the expected range for chest tube drainage and does not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

5. A client who has a new prescription for alendronate is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should take this medication with a full glass of water before breakfast.
• B. I should take this medication with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
• C. I should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
• D. I should avoid taking this medication with antacids.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication." This statement indicates understanding because clients taking alendronate should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication to prevent esophageal irritation. Choice A is incorrect because alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water after waking up, not before breakfast. Choice B is incorrect because alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, not with food. Choice D is incorrect because alendronate should be taken separately from antacids.

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